A visiting scientist is sought to support development of precipitation estimates to improve flood forecasting for the Central American region that was affected by Hurricane Mitch, the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at Colorado State University announced today.

Emergency management agencies and meteorological services in Central America have said that many lives could have been saved if they had this kind of information during the hurricane. In response to this need, NOAA is seeking a visiting scientist to refine the models needed to better predict the effects of flash floods due to persistent heavy precipitation. The model will be available for use by national meteorological agencies in the region. This work is in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development's Hurricane Mitch reconstruction and development activities.

The visiting scientist will test and implement real-time NOAA geostationary operational environmental satellite (GOES)-based Quantitative Precipitation Estimation algorithms for Central America with application to flash floods, heavy precipitation, and hydrological and numerical weather prediction models. The scientist will work primarily with NOAA scientists in Camp Springs, Maryland, and meteorological services in Central America.

Applicants must comply with the position requirements, which include a bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science. For the complete position requirements, project background, description of duties, and application procedures, visit: http://www.cira.colostate.edu under Job Opportunities. Applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2000.

For more specific information concerning the position, contact Dr. Mark DeMaria at 970-491-8405, or e-mail DeMaria@CIRA.colostate.edu.