Senior Forecaster: Aviation

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To apply, click on the link at the end of the posts and all the best with your applications.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity under the Ministry of Forestry,
Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) and is governed by a Board. The organisation is an authoritative
voice for weather and climate related services in South Africa and is a member of the World
Meteorological Organisation (WMO) to fulfil a range of international obligations of the government.
South African Weather Service (SAWS) strives to be a Weather and Climate Centre of Excellence
providing innovative solutions to ensure a weather-smart region, sustainable development, and
economic growth.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is therefore seeking to appoint an efficient and enthusiastic
person to undertake the role of:
Senior Forecaster: Aviation
Salary total package: Negotiable
Centre: Aviation Weather Centre
(Ref. WS02/062025)

Job Summary:
The Senior Forecaster is primarily responsible for managing, monitoring, and issuing weather
forecasts, with a specialised focus on aviation. This role ensures the fulfilment of the office’s
mandate by overseeing and supervising the issuance of weather forecasts tailored to the aviation
industry.

Key Performance Areas:
Products, Services Delivery / Infrastructure maintenance

Supervise, generate, monitor and quality control region-specific weather forecasts according
to pre-determined time scales (e.g., 2-day forecast, 7-day forecast, etc.) in accordance with
WMO requirements.
Supervise, generate, monitor and quality control Aviation specific forecasts in accordance with
ICAO, local aviation procedures and regulatory requirements
Supervise, generate, monitor and quality control Marine specific forecasts as per WMO
requirements.
Supervise, generate, monitor and quality control Impact-Based Severe Weather Alerts.
Supervise the carrying out of METAR, SPECI and SYNOP coded Meteorological Observations
Analysis and evaluation of forecast and warning services.
Advise on proposed sites for the expansion of the observational networks.
Approve and/or initiate requests for additional Upper Air Ascents as part of performing Upper
Air Observations.
Generate and quality control commercial-specific forecasts where applicable.
Assist in annual financial planning activities including budgeting and expenditure control.
Develop, monitor and review related TQM processes and procedures and suggest
improvements
Assist with the analysis of data and records to drive continual improvement

Innovation, Process Improvement & Revenue Generation

Ensure that the forecasting team members are certified and that they comply with the
competency requirements for Aeronautical Meteorological Forecasters (AMFs) as per WMO.t
Manage shift rotation and forecasting responsibilities.
Promote the SAWS Quality Management Policy and integrate it into the day-to-day activities
within the Office/Unit.
Ensure the appropriate implementation of relevant policies or policy requirements.
Ensure that all work performed is so done according to documented requirements. (SOP,
Business Continuity plans etc.)
Provide assistance during audits of the office/unit as and when required.
Ensure that the forecasting unit complies with the relevant legislation as per the WMO, ICAO
requirements
Perform routine office administration practices including lodging claims, leave processing,
overtime, transport administration, periodic reporting, administration of registers, etc.
Participate in the procurement of specialised equipment and services.
Keep abreast with latest developments in other Met Services and/or as stipulated by WMO
requirements.
Perform other tasks as and when required by the line manager.

People, Culture and Values

Responsible for induction of newly appointed forecasters.
Create and maintain a safe and open learning environment for all new forecasters.
Supervise and mentor junior forecasting staff, including assisting with performance
monitoring, performance contracting, performance assessment and Personal Development
Plans (PDPs).
Attend and provide training as and when required.
Promote and ensure daily participation of team members during the national midday
discussion
Encourage the team members to adopt the culture of submitting timeliness and accurate
forecasts
Sharing knowledge and skills with appropriate stakeholders thereby promoting the strategy of
SAWS as a learning organization.
Conduct meteorological related case studies / research
Assist in identifying learning and development skills gap within the forecasting unit and
recommend appropriate training.

Stakeholder Management

Collaborate with disaster management and other relevant department when issuing severe
weather warnings.
Liaise with clients to ascertain requirements, and levels of service provision excellence.
Collaborate with the Communication’s team in issuing the weather forecasts to all relevant
media streams and where applicable participate as subject matter expert.
Represent SAWS in meetings with stakeholders as instructed or requested.
Ensure that customer communication is carried out effectively.
Promote the awareness of SAWS products and services to all stakeholders.
Support staff involved in exhibiting SAWS products and services at dedicated client contact
events such as exhibitions, corporate events, workshops, conventions, expos etc.
Promote and ensure active participation of the team members in community outreach
programs as required.

Required Minimum Education/Training:

BSc Meteorology (with Honours) or equivalent and a Postgraduate Diploma in Weather
Forecasting
WMO BIP-M requirements
ICAO / WMO Competency requirements

Required Minimum Work Experience:

Five Years within Meteorological practices

Technical and Behavioural Competencies Required

Innovation and creativity
Leadership
Influencing and Negotiation Skills
Networking and Collaboration
Results driven
Problem Solving
Excellent Communication skills (Written and verbal/ presentation skills)
Maintaining confidentiality
Ability to work after hours

Please Note:
Register as user on our website using this link: https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies to apply
for the above position and upload your (Comprehensive CV with certified copies of qualifications).

Enquiries for the above-mentioned positions must be directed to: Ms Thembisa Bixa, at Tel. (012)
367 6208.

Closing Date: 4 July 2025

Preference will be given to People living with disabilities in line with SAWS EE targets. This is an EE
position and preference will be given to females, Africans, Indians and Coloureds (AIC).
Correspondence will be limited to short listed candidates only. Candidates who have not been
contacted within 3 months after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your
application was unsuccessful. The South African Weather Service is an equal opportunity employer