Weather Specialist

Division: Provincial Services Division – Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services

Job Term: 1 Temporary annually recurring seasonal contract for up to 42 weeks per year

Salary: $1,486.04 – $1,691.83 Per Week*
*Indicates the salary listed as per the OPSEU Collective Agreement.

Are you an innovative team player with an excellent understanding of meteorology and a strong background in weather interpretation? If so, then consider this challenging opportunity with Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) to provide weather briefing and forecast services to support operational needs of the AFFES and MNR’s surface water monitoring centre.

The Ontario Public Service (OPS) is committed to being an employer of first choice, creating a positive and inclusive work environment.

We offer:

  • A defined benefit pension plan
  • Comprehensive health plan
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Collegial and professional work culture
  • Career growth and development opportunities across multiple business areas
  • On-the-job training to support your success in the role

What can I expect to do in this role?

In this role, you will:

  • Provide weather forecasts and watch services to support forest fire and flood warning program needs
  • Conduct weather briefings to response centres, Ministry Emergency Operations Centre (MEOC) and Surface Water Monitoring Centre staff on current and forecasted weather
  • Carry out analysis and evaluation of services and products to support program advancement and ensure a state of the art weather system is in place
  • Participate in the delivery of training courses, seminars and workshops
  • Provide on-site incident weather services support

NOTE: Incumbent will be required to work irregular hours and weekends in the Ministry Emergency Operations Centre weather office.

How do I qualify?

Technical knowledge:

  • You have thorough knowledge of the science of meteorology including methods, techniques and practices involved in reviewing and interpreting weather data, and analyzing area specific weather elements and their effects on forest fire behaviour.
  • You have proven ability to compose and issue specific forecasts, revisions, warnings and advisories.
  • You have thorough knowledge and experience with specialized weather equipment and instruments to trouble shoot and repair equipment.

Communication and interpersonal skills:

  • You have strong communication and presentation skills to present briefings on weather forecasts at a fire incident or prescribed burn sites.
  • You have proven interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with staff, other government agencies and stakeholders.

Analytical and problem-solving skills:

  • You have proven analytical skills to review and provide advice and recommendations on new technologies and quality assurance.
  • You have proven problem solving skills to interpret data and prepare weather forecasts.

Operational knowledge:

  • You have the ability to prepare long range strategic and operational plans.
  • You have good planning and coordinating skills and the ability to work independently.
  • You have knowledge of financial planning, budget, cost control processes and purchasing procedures.

How to apply:

  1. You must apply online.
  2. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources.
  3. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us.
  4. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job.
  5. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying.
  6. If you require a disability related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours.

For more information and to apply, please visit www.gojobs.gov.on.ca/Weather Specialist

Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.

Please be advised that the results of this competition may be used to form an eligibility list of qualified candidates to potentially fill future vacancies represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). In accordance with the Collective Agreement, eligibility lists are shared with OPSEU representatives. By applying to this competition, you are providing consent that your name may be shared with OPSEU representatives.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee’s exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.