Defence Weather Services (DWS) is the primary provider of environmental intelligence to 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 skilled 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, provide professional advice and weather briefings, 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 Amberley Defence Weather Services Office (DWSO) at RAAF Base Amberley, which is located near Ipswich, QLD. RAAF Base Amberley is home to a range of Air Combat Group (ACG) and Air Mobility Group (AMG) squadrons and their engineering and logistical support units. Supported squadrons operate a range of aircraft including F/A-18 Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, C-27J Spartan, Airbus KC-30A and the C-17 Globemaster.
As the senior officer on-site, the successful applicant will be required to lead and coordinate the operations of the DWSO to facilitate effective decision support services to the ADF. The successful applicant will be responsible for building capability in a small team environment and for developing and managing a range of customer relationships within the Bureau and the ADF. Excellent communication, problem solving and time management skills will be required, as will a high level of resilience. Management of staff and administrative functions is also an important part of the role.
Working at a defence base has its advantages. For starters the successful applicant 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. 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.
DWSO Defence Meteorologist roles are shift based and generally contained to weekdays during military flying hours. Occasional weekend and/or public holiday 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 Aeronautical Meteorological Forecaster (AMF) competency and the Aerodrome Meteorological Observer (AMO) certification. These can be obtained once successful.
The key duties of the position include
The responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:
1. Under the supervision and guidance of the Manager Defence Operations - Military Aviation, (MDO-MA) manage the ongoing operation of the Amberley DWSO, ensuring the quality and effectiveness of products, services and procedures.
2. Analyse meteorological information and prepare forecasts and warnings for local and other areas, whilst being consistent with forecast policy, and according to the specific requirements of the Australian Defence Force (ADF). Maintain a meteorological watch and ensure a timely amendment service.
3. Provide meteorological information and operational briefing services to ADF personnel and other agencies as required.
4. Proactively engage with local ADF personnel on all weather-related matters, including for military exercise support and for the development of new services to enhance ADF capability.
5. Assist in the provision of services to ADF units deployed on exercise, if necessary, working from other Bureau or Defence offices, or outposted to the exercise area.
6. Perform other operational duties, including taking meteorological observations, and participate in contingency arrangements with other Bureau offices as required. Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of meteorological, office and communications equipment, as required.
7. Contribute to Defence Weather Services national operational goals and participate in meteorological related studies and investigations, including those related to air safety incidents and military exercises. Prepare case histories of meteorological events and perform other operational duties as directed.
8. Attain and maintain all security clearance and aviation forecasting/observation training competency requirements in a timely manner.
9. Participate in ensuring the quality and effectiveness of products and services and the ongoing development, implementation and continual improvement of the quality management system to achieve and maintain the ongoing certification of compliance with the ISO 9001 quality management Standard.
10. Ensure the quality and effectiveness of products and services and continually seek ways to improve through the regular revision of products, customer feedback and engagement.
11. Have a thorough understanding of the principles and practices of the Bureau's Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion and implement these practices in the Amberley office.
12. Comply with all Bureau work, health and safety policies and procedures, identify risks and hazards, and take appropriate action to reasonably care for your own health and safety and that of employees, contractors and visitors who may be affected by your conduct.