Field Meteorologist

Washington State University; Prosser (WA); On-site; USD 652,000 - 815,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick and vacation leave

Paid holidays

Medical, dental, life and disability保险

Retirement

Deferred compensation

Training and development

Employee tuition waiver

Job summary

Washington State University is seeking an Information Systems Coordinator (Field Meteorologist) for AgWeatherNet in Prosser, WA. The role focuses on acquiring and interpreting weather data from automated stations and supporting research and extension programs.

The candidate will maintain equipment, calibrate sensors, and develop QA/QC processes, while educating stakeholders on how to use weather data for decision support in agricultural settings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science or related field and 3 years of professional experience, or 7 years total education/experience.
• Ability to climb a 10‑m tower and obtain basic tower Competent Climber certification within 3 months of hire.
• Experience with data management, interpretation and analysis of weather data.

Responsibilities

• Acquire, process, and interpret high quality weather station data.
• Monitor and maintain weather station equipment.
• Identify appropriate sites for station placement and configure/install stations, sensors, and related equipment.
• Ensure sensors are calibrated and implement data quality assurance algorithms.
• Produce reports for distribution to agricultural stakeholders.
• Educate stakeholders and the public on weather data and decision tools.
• Coordinate meteorological outreach and support for research programs.

Skills

Data management

Data interpretation

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Field data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science or related field

7+ years combined education/experience alternative

Tools

Data loggers

Weather sensors

Wireless networks

Job description

Title(s): 1137-YN_ADMINPRO - Information Systems Coordinator

Business Title: Field Meteorologist

Employee Type: Admin.

The Opportunity

AgWeatherNet is a network of automated weather stations that provide information and decision support systems in near real-time via weather.wsu.edu.

• You will be responsible for the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of high quality weather station data.
• You will monitor and maintain weather station equipment.
• You will identify appropriate sites for station placement and configure and install new stations, sensors and related equipment.
• You will ensure sensors are calibrated and implement, improve, and interpret data quality assurance algorithms.
• You will produce reports as needed for distribution to agricultural stakeholders.
• You will educate both stakeholders and general public on the use and interpretation of weather data and decision support tools.
• You will provide consultation and technical support for research and extension programs, as well as coordinate regional meteorological extension and outreach efforts that promote the use of AgWeatherNet data.
• Additional responsibilities may include: originating programs, recommend programming changes to address needs.
• Collaborate with technical and other support staff in providing expert- level knowledge to create workable solutions and system improvements.

Additional Information

This is a full-time (100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Salary

Monthly Salary: $4,869.40 - $6,086.74 | Commensurate with experience and qualifications. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits

• paid sick and vacation leave
• paid holidays
• medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• retirement
• deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts
• training and development
• employee tuition waiver

For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for AP staff and Total Compensation.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years professional experience OR a combination of education and experience totaling seven (7) years from which comparable knowledge and abilities are acquired.
• Education and experience may be tailored to specific need requirements of position.
• Bachelor’s Degree in meteorology, atmospheric science or related scientific field.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Ability to climb a 10-m tower and be able to obtain basic tower Competent Climber certification within 3 months of hire.
• Ability to work in extreme outdoor temperatures in a variety of weather conditions.
• Experience in data management, interpretation and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise with weather network or related technologies including data loggers, sensors, computers, and wireless networks.
• Experience communicating with the general public or agricultural stakeholders on the interpretation of weather data.
• Experience with Quality Assurance/Quality Control processes and documenting procedures in weather or similar data acquisition and delivery.
• Experience with operation of computer software for weather networks including the delivery of complex weather data products like pest and disease models, water balance calculations, and irrigation scheduling.
• Possess level of Spanish speaking competency/ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking stakeholders.
• Experience working in research or university setting.

Area/College

College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences Department Name: AgWeatherNet (AWN)

Location

Prosser, WA

Background Check

This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34, engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type: Full time Position Term: 12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities. WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: 509-335-4521 (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: 1-800-833-6384; TDD Callers: 1-800-833-6388, 509-335-1259(f), or [e-mail].

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Notice of Non-Discrimination In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract. Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. More information, resources, and contact information are available here: https://ccr.wsu.edu/notice-of-nondiscrimination/