Weather Briefer/Forecaster - Open Until Filled

Introduction

Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources is seeking a motivated and skilled individual to fill the Weather Briefer / Forecaster Position with the Manitoba Wildfire Service.

The Manitoba Wildfire Service is responsible for ensuring the department’s legislative responsibilities under the Wildfires Act are met through the delivery of programs and services such as weather briefings and forecast analysis.

The Manitoba Government has a comprehensive benefit package which includes extended health care, health spending account, dental care, vision care, long-term disability insurance, group life insurance, maternity / paternity leave, family-related leave, and a defined pension plan (some pension plans allow for portability between the Civil Service Superannuation Board and employers).

Conditions of Employment :

• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Must possess and maintain a valid Full Stage Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s licence without restrictions.
• Must be willing and able to work in a variety of weather conditions.
• Must be willing and able to work extended hours periodically as required.
• Must be willing and able to travel for extended periods in remote areas by vehicle and / or small aircraft.
• Must be physically capable of performing the duties of the position, including sitting for periods of time, walking, and heavy lifting over short distances.

Qualifications : Essential :

• Certificate or Diploma in Meteorology, or Atmospheric Science. An equivalent combination of related education, training and experience may also be considered.
• Experience with forecasting, interpreting, and analysis of current weather systems or data.
• Effective verbal communication skills with the ability to present complex weather systems / events and respond to enquiries both in person and over the phone.
• Effective written communication skills with the ability to prepare technical reports.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint ) or equivalent computer software programs.

Desired :

• Experience giving weather briefings and / or weather presentations to small and medium sized audiences
• Experience trouble-shooting, calibrating, setting-up, and / or maintaining of data loggers and scientific / electronic measuring equipment.
• Knowledge of the Canadian Forest Fire Danger Rating System.

Duties : Reporting to the Supervisor of Science and Technology, the incumbent is one of two employees responsible for daily weather briefings and forecast analysis for the Wildfire Service.

The individual requires a science and meteorological background that can be applied to fire weather forecasting. The ability to utilize and understand the North American numerical weather models (GEM, NAM, GFS, etc.

is an essential component to this position. Having excellent analytical skills, the incumbent will understand and synthesize complex weather systems / events and present them clearly and concisely in both verbal and written form to wildfire management decision makers.

The incumbent is also required to visit remote weather stations and complete scheduled annual maintenance activities as well as respond to unscheduled breakdowns and repairs.

This includes troubleshooting and hands on problem resolution as well as the calibration, testing, and programming of meteorological sensors and equipment.