Climatologist II

~ The agency as organized on July 1, 1994, under the S.C. Restructuring Act is composed of the former Wildlife and Marine Resources Department, Water Resources Commission (non-regulatory programs), Land Resources Commission (non-regulatory programs), State Geological Survey (State Geologist), and S.C. Migratory Waterfowl Committee. ~

These have been combined into the present division structure. The Department has developed a vision for the future to guide the agency in its mission and provide the public with a clear understanding of its plan to preserve South Carolina's natural wealth. Alvin A. Taylor is the current director of the agency.

Position Overview

South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is seeking a Climatologist II.

Responsibilities

• Maintains the climate service program of the South Carolina State Climatology Office.
• Responds to numerous requests for data and information that come into the Office on a daily basis from decision makers, stakeholders, media and the general public.
• Provide rapid response to customer needs.
• Ensure that the Office is proactive in anticipating and responding to user needs.
• Develop new climate services based on input from user communities.
• Ensure timely updates of climatological data and information on the State Climate Office website.
• Provide continuous attention to various sources of data and information and derivation of products.
• Oversees quality control of climate data and related information for South Carolina.
• Maintains effective relationships with organizations interested and involved in climate and weather.
• Prepares periodic reports (daily, weekly, monthly, annually) concerning South Carolina's major meteorological and climatic events and trends.
• Distributes these reports electronically and regularly posts them to the Office Web pages.
• Prepares specialized daily and weekly information for use by law enforcement and state agencies to assist in operations and resource management allocation.
• Assist in the office's outreach program by developing press releases, creating social media products, and making presentations to organizations, interest groups and the general public.
• Promotes the recruitment and retention of observers for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (COCORAHS).
• Mange this volunteer network of county coordinators and general observers and maintain contact with them on a frequent basis via various means of individual and group communication.
• Provide COCORAHS observer training and ensure the integrity of the data being collected.
• Participates in the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Recognition Program.
• Seek sources of grants and other funds available through federal, state and local programs.
• Advises and assists local, state, federal, public and private sector officials on weather-related emergency preparedness and response.
• Actively participate in professional organizations.

Qualifications

Minimum and Additional Requirements:

• A master's degree in climatology, meteorology, or geography with one (1) year of related experience.
• or a bachelor's degree in climatology, meteorology, or geography with three (3) years of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of basic computer programs such as Word and Excel.
• Strong communication skills both written and verbal.