Forecast Verification Analyst 3 - 139717

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the Western US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical models, machine learning algorithms, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric and land-surface conditions related to extreme events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities around the country and local, state, and federal agencies, in the operation, utilization and expansion of a new state- of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. A key program of the Center is Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), with goals to develop, demonstrate, and implement tools, including enhanced monitoring, and science that enable more effective management of reservoirs. CW3E's mission is to provide 21st century water cycle science, technology and outreach to support effective policies and practices that address the impacts of extreme weather and water events on the environment, people and the economy of Western North America. To learn more, refer to the center's webpage at cw3e.ucsd.edu.

The Forecast and Verification Analyst 3 (the Analyst) provides advanced expertise in applied meteorology, numerical weather prediction, and forecast verification to support CW3E's operational partnerships, pre- and post-event analysis, research, and verification activities. This role integrates operations support and verification and applied research, with a focus on high-impact precipitation events, including atmospheric rivers (ARs) along the U.S. West Coast.

The Analyst serves as an experienced contributor and technical lead within forecast and verification workflows, independently conducting and guiding the analysis and dissemination of forecasts and information during high-impact events. They contribute to and, at times, lead forecast outlooks, real-time forecast discussions, and post-event summaries, ensuring scientific rigor and consistency across products.

The Analyst provides mentorship and technical guidance to early-career staff and colleagues, including reviewing analyses, supporting skill development, and promoting best practices in forecasting, meteorological research, verification, and communication. While not responsible for overall program leadership, they play a key role in maintaining the quality and effectiveness of operational outputs.

Key responsibilities include contributing to operational activities during the AR Reconnaissance and Global AR Reconnaissance Programs, coordinating with internal teams and external partners on forecast-related and flight-planning activities, and conducting detailed post-event analyses to evaluate mission, model, and forecast performance. The Analyst develops and applies verification methodologies using observational and model datasets and produces publication-quality graphics, summaries, and technical content.

In addition to operational responsibilities, the Analyst contributes to applied research efforts by developing code, designing analyses, and leveraging geospatial and statistical tools to evaluate precipitation processes and predictability. They support project leads in research initiatives, proposal development, and award reporting, lead and/or contribute to peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, including coordinating discrete contributions from team members when appropriate.

The Analyst functions as a subject matter and operations expert in forecast verification and applied meteorology within their area of focus, supporting CW3E's mission to improve the understanding and prediction of extreme hydro-meteorological events and their applications to decision-making, including Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO) and the California AR program.

• Bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, climate science or related field. PhD or Masters in meteorology, atmospheric sciences, climate science or related field preferred but not required.

• Thorough knowledge of research function. Extensive experience as an independent researcher in areas of synoptic meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, applied climatology, or hydrometeorology and as it pertains to the study of precipitation processes and predictability.

• Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming. Experience in scientific programming including, but not limited to, Python, MATLAB, NCL and other common programming languages or mapping software in geoscience (e.g., ArcGIS/QGIS). Familiarity with and experience in analyzing gridded meteorological data (e.g., GRIB, NetCDF, etc).

• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Knowledge on how to evaluate numerical weather prediction model performance, for both determinstic and probabilistic predictions.

• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Skills in scientific graphical representation, scientific writing and experience presenting at scientific conferences (poster, and oral presentations).

• Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Can prioritize tasks. Meets deadlines.

• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. This includes proposing new analyses, new conceptual ideas, or new workflow recommendations.

• Knowledge of operational forecasting models and products. Knowledge of observational and reanalysis data sets as applied to the study of synoptic meteorology, mesoscale meteorology, applied climatology, and hydrometeorology.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including thoughtfulness, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work independently or within ateam framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and students.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Must be willing and able to travel.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.