Meteorological Technician 1 (SOG/ST 3)

To provide observational data, of international standard, to satisfy requirements for air navigation services and for use in meteorological and climatological analyses and for transmission on the Global International Satellite Communication System

The Ministry of Water, Environment and Climate Change is seeking to recruit two (2) suitably qualified persons to fill the post of Meteorological Technician 1 (SOG/ST 3) (not vacant) salary range $2,109,302.00 to $2,945,712.00 per annum.

Key Responsibility Areas:

Technical/ Professional Responsibilities

• Makes hourly weather observations on a routine basis, maintain a continuous monitoring of weather conditions, and make special observations, as warranted, in accordance with international standards and recommended practices.
• Encodes, records and disseminates real-time weather observations, both nationally and internationally, to satisfy the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and local aviation requirements.
• Decodes and plots surface synoptic weather charts every six (6) hours, and upper-air charts every twelve (12) hours for analysis by forecasters.  Also required to plot hourly weather observations of specially selected stations.
• Assists in preparation of aircraft flight forecast documentation by compiling Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts for destinations and alternates, and the plotting of flight altitude forecast winds and temperatures for Trans-Atlantic and other flights, as requested.
• Distributes meteorological information, including local weather forecasts, bulletins, news releases and weather observations by telephone; weather broadcast machines, facsimile machine or radio to various agencies.  These include Air Traffic Services, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), airline agents and agencies, Jamaica Defence Force Air-wing and Coast Guard, and to the mass media for the public, in general.
• Detects defective meteorological instruments and effect minor repairs or make report to Front-Line Supervisor.
• Changes autographic charts and time-mark instruments at prescribed times, in accordance with WMO regulations.
• Clears weather broadcast machines regularly to sort and distribute incoming meteorological data and related information to be plotted by technicians or utilized by forecasters.  Thereafter, properly file such messages to ensure safe and easy retrieval when necessary.
• Compiles climatological data for analytical purposes.
• Conducts the on-the-job training of recruits.
• Conducts guided tours of the office by students and other interested persons or groups.
• Keeps abreast of work in other Sections of the Service for job rotation and job enrichment purposes.

Other Responsibilities

• Performs any other related duties as may be required for the smooth and efficient running of the Meteorological Service.