Defence Meteorologist - Australian Bureau of Meteorology

Description : Defence Meteorologist. Company : Australian Bureau of Meteorology. Location : Townsville QLD+1 location

  • APS Level 6, Ongoing
  • $84,670 - $96,267 + 15.4% super
  • Defence Weather Service Offices: RAAF Base East Sale, Vic and RAAF Base Townsville, Qld

Defence Weather Services (DWS) is the primary provider of environmental intelligence to the national security agencies, specifically the Department of Defence and the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Services provided by DWS enhance Australia's national security agenda through the provision of weather, climate and oceanographic forecasts/data, real-time observations, meteorological training and professional advice to assist decision-making and planning for ADF operations and activities.

Defence Meteorologists – Military Aviation provide timely and valuable meteorological information to ADF aviation units, contributing to safe operations and operational advantage for ADF aviators. Defence Meteorologists work in a dynamic and customer focused environment and as such, building and maintaining close working relationships with colleagues and ADF personnel is essential. Working under forecast policy, the Defence Meteorologist will prepare and issue aviation forecasts and warnings, specific to ADF requirements, maintain a meteorological watch and amendment service and take meteorological observations. Confidence in making independent meteorological decisions will be required, together with the ability to know when and how to reach out for support.

The successful applicant will be required to work from the relevant Defence Weather Services Office (DWSO), which is located at the respective Air Force base. As a member of a small office the successful applicant needs to be able to work independently while contributing to the overall responsibilities of the DWSO. Excellent communication, problem solving and time management skills will be required, as will a high level of resilience.

DWSO Defence Meteorologist roles are shift based and generally contained to weekdays during military flying hours. Occasional weekend work will be required and travel to other DWSO sites for leave relief or to support military exercises may be required.

The successful applicant will need to attain and maintain at least a Negative Vetting 1 (NV1) Security Clearance, an Aerodrome Meteorological Forecaster (AMF) competency and the Aerodrome Meteorological Observer (AMO) certification. These can be obtained once successful.

Living and working in a regional 'defence' location definitely has its advantages. For starters the successful applicants will be afforded all standard 'Defence APS' privileges while on base, such as the use of base facilities (mess hall, gym etc) and free parking near the office. Commute time to work will likely be short and peak hour may consist of the three car backlog as you pass through the front gates of the base. Relocation will be supported as will a reasonable amount of temporary accommodation, prior to you finding something more permanent. You will get to know the Defence personnel you support and within our team there are many examples of friendships and support networks formed this way.

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