JOB TITLE: STATE METEOROLOGIST

JOB CODE: 76167

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional work of a statewide nature in investigating, interpreting, and analyzing meteorological data for use by various state agencies for public safety purposes.

The employee in this job is responsible for the policy development, implementation, and integration of a comprehensive meteorological program for the commonwealth. Work involves serving as a liaison between national, federal, state, and local meteorological sources to identify weather-related threats to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; developing policies and procedures for the meteorological program across the commonwealth; serving as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency’s (PEMA) primary point of contact with other public safety agencies to enhance weather-related preparedness and response mission capabilities; preparing weather-related briefings and presentations for government officials and the media; providing advice and direction to counties and municipalities on weather-related threats and preparedness and response activities; and serving as the commonwealth’s State Meteorologist for weather-related preparedness planning and public education and outreach purposes. An important aspect of this work involves providing consultation to the Director, PEMA on weather synopses. Work is assigned in the form of broad objectives and is reviewed by the Director, PEMA for results obtained.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and regulations for the meteorological program across the commonwealth.

• Prepares forecasts or weather briefings and presentations for government officials and the media using data gathered from all meteorological sources.

• Serves as the principal advisor to PEMA and other public safety agencies on meteorological data.

• Directs communications between national, federal, state, and local meteorological sources.

• Directs the formulation and administration of technical standards for the dissemination and use of proper notifications of weather-related data.

• Interprets data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long or short range weather conditions.

• Formulates agency goals and objectives related to weather-related public education and outreach initiatives.

• Consults with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.

• Analyzes historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.

• Evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of program services and implements changes as necessary to increase program efficiency and effectiveness.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of meteorology.

• Knowledge of meteorological terminology.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be evaluated by the State Civil Service Commission or used for Civil Service examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.

• Knowledge of emergency management policies, regulations, capabilities, and resources.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, apply, and implement meteorological policies and procedures.

• Ability to direct and coordinate the delivery of comprehensive statewide meteorological program services.

• Ability to explain and promote meteorological programs.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Five years of professional experience in meteorology, and a bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.