Meteorologist (General Forecaster) 11052024

Wilson County, TennesseeClassification SpecificationCLASSIFICATION TITLE:METEOROLOGIST (General Forecaster)FLSA STATUS:EXEMPTSalary = $59,592 - $68,452.80 per year depending on qualificationsPURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATIONThe purpose of this position provides general weather information, warnings, advisories, aviation and public forecasts to the general public and to special user groups in the Emergency Management service area. This position is responsible for the coordination of WEMA products, warnings, and forecasts with other members of the Weather Operations Team. The forecaster provides professional advice and assistance to peers and other staff members.This position operates under the general guidance/supervision of the WEMA Director. However, this position performs most operational tasks in an independent fashion, with the wide latitude for the exercise of professional judgment. Often there is little opportunity to review the position’s work due to the perishable nature of the information to be disseminated. In these instances, the work is reviewed after the fact for adequacy of results and consistency with the assessment of the weather situation.This position is responsible for overseeing the Weather Operations Room within the Emergency Management area.Reports to the Director.Essential FunctionsThe following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.Coordinates and operates the Weather Operations Room, along with coordinating the functions of the Weather Operations Team (part-time and volunteer staff).Integrates all meteorological data available from a variety of sources, and for analyzing and assessing the current and forecast weather situation at both the synoptic and meso-scale levels. The position devises and formulates all necessary warning, advisory, and forecasts products assigned to his/her forecast, with emphasis on meeting the needs of users.Participates in all forecast and service programs assigned. Develops and/or issues scheduled and unscheduled products, and official forecast products for the general public and specialized users in the area of responsibility.Prepares and issues warnings concerning a number of hazardous weather conditions, such as severe weather, high winds, flash floods, winter storms, etc.Conducts a weather watch which involves interpretation of Doppler radar data and satellite imagery, and the analysis of other meteorological and hydrologic data. Determines appropriate and relevant data, identifies questionable or conflicting data (resolving those if possible) and analyzes all integrated data sets to determine: 1) need of warning, statements, or advisories, and 2) need for issuing or updating local public forecasts.As needed, provides weather advice and guidance to the general public, and to agricultural, commercial, transportation and recreational interests. Provides forecasts and weather briefings to press, radio, and television stations.Provides hydrologic service products for assigned area, including forecasts and warnings of floods and river stage for the public and numerous users dealing with water resources and/or land management, transportation, emergency management, river and flood plain control, etc.Conducts or participates in the conduct of local studies and developmental projects designed to capitalize on or incorporate the benefits of new science/technology/local techniques into WEMA operations. Applies this developing body of knowledge and experience to the warning and forecast environment.Provide weather updates on a daily or weekly basis, including changes in temperature, precipitation, humidity levels, and other weather changes.Analyze severe weather patterns that may affect the existence of people, their daily activities, and their homes or businesses.Conduct periodic scientific analyses of weather-related data, graphs, and other weather-related models to understand changing patterns.Inform team members about severe weather conditions that may disrupt homes and businesses and lead to the destruction of lives and properties after analyzing weather data.Collate, edit, analyze, interpret, and present weather-related data and graphs in a manner that’s easy to understand and use.Provide reports, which includes a forecast of the temperature, precipitation, and wind speed and an analysis of the time these events are to occur.Additional FunctionsThis position is “on-call” for response to any type of disaster or major emergency.RequirementsKnowledge of theoretical meteorology. This includes knowledge of the dynamics of the atmosphere, mesoscale meteorology, and the application of computer methods of numerical weather analysis and prediction.Knowledge of the principles and theories of hydrology and the hydrologic characteristics of rivers, streams, and drainage basins in the forecast area sufficient to enable position to perform the hydrologic service program duties assigned.Knowledge of meteorological principles pertaining to other assigned special programs, such as agricultural, and fire weather, to provide forecast products and expert advise and guidance/performance to specialized users.Knowledge of operational procedures and instructions, and real-time guidance products pertinent to the production of weather forecasts and services, river and flood forecasts, and other special purpose products.Knowledge of operational characteristics of complex electronic and electro-mechanical equipment utilized in data acquisition, communications, and service programs assigned. This includes the meteorological skills necessary to properly utilize sophisticated Doppler weather surveillance radar equipment and to interpret and apply its output in a real-time operational environment.Minimum QualificationsThe required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties are normally acquired through attainment of an Associate’s Degree (Bachelor’s Degree preferred) in meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major or similar field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.Must possess and maintain a valid Tennessee Driver’s License.Ability to work a varied schedule to meet the demands of the position.Ability to work as a team member and independently utilize strong decision making and critical thinking skills that are within the scope of this position.An interest in weather systems, and strong analytical skills.Ability to make interpretations and use problem-solving skills; great communication techniques, including effective writing and public speaking.PERFORMANCE APTITUDESData Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includesexercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships. May have stressful time constraints in daily runs as well as meeting deadlines for meetings.Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regardingthe application of procedures and standards to specific situations. Work closely with other as part of a team. Frequently are asked to professionally deal with difficult and challenging people.Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference and descriptive data and information.Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and basicalgebra; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; the ability tointerpret graphs; and the ability to perform calculations related to drug dosage and drip rates.Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammaticform. Involves semi-routine standardized work with some latitude for independent judgment concerning choices ofaction in emergency situations.Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situationsinvolving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.ADA COMPLIANCE/PHYSICAL DEMANDS ANALYSISPhysical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert heavy physical effort in heavy work, with greater emphasis onclimbing and balancing, but typically also involving some combination of frequent lifting, standing, walking both normal and uneven sometimes slippery surfaces, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, and carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately to extremely heavy objects and materials (20-125 pounds); may occasionally involve even heavier objects and materials (up to 200 pounds). This position requires the ability to constantly be in a position to drive a specialized vehicle, use of fingers, ability to grasp, and flexible wrist motions.Sensory Requirements: Most all tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, odor, depth, texture, visual cues or signals and ability to communicate orally.Environmental Factors: Performance of essential functions may require exposure to adverse environmentalconditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes,machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, bright/dim light, hazardous materials, toxic agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.- ® - ® - ® - ® -Wilson County, Tennessee, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.Powered by JazzHR2kma0eYods