RAI Aviation Weather Website Programmer/Developer

Colorado State University, United States

Updated: over 1 year ago
Location: Kansas City, MISSOURI
Deadline: 15 Aug 2022

Posting Details
Posting Detail Information


Working Title RAI Aviation Weather Website Programmer/Developer
Position Location Kansas City, MO
Research Professional Position Yes
Posting Number 202201094AP
Position Type Admin Professional/ Research Professional
Classification Title Research Associate I
Number of Vacancies
Work Hours/Week 40
Proposed Annual Salary Range $45,000 - $55,000
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University (CSU) is committed to providing employees with a strong and competitive benefits package that supports you, your health, and your family. Visit CSU’s Human Resources website for detailed benefit plan information for permanent full-time and part-time faculty and administrative professional employees in the following University benefit areas: https://hr.colostate.edu/hr-community-and-supervisors/benefits/benefits-eligibility/ & https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-perks/ .
Desired Start Date
Position End Date (if temporary)
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 08/15/2022
Description of Work Unit
The Aviation Weather Center (AWC) in Kansas City, MO has a long history of supporting and transitioning research into operations for the National Weather Service (NWS) to support the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation interests. The Aviation Weather Testbed (AWT) at the AWC provides the infrastructure and facilities to develop, test, and evaluate new and emerging scientific techniques, products, and services. The AWT actively engages in the research-to-operations process by supporting applied research, verifying the quality and scientific validity of new techniques and products, and providing a common venue for both forecasters and researchers to engage in developing and testing state-of-the-art aviation weather services. The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University (CSU) collaborates with the AWC on a number of required research projects and activities. CIRA assists the AWC/AWT with developing, testing, and transitioning promising aviation weather research results to NWS operations in support of various programs; the FAA Aviation Weather Research Program (AWRP), the FAA World Area Forecast System (WAFS) Internet File Service (WIFS) (international scope and by interagency agreement with the FAA), and the FAA Aviation Digital Data Service (ADDS).
Position Summary
This is a computer and web support position with potential for considerable growth. The individual in this position will report to the Web Team Lead at AWC and work closely with NWS federal collaborators, Aviation partners and a federal advisor to improve NWS aviation weather services. The individual in this position will engage in a range of research, development, and program support for the AWC websites and will participate in exploratory web development, web tools evaluation, and operational implementation projects to enhance the AWC’s web presence.
Required Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in physical sciences, computer science or a related scientific field;
  • Experience in scientific programming with a scripting OR data processing language (e.g., Python, Perl, PHP, JavaScript, Linux/Unix shell scripting);
  • Ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI, federal background check) because the position is located inside a federal building;
  • Willingness to abide by all federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate guidance stated for contractors/affiliates working within a federal facility.
  • Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States by the start date. CIRA will not sponsor a visa for this position now nor in the future.
Preferred Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s Degree in physical sciences, computer science or a related scientific field plus 1-2 years of related experience OR Master’s Degree in physical sciences, computer science, or related scientific field;
  • Demonstrated experience with Linux/Unix Operating Systems;
  • Experience with or willingness to learn about web application technologies such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript;
  • Experience or willingness to learn how to handle and interrogate large geophysical data sets;
  • Experience with or willingness to learn geophysical data visualization tools (e.g., Python/NumPy/MatPlotLib)
  • Knowledge of or willingness to learn environmental and meteorological data formats (e.g. GRIB, NetCDF);
  • Familiarity with weather forecasting;
  • Familiarity with or willingness to learn about code management tools (e.g., svn, git);
  • Ability to adapt as needed and work well in a dynamic, team environment.
Diversity Statement
Reflecting departmental and institutional values, candidates are expected to have the ability to advance the Department’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Essential Duties


Job Duty Category Meteorological Tools and Process Development
Duty/Responsibility
  • Learn to develop and support aviation services, capabilities, and tools within an assortment of NWS systems [e.g., Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS), NOAA Integrated Dissemination Program (IDP), AWC data center, NOAA Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System (WCOSS)];
  • Learn to participate in innovative web development, evaluation, and operational implementation process to enhance the AWC’s web presence;
  • Learn to develop and transition experimental aviation weather products to the AWC operational web environment;
  • Work closely with AWC web team to establish priorities and meet agreed upon goals in a timely fashion;
  • Support information systems involved in maintaining and disseminating AWC products and services;
  • Interface with AWC partners including AWRP, assorted NOAA entities, and other weather enterprise partners;
  • Work toward managing and ingesting large meteorological data sets to support analysis and processing of experimental products, algorithms, techniques, and decision support tools;
  • Provide operational support during non-business hours as needed because the AWC is responsible for providing operational products 24×7.
Percentage Of Time 70%
Job Duty Category Collaborative Research Coordination
Duty/Responsibility
  • Work toward support and ensure continuity of 24/7 operations and research, including rapid response to emergency situations;
  • Learn to ensure continuity of AWC operations and research activities in areas related to physical or IT security, certifications, breach agreements, or impact to customers;
  • Resolve system issues; identify risks and provide support solutions;
  • Adhere to the established AWC Configuration Management Plan including testing, software version control, and software installation;
  • Thoroughly test, with particular attention to detail, web release software prior to deployment;
  • Maintain network, system, and software infrastructure of web components;
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of systems, projects, and processes;
  • Maintain proficiency with the latest technologies and standards and attains proficiency in cutting-edge technological areas;
  • Provide other web support or related activities when asked or deemed appropriate.
Percentage Of Time 20%
Job Duty Category Documentation and Reporting
Duty/Responsibility
  • Prepare software and system documentation in collaboration with team members;
  • Prepare status reports as required by the project sponsor and CIRA;
  • Work toward preparing and delivering technical talks and presentations, as requested.
Percentage Of Time 10%

Application Details


Special Instructions to Applicants
References will not be contacted without prior notification of candidates.
Conditions of Employment Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Search Contact Robyn Tessmer; [email protected]
EEO Statement
Colorado State University is committed to providing an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based on race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or pregnancy in its employment, programs, services and activities, and admissions, and, in certain circumstances, marriage to a co-worker. The University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Colorado State University is an equal opportunity and equal access institution and affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and Colorado State laws, regulations, and executive orders regarding non-discrimination and affirmative action. The Office of Equal Opportunity is located in 101 Student Services.
The Title IX Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Title IX Programs and Gender Equity, 123 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-1715, [email protected] .
The Section 504 and ADA Coordinator is the Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, CO 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
The Coordinator for any other forms of misconduct prohibited by the University’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment is the Vice President for Equity, Equal Opportunity and Title IX, 101 Student Services Building, Fort Collins, Co. 80523-0160, (970) 491-5836, [email protected] .
Any person may report sex discrimination under Title IX to the Office of Civil Rights, Department of Education .
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

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