Position Title: Mesonet Weather Station Tech

Employee Classification: Mesonet Weather Station Tech

College/Division: Agricultural Experiment Station

Department: 317000-AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: NMSU satellite location

Offsite Location (if applicable): Ag Science Center in Tucumcari, NM

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  21.11

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  The ZiaMet Weather Station Network is a state-wide mesonet that monitors surface weather conditions and sub-surface soil conditions. The network first began operations in 1985 and was maintained with minimal external sponsorship. By 2015, the NM Climate Center was able to secure sponsorship from the National Mesonet Program, and this was the year we began using the ZiaMet moniker.

Classification Summary:
This position involves installation, maintenance, and testing of highly complex network systems such as those related to automated weather systems (including siting and installation of towers and sensors, maintenance, repair, and testing of sensors). Collects data for a group of ZiaMet weather station towers located across the state.

Classification Standard Duties:
Assists in Installation and implementation of weather station related network infrastructures (e.g., communication hardware, sensors, data loggers). Assists in applicable weather station related network installation projects (e.g., communication hardware, sensors, data loggers). Assists in troubleshooting and resolving network issues as they relate to weather station communication hardware, sensors, and data loggers. Assists with identifying, diagnosing, and troubleshooting weather station related network issues. Provides preventative actions and recommendations and assists in finding solutions to recurring weather station related network problems. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience: Three (3) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency: None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of tools, building, and operating equipment. SKILLS: Technique to wire and program sophisticated dataloggers and sensors. "Handyman" skillset. ABILITIES: Ability to communicate, especially between team members as significant planning and preparation skills are required to ensure tasks are completed on time, and properly. The ability to use Excel, Word, and Outlook is required. Ability to handle the physical aspects of long days outside in hot or cold weather, performing physical labor. Ability to handle the physical aspects of long days outside in hot or cold weather, performing physical labor.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
***POSITION LOCATED IN NORTHEAST NM; LOCATED IN TUCUMCARI, NM***

The New Mexico Climate Center needs a Mesonet Weather Station Technician to assist in maintaining high quality weather stations in the ZiaMet state-wide weather station network. This position will be responsible for maintenance and collecting data for a group of ZiaMet weather station towers located within the state. The position will report to the ZiaMet Director for supervision and mentoring. The NM Climate Center is operated within NMSU’s College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science, Agricultural Experiment Station. Currently ZiaMet is operated, maintained, and managed by the State Climatologist and the amount of towers requiring maintenance and the travel involved cannot be maintained by one individual. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

Have some familiarity with electronics and wiring
Work in outdoor environments in a variety of weather conditions
Work independently and in a team setting
Have a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel to various locations in New Mexico
Operate power equipment used to maintain site vegetation
Able to effectively communicate

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Rebecca Martinez, 575-646-3125, rbanegas@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves almost constant exposure to unusual elements: i.e. extreme temp, toxic chemicals, biohazardous materials, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, loud noises, other potentially dangerous materials/situations that require safety precaution/protective equip

Physical Effort: Considerable physical activity. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of the job.

Lifting Requirements: Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.