Meteorologist

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career.

ERCOT is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We accept and celebrate those that join us and recognize that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. A diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.

Meteorologist conducts weather forecasting for the ERCOT service area. Provides oversight of short-term weather forecasting including communication of this information and resulting implications to System Operations. Create medium-range and seasonal outlooks, monitors drought conditions, hurricanes and other severe weather, and has familiarity with renewable forecasting. Meteorologist will work closely with the load forecaster.

JOB DUTIES

Broadly applies principles, theories and concepts related to the profession. A seasoned, experienced professional with an in-depth/full understanding of area of specialization.

May provide recommendations regarding issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

Wide latitude for decisions within assignments, programs, and projects; impact is generally limited to the project or department.

Acts as a resource to advise and may at times a lead the work of lower level professional and/or support employees. Generally, represents the department on projects and may perform in a project leadership role.

ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES

Resolves issues of diverse scope and demonstrates sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions

Maintains and expands strong professional relationships both internally and externally

May serve as the representative on cross-functional teams and projects

Maintains knowledge of emerging trends and industry best practices

Communicates results to appropriate stakeholders, including maintaining regular communication with the management team, providing relevant information to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements

Responds to executive and management inquiries and special reporting requests

Demonstrates skills as an expert user of software applications and tools, spreadsheet programs, and forecasting models

Continually monitors current weather conditions and discusses changing weather conditions, especially fronts, cloud cover and precipitation, and the potential effects on load, with System Operations

Collaborates on current and next day load forecasts during day shift

Gathers and analyzes meteorological data from public and private sources. Use all sources to develop a short-term weather forecast, with a focus on temperature, cloud cover, wind speed (winter) and humidity (summer). Notify System Operations of any significant changes to forecast

Maintains and develops tools that visualize current and future weather conditions

Supports need for mid- and long-term weather information, including mid-term temperature forecasts and seasonal outlooks

Calculates error metrics for previous day’s weather forecasts from vendors and own weather forecast.

Compares forecasted weather conditions with actual values from the previous overnight period

Prepares a brief weather discussion for the next seven days, paying particular attention to dynamic weather (e.g. fronts) and communicates with Manager of Load Forecasting, Manager of System Operations and the day shift supervisor as appropriate

Calls attention to high-impact weather features beyond the short term, such as long stretches of cold or hot weather, strong fronts, severe weather, etc

Creates own weather forecast as necessary, for input into load forecasting models

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

Requires minimum 2 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements

Requires minimum 2 years progressively responsible experience in operational meteorology and weather risk analysis

Requires proficiency in MS Office application suite, specifically Excel

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Computer programming knowledge or experience with Python and SAS

Experience with Itron forecasting software (Metrix ND/Metrix IDR)

Experience with solar and wind forecasting techniques

Minimum 2 years’ experience with power systems grid operations and assessing impact of weather conditions on load

EDUCATION

Bachelors Degree: Meteorology or related field (Required)

Masters Degree: Meteorology or related field (Preferred)

or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required

WORK LOCATION:

This position is Hybrid. Employees will be required to be on-site in Taylor, TX at least 2-3 days per week, or more, as needed based on the business needs as determined by management

On-site schedules are flexible or may be rotated based on business needs as determined by the Manager

Remote work is required to be performed from your Texas residence.

Employees may opt to work on-site more than required or 100% of the time

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned. This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT. Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-Hybrid, #LI-MH1

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range:

$85,685 – $145,683