Weather Briefer/Forecaster and GIS Specialist - Open Until Filled

Introduction

Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources is seeking a motivated and skilled individual to fill the Weather Briefer / Forecaster and GIS Specialist 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.

Specific to this position is the development and implementation of specialized meteorological, geospatial and information technology expert systems that automate tasks for staff and the Wildfire Service at large to help the branch to carry out its mandate.

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 Class 5 Manitoba Driver's Licence without restrictions.
• Must be willing and able to work evenings, weekends and overtime as required.
• Must be willing and able to travel throughout the province with overnight stays as required, including flying in a variety of small aircrafts in adverse weather conditions.
• 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 :

Post-secondary education in Meteorology, Geography, Geomatics, Remote Sensing, Computer Science, Information Systems, Atmospheric Science, Aviation, Environmental Science, Forestry, or Natural Resource Management.

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.
• Experience using Geographic Information System (GIS) software, including experience working with the ESRI suite of applications (ArcMap, ArcPro etc.

using mobile data collection hardware and software, developing and providing analytical spatial solutions, and map production.

• Experience programming (i.e. Python, VBA, batch scripting) and automating tasks; with experience using data analysis tools.
• Effective verbal 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.
• Strong problem solving and decision making skills with the ability to find creative solutions to issues and implement change.
• Ability work independently with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines under pressure.

Desired :

Experience in website planning, design, development and management, web publishing and graphic design tools.

Duties : The Meteorologist & GIS specialist is responsible for daily weather briefings and forecast analysis for the Manitoba Wildfire Service.

The position requires specific knowledge of meteorology and its impact of forest fire suppression, as well as expert knowledge in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) and IT (Information Technology).

This position supports the Supervisor of Science & Technology with the planning, design, development, and implementation of corporate fire management computer systems, as well as providing technical / operational collaboration for these systems.