Space Weather Forecaster

Deliver 24 / 7 space weather forecasts, warnings, and alerts for national security, industry, and community sectors at Australia's authoritative space weather centre.

Your role

Responsibilities

1. Work in a 24 / 7 operational setting to deliver timely and accurate space weather forecasts, warnings, and alerts across all key sectors as a member of a close-knit forecasting team.
2. Support the operational success of the Australian Space Weather Forecasting Centre (ASWFC) by providing forecasts, warnings, and alerts to sectors impacted by space weather, including Defence, aviation, telecommunications, energy, resources, community, and the space industry.
3. Progress the transition, implementation, and ongoing maintenance of new and improved forecast, warning, and alert systems into routine operations in collaboration with the Space Weather Research to Operations Team, customer engagement personnel, and Data and Digital Group teams.
4. Attain and maintain proficiency as a Space Weather Forecaster.
5. Implement and contribute towards continual improvement processes across forecast centre operations consistent with ISO 9001 standards.
6. Participate in forecast verification, training exercises, and post-event reviews to test and improve the Bureau's delivery of warnings and alerts, and work with the Space Weather Research to Operations team to evaluate and improve forecast centre products and services.
7. Respond to Ministerial, Government, and approved media enquiries on the Bureau's space weather warnings and alerts, and promote awareness of the Bureau's space weather capability and the Australian Space Weather Alert System.
8. Collaborate with international agencies including the World Meteorological Organisation, International Civil Aviation Organisation, and other nations' space weather agencies to ensure the Bureau's space weather forecasting is of a world-class standard.
9. Demonstrate commitment to APS Values, Employment Principles, the Code of Conduct, and the Bureau's Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion.
10. Comply with all Bureau work, health, and safety policies and procedures, taking reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your conduct.
11. Interpret observational and modelling data to produce forecasts, warnings, and alerts.
12. Provide advice to partners to assist in making informed assessments of risk and enabling them to take appropriate action to mitigate space weather events.
13. Prepare and communicate space weather forecasts, alerts, and warnings for the community and specific users such as defence, space, energy, and aviation.
14. Develop a deeper knowledge of space weather events and their impacts on the community, national security, and at-risk industry sectors.
15. Develop skills to engage with customers and understand how specific industry sectors value and act on Bureau information.
16. Collaborate with other professionals across the space weather capability and the Bureau more broadly as required.

About you

Qualifications

• Energy, enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and ability to work well in a team and independently.
• A degree or diploma in physical sciences or relevant area from an Australian educational institution or comparable overseas qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to enhance team capability and respond flexibly to changing demands.
• Ability to take decisive action and deal with uncertainty.
• Ability to apply risk-based thinking and exercise judgement.
• Ability to acquire and apply specialist technical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Interest in Space Weather and commitment to staying informed about developments.
• Ability to develop products and services benefiting government partners and industry sectors.
• Ability to build internal and external relationships based on trust.
• Understanding of valuing diversity and individual differences.
• Commitment to personal and professional growth, resilience, and a proactive approach to challenges.
• Clear communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to negotiate persuasively, listen, understand, and adapt to different audiences.
• Ability to communicate technical information simply.
• Australian Citizenship (required for security clearance).
• Ability to obtain and maintain Negative Vetting Level 2 Security Clearance.
• Willingness to work shift work, including overnight and during significant space weather events.
• Willingness to undertake interstate travel for training and engagement.
• Space Weather technical knowledge is desirable but not essential; training will be provided.

Compensation & benefits

• Salary: $94,563 - $105,910 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation.
• Full-time and part-time options considered.
• Flexible working, workplace adjustments, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Inclusive, diverse, and safe work environment.
• Access to latest technology and excellent workplaces.

Training, development & rotations

• Completion of Space Weather Forecaster training during onboarding.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.
• Participation in verification, exercises, and reviews.

Career progression

• Merit pool for similar positions within 18 months.
• Opportunities for advancement within the Bureau supported by career pathways and ongoing development.

How to Apply

Include a resume, two referees, an 800-word pitch covering the role, responsibilities, and criteria, and academic transcripts. Applicants with overseas qualifications should check the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition website. The Bureau supports applicants with disabilities through the RecruitAbility Program. This job may close early, so apply promptly.