Wildfire Weather Forecaster (March - September) (Skyward)

Active Impact Investments is hiring a Wildfire Weather Forecaster for a remote/hybrid role with travel to field locations from March to September. The position involves analyzing weather data to predict wildfire risks and supporting flight crews during deployments. The role is full-time with potential for permanent extension and requires 25-40% travel based on weather conditions. The company focuses on using technology to prevent wildfires and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Job Title: Wildfire Weather Forecaster
Location: Remote / Hybrid with travel required to field locations for onboarding and support
Reports to: CTO
Type: Full-Time
Term: March-September with possibility for permanent FTE extension
Travel: 25-40% time depending on weather

The sun wasn't even a sliver on the horizon, but you were already at your desk, the glow of multiple monitors painting your face in shades of cool blue. Coffee steams beside your keyboard, a necessary fuel for the long day ahead. It’s Go Time – Dry lightning is in the forecast, winds were whipping up to dangerous speeds, and the humidity was plummeting faster than a rock in a canyon. Perfect conditions for a wildfire to explode.

Your first task was the morning briefing with the Flight Crew. You zoom in on a satellite image, pointing out the ominous line of thunderstorms brewing to the north. "These cells are our target," you explain. The flight commander nodded. "We'll get prepped for deployment." they said. Back at your desk, you dive deeper into the data, analyzing the latest radar images, watching the storm cells intensify. A single lightning strike can set off a conflagration, but as you have seen this before you know that if we deploy within the next 2 hours we can avoid a major incident.

The flight crew is streaming data back to you at command as the storm develops, “the electrical field is buzzing like a nightclub out here” they report back. You see huge updrafts forming just South of the target cell, you inform the flight commander that these cells are ideal, “Copy that, deployment in t-minus 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…. away” they reply. Eyes glued to the radar feed you are waiting for the tell tale signal….. and there it is. You know we are clear for another day, there will be no fires today. Your area of responsibility might be small today but you know that with this technology and your team you can make a difference in the world, protecting the world's forests and people’s property.

The only question is, are you ready to take on the challenge!

About Us: Skyward is a dynamic Canadian startup on a mission to make the world safer. Our technology can prevent lightning and out-of-control wildfires, protect communities, and avoid up to 5% of global GHG emissions. We combine science, big data, and machine learning to tackle one of nature's most unpredictable and devastating forces; lightning. If you’re passionate about making a real-world impact, we want you on our team!

Mission: Skyward’s mission is to save lives, ecosystems, and communities by preventing lightning from causing out-of-control fires on high-risk days. In Canada, in 2023, lightning caused 93% of area burned, community evacuations, billions in fire-fighting costs, and released an “India’s worth” of greenhouse gas (3x Canada’s entire economy). Hotter and drier forests, as a result of climate change, are making lightning more deadly. Preventing lightning wildfires is the lowest cost option globally for emissions reductions.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Wildfire Weather Forecaster to join our team. This role is critical in providing accurate and timely weather forecasts specifically for wildfire risk prediction. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of meteorological principles, experience in operational forecasting, and a passion for contributing to wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts.

Responsibilities:

●Develop and deliver short- and long-range weather forecasts, focusing on conditions conducive to wildfire ignition and spread (e.g., high winds, low humidity, lightning).

●Analyze atmospheric data from various sources (e.g., weather stations, satellites, radar, remote sensing) to identify trends and correlations relevant to wildfire risk.

●Work with data science and machine learning teams to adapt meteorological models, including fire weather indices, to improve forecast accuracy and generate specific predictions related to fire behavior.

●Collaborate with wildfire management agencies, fire behavior analysts, and other stakeholders to provide timely and actionable weather information.

●Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including government agencies, regarding wildfire risk and related weather conditions.

●Contribute to research efforts aimed at enhancing wildfire weather forecasting capabilities, including the development of new tools and techniques.

●Issue timely warnings and advisories related to extreme fire weather conditions.

●Participate in post-fire incident reviews to analyze weather factors contributing to fire behavior and improve future forecasting.

Qualifications:

●Bachelor's degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field

●Those without academic qualifications but the equivalent operational experience in weather forecasting, such as avalanche forecasting are encouraged to apply

●Experience in operational weather forecasting, ideally with a focus on fire weather, avalanche or extreme weather conditions

●Strong understanding of meteorological principles, atmospheric dynamics, boundary layer meteorology, and numerical weather prediction models.

●Proficiency in using meteorological software and tools for data analysis, visualization, and model interpretation.

●Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex meteorological concepts to diverse audiences.

●Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

●Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.

Preferred Qualifications:

●Experience with wildfire behavior modeling and prediction.

●Knowledge of fire weather indices and their application in wildfire risk assessment.

●Familiarity with remote sensing data and its application in fire weather forecasting.

What We Offer:

●An Exciting Mission: Contribute to groundbreaking solutions aimed at reducing wildfires and protecting the planet.

●Growth Opportunities: As an early member of the team, you’ll have significant impact and ample opportunities for career advancement.

●A Collaborative, Fast-Paced Culture: Work alongside passionate individuals who are dedicated to innovating for good.

●Competitive Compensation & Benefits: We offer market level compensation with the fun of a startup!

How to Apply:

Are you ready to apply your machine learning expertise to solve one of nature's toughest challenges? Join us in our mission to tame nature’s fiercest elements and prevent future fires!

Please attach a cover-letter which explains how you fit to the profile described in the job offer and includes links to an existing relevant project or one of your open source repositories if you have them.

Remote

About the Company:
Active Impact Investments