About Jersey Met

Jersey Met has been the provider of Weather Forecasting Services for the Channel Islands for over 60 years.

Responsibilities are wide ranging, covering not only Jersey but all of the Channel Islands and associated airspace and waters. Day-to-day forecasting involves engaging with key stakeholders, the media, the public, aviation and marine customers alongside supporting other government departments.

During more unsettled conditions weather warnings and advice may also need to be considered.

We are a small and dedicated forecasting team working 24/7, also having responsibility for maintaining climatology records for Jersey and are an integrated part of the wider Government of Jersey Public Service.

Job Purpose

Being responsible for the provision of weather forecasting predictions based on a daily scientific study of weather conditions and the operational running of the forecasting team to support the provision of meteorological services in accordance with local, national and international standards and agreements. 

The role is varied and challenging, consistently producing a wide variety of weather forecasts and services that feed directly into, and play an important part in the local community. With services required at all times, the role does involve regularly working nightshifts, weekends and Public Holidays. Our Senior Weather Forecasters will often support less experienced forecasting staff while working in the operational office and can progress to take on a line management role along with further responsiliblities.

About the right candidate

We are looking for a candidate who has;

• at least 5 years practical operational forecasting experience, either within Europe or a similar mid-latitude maritime climate;
• the ability to quickly work independently, providing a wide range of products, including Aviation specific forecasts, TAFs, Shipping forecasts and radio broadcasts;
• excellent communication, both written and verbal;
• experience in a customer focussed environment;
• a proven track record in working under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Accreditation with the Royal Meteorological Society and competency in the use of 'Visual Weather' software are highly desirable.

Experience of working in a small team, including experience lone working in a 24/7 environment, would be advantageous.

Job Specific Outcomes

Maintain a continuous weather watch by monitoring observations and forecast data from all sources, alongside using knowledge and experience of the Channel Islands microclimate, to provide a consistent and accurate weather story across the team ensuring the provision of a consistent and reliable weather service to the Island.

Supervise more junior members of the team on duty, deploying work strategies, ensuring staff are conversant with all aspects of their work, maintaining discipline on watch and helping with administration matters, so as to ensure an efficient meteorological forecasting service is provided at all times.

Initiate and ensure the timely issuing of weather warnings and advice, enabling customers to make weather related decisions and take required measures to protect the general public and minimise impacts on economic activities.

Deliver forecasting related training needs to junior colleagues to ensure the Meteorological Service has the most appropriate skills and resources in place to be able to provide a professional forecasting service at all times.

Issue weather forecasts and other meteorology/climatology information through live radio broadcasts and providing scripts for other media channels, ensuring customers and the public have the most accurate and up to date weather information.

Ensure adequate resources are in place to maintain a continuous service within the constraints of the office budget, such as in the event of staff sickness/absence, initiation of contingency procedures or other resource limitations.

Respond effectively to reactive unplanned work aligned to agreed contingency plans, ensuring that processes and resources are deployed effectively to keep meteorological service disruption to a minimum and support the safety, security and general welfare of Islanders.

Respond effectively to ad-hoc requests for additional weather information supporting emergency services in the lead up to and during severe weather events affecting the Channel Islands, including ad-hoc requests for interviews or statements from the media.

Person specification

Qualifications

Degree qualification in Meteorology, a Physics related science discipline or Mathematics together with further qualification or equivalent to QCF level 5 qualification as an independent Weather Forecaster. 

Post graduate qualification in Meteorology and Forecasting to the standards and curriculum specified by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) or equivalent. Registered or Chartered Meteorologist status or equivalent and membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. Royal Meteorological Society).

Knowledge

Knowledge of;

The latest theory and practices, processes and techniques as related to their industry, including ongoing Continuing Professional Development.

Expert knowledge of the behaviour of weather systems within the local context.

Knowledge of performance management and understanding of performance metrics.

Additional (desirable) knowledge of:

The activity and processes of Government Management reporting as it relates to this role.

The departmental priorities, key objectives, risks and issues relevant to the department division and the role.

Technical Work Based Skills

Computer literate with ability to operate the Microsoft Office package.

Ability to use forecasting models and technical business applications designed to capture, store, manipulate and analyse data as relevant to their area. An operational knowledge of using Visual Weather (IBL) or similar weather data visualisation and forecast production system would be desirable.

Mentoring skills. 

A full clean driving license.

General skills / attributes

Problem solving, negotiation and influencing skills.

Excellent communication skills.

Ability to develop innovative approaches to change and service delivery.

Ability to lead, motivate and manage teams to facilitate achievement of high delivery and performance and manage poor behaviour.

Strong relationship building skills.

Ability to present effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to produce written materials (e.g. letters, reports, discussion papers, proposals) to a high level for presentation.

Experience

Experience of:

A minimum of 5 years’ experience in forecasting different weather situations throughout the year.

Managing the operational delivery of relevant technical / operational services..

Managing staff and budgets.