USAFA Weather Forecaster I
Company Overview
Work Where it Matters
Akima Missions Optimization (AMO), an Akima company, is not just another federal systems support contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At AMO, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, AMO provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, AMO delivers solutions in maritime IT, systems engineering, and integration across the Department of Defense and stands ready to help improve operational performance at a reasonable and sustainable cost.
As an AMO employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.
Description
AMO is seeking a full-time Weather Forecaster I to support weather operations at the United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This position provides weather forecasting and decision support for aviation, parachute, training, athletic, and academy operations. The on-site weather team works from Davis Airfield and is responsible for identifying weather impacts, communicating risks, and helping ensure safety remains a top priority. The role includes both team-based and independent work in a fast-paced operational environment, with workload varying based on weather conditions and mission requirements. Meals are taken while on shift, and employees have access to a refrigerator and microwave. To join our team of outstanding professionals, apply today!
Pay & Benefits:
Currently $33.73 an hour plus $6.00 Health & Welfare, with incremental increases to both scheduled over the next three years, as defined under the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
Night, Sunday, and Holiday differential apply based on work schedule.
Responsibilities
- Provide weather support to USAFA, including support for flight training, jump training, Division I NCAA athletic events, and other activities associated with a military academy.
- Deliver accurate, timely forecasts for soaring, parachute, and powered-flight operations in rapidly changing weather conditions.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret meteorological data to assess potential mission impacts and support operational decision-making.
- Produce timely, actionable weather products with minimal supervision in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Work as an effective member of a cohesive, collaborative forecasting Team.
- Communicate weather risks and mission impacts clearly to leadership, supported units, and other base agencies.
- Use advanced meteorological techniques to develop and apply forecasting tools that enhance station operations.
- Disseminate weather warnings, watches, advisories, observations, mission-weather products, and terminal aerodrome forecasts.
- Actively integrate with supported units and agencies to ensure weather products are integrated into operational processes and procedures;
- Provide clear, concise, mission-focused weather briefings to operational leaders, supported units, and other base agencies.
- Perform quality control to ensure forecast accuracy, product consistency, and compliance with established policies, procedures, and standards.
- Work Schedule: The Weather Team provides 24/7/365 support to USAFA. Work schedules may include days, nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional 12-hour shifts.
Qualifications
- Must be U.S. Citizen and able to obtain and pass a Public Trust background check.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a DoW Weather Stations or National Weather Service Forecast Offices
- Must be able to work various shifts as scheduled, including days, nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional 12-hour shifts.
Desired Qualifications:
- Graduate of a DoW Forecasting School or a bachelor’s degree in meteorology.
- Quick learner with the ability to adapt to mission requirements and changing weather conditions.
- Experience in Mountain Forecasting.
- Knowledge of mesoscale meteorology and orographic influences on weather.
- Familiarity with high-resolution models and ensemble forecasting.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with high attention to detail.
- Highly adaptable, with strong independent decision-making skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient with Air Force Weather systems.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office products.