Staff Scientist/Meteorologist 1, 2, Senior

Summary

Provides professional expertise in meteorology and climatology to resolve problems related to water resource planning, supply, demand, transmission and distribution operations, and fire weather/wildfire mitigation. Lends scientific knowledge and skills to various studies and reports related to SRP business operations where meteorological information can be leveraged.

The current business need is for more of an entry level new hire. Preference will be given to early career applicants.  

What You'll Do

• Promotes a culture of safety in all work activities.
• Produces SRP specific weather forecasts, advisories, and quantitative precipitation forecasts for the Valley, Salt and Verde Watershed, and other key locations as needed. Participates in the forecast rotation, including nights, weekends, and on-call shifts, among the meteorologists.
• Assists management and produces weather forecasts/nowcasts in a 24/7 environment for Emergency Operation Centers related to safety of dams/reservoir operations, and wildfire support.
• Provides virtual weather briefings for power operations and fire weather.
• Maintenance, calibration, and QA/QC of SRP’s PRISMS and Fire Weather mesonets.
• Assists other departments in questions relating to weather, meteorology, and climate (e.g. post storm analysis and forensic meteorology).
• Refines procedures and techniques to improve hydrologic and meteorologic forecast elements to improve watershed response forecasts.
• Assist in snow survey and watershed condition assessment activities. May require flying in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, and traveling via UTV’s and 4x4’s to remote locations in potentially harsh wintertime conditions.
• Participates in and represents SRP in both internal and external research activities related to meteorology, climate, and the Salt and Verde watersheds.
• Coordinates SRP’s interests in and manages the relationships with outside entities:  USGS, NRCS, NWS, CBRFC, NSSL, and others.
• Maintain weather and climate records for SRP.
• Manage summer upper-air program.
• Review proposed programs of federal/state/local agencies and evaluate impact of the program on SRP water resources and power operations.
• Continuous professional development through active participation in technical and professional organizations or through seminars, short courses, or other educational opportunities.

What It Takes To Succeed

•    A thorough understanding of the Southwest’s major weather influences and climate.
•    A strong interest in hydrology or some formal training/understanding of hydrology and hydrologic processes.
•    A strong interest in both basic and applied science.
•    Is comfortable in working with both internal and external customers and strives to develop and maintain professional long-term relationships.
•    Can deliver convincing messaging in both written and oral presentation situations to clearly communicate both within and outside SRP when relaying potentially technical information.
•    Strong interpersonal skills.

Experience

For an associate level, a minimum of no previous years of experience to two years related experience plus a bachelor's degree is required. (If no degree, four-six years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling four years.)

For a journey level, a minimum of two years of experience to four years related experienced plus a bachelor's degree is required. (If no degree, six years-eight of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling six years.)

For a senior level, a minimum of five years of related experience plus a bachelor's degree is required. (If no degree, nine years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling nine years.)

Promotion to level 2 requires a minimum of two years of experience at level 1; demonstrated capability to perform advanced and more difficult work as determined by the supervisor.

Education