Meteorological Data and Forecast Specialist

One of Department of Water Resources’ most vital responsibilities is to provide accurate hydrologic runoff forecasts that aid flood and drought management response, water management decisions, environmental and water quality decisions, and public safety across California. The River Forecast Unit (RFU) needs innovative and passionate professionals who can analyze meteorological and climatological data, evaluate weather and forecast information, and develop timely and accurate decision-support products to improve river and reservoir inflow forecasts.

The Research Data Specialist, under the direction of Senior Engineer, Water Resources, Hydrology Section, RFU, is a member of the State-Federal River forecasting team and supports the analysis of meteorological and hydrometeorological information used for river and reservoir inflow forecasting, flood operations, and statewide water management. This position works closely with the National Weather Service - California Nevada River Forecast Center and with research partners including the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes and supports research-to-operations activities to evaluate and implement new meteorological data, models, and forecasting tools. This is a unique opportunity to combine your passion for meteorology, climatology, data analysis, and innovative forecasting technologies into an exciting career opportunity. If this sounds like an exciting challenge for you, then we have the perfect position for you to consider.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License., In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Our ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of California’s meteorology, weather patterns, climatology, and hydrometeorology. Experience analyzing and performing statistical analysis of meteorological and climatological data, numerical weather prediction guidance, radar and satellite products, and precipitation and temperature forecasts is highly desirable. Experience with atmospheric river analysis, extreme precipitation, ensemble forecasting, hydrometeorological data collection - including Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) and validation, forecast verification, or research-to-operations activities is preferred. The incumbent should have strong oral and written communication skills and be able to analyze complex information and present results through technical summaries, briefings, maps, charts, and graphics. Experience collaborating with research institutions, universities, or government agencies is desirable. Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams is expected. Experience with programming and scripting languages such as Python, R, or MATLAB is preferred. Familiarity with Linux, GIS, automated data-processing workflows, and meteorological visualization tools is desired.

Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.

At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.

DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.