Weather Technician/Observer

Typical Duties

• Report to and receive directions from the Weather Systems Manager
• Support completion of upper air observations using computer data and platform — requires the attention of one certified observer from instrument preflight through final transmission of data (approximately 3 hours)
• Operate the VSFB Representative Weather Observatory (RWO) during airfield operating hours (normally Monday through Friday, 0730 to 1700 local time), including after-hours or weekend support when airfield is open, to perform upper air and surface observations consistent with AFMAN 15-111 and AFMAN 15-124, FMH-3, and IAW 30 SWI 15-101 or supporting OPLANs
• Perform daily upper air balloon observations at 0000 and 1200 UTC every day
• Perform weather observations at VSFB Weather Stations during airfield operating hours 24/7 in support of the National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC)
• Support launch operations through nominal launch and/or scrub, and until mission requirements are completed
• Ground operations safety requirements — managed through scheduling and staffing — include maximum 12-hour shift with at least 8 hours of rest after 12 hours of work, maximum 60 hours per week, maximum 14 consecutive calendar days
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED
• Current Surface Observation certification OR at least two (2) years of experience with a Department of Defense (DoD), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), or National Weather Service (NWS) agency in taking, recording, encoding, and disseminating surface observations using Meteorological Aviation Report (METAR) code
• Maintain certification requirements as long as employed
• At least 20/20 vision or visual acuity correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses
• Maintain the prescribed observer qualification-training program covering local operating instructions and procedures related to all observing duties, including surface and upper air observations consistent with AFMAN 15-111, AFMAN 15-124, FCM-H3-1997, and IAW 30 SWI 15-101 or supporting OPLANs
• Pass a closed-book qualification examination and demonstrate ability to accomplish a correct observation and meet all transmission schedules, including use of both primary and backup systems for basic weather watch observations and balloon observations
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance (requires U.S. citizenship)
• Valid U.S. Driver’s License

Pay

• $35.00 – $40.00 hourly (starting salary range; factors affecting starting pay may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications)

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Short-term disability insurance
• Paid time off
• Paid parental leave
• Paid holidays annually
• Educational reimbursement
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Pet insurance