Field Meteorologist
AgWeatherNet is a network of automated weather stations that provide information and decision support systems in near real-time via weather.wsu.edu.
About the role
As the Field Meteorologist, you will be responsible for the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of high-quality weather station data. Your duties will include monitoring and maintaining weather station equipment, identifying appropriate sites for station placement, and configuring and installing new stations, sensors, and related equipment. You will ensure sensors are calibrated and will implement, improve, and interpret data quality assurance algorithms. You will also produce reports as needed for distribution to agricultural stakeholders.
Additionally, you will educate both stakeholders and the general public on the use and interpretation of weather data and decision support tools. You will provide consultation and technical support for research and extension programs, as well as coordinate regional meteorological extension and outreach efforts that promote the use of AgWeatherNet data.
- Originate programs and recommend programming changes to address needs.
- Collaborate with technical and other support staff in providing expert-level knowledge to create workable solutions and system improvements.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and maintain weather station equipment.
- Identify appropriate sites for station placement.
- Configure and install new stations, sensors, and related equipment.
- Ensure sensors are calibrated.
- Implement, improve, and interpret data quality assurance algorithms.
- Produce reports for agricultural stakeholders.
- Educate stakeholders and the public on weather data interpretation and decision support tools.
- Provide consultation and technical support for research and extension programs.
- Coordinate regional meteorological extension and outreach efforts.
Requirements
- A Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of professional experience OR a combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years from which comparable knowledge and abilities are acquired.
- Bachelor’s Degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related scientific field.
- Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
- Ability to climb a 10-m tower and obtain basic tower Competent Climber certification within 3 months of hire.
- Ability to work in extreme outdoor temperatures in a variety of weather conditions.
- Experience in data management, interpretation, and analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated expertise with weather network or related technologies including data loggers, sensors, computers, and wireless networks.
- Experience communicating with the general public or agricultural stakeholders on the interpretation of weather data.
- Experience with Quality Assurance/Quality Control processes and documenting procedures in weather or similar data acquisition and delivery.
- Experience with operation of computer software for weather networks including the delivery of complex weather data products like pest and disease models, water balance calculations, and irrigation scheduling.
- Spanish-speaking competency/ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking stakeholders.
- Experience working in a research or university setting.
Benefits
WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:
- Paid sick and vacation leave.
- Paid holidays.
- Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance package for employees and dependents.
- Retirement and deferred compensation options.
- Optional supplemental retirement accounts.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Employee tuition waiver.
Pay
Monthly Salary: $4,869.40 - $6,086.74. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.
Schedule
This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent, 12-month position. This position is overtime eligible.