Baseline Proficiency Standards
Hydrometeorological Technician
Basic Competencies
Be able to install, calibrate and repair a Max-Min Temperature System (MMTS).
Be able to install, calibrate and repair a Fischer Porter Rain Gage and a Standard Rain Gauge (SRG).
Be able to successfully manage a CSSA database.
Be able to properly train new cooperative observers.
Show skill in the quality control of CPM B-91 forms.
Show skill in the quality control of revised ROSA observations.
Be willing and able to make visits to all Co-op stations in area of responsibility.
Be able to quickly and successfully augment ASOS observations.
Be able to successfully edit ASOS observations.
Demonstrate the procedure to manually back up ASOS observations in the event of an ASOS failure.
Show skill in the quality control of ASOS observations.
Show skill in the quality control of revised ROSA observations.
Be able to report any ASOS problems to AOMC and station el- tech.
Be able to successfully take, record and transmit manual METAR observations.
Be able to successfully take, record and transmit Supplementary Climatological Data Observations (SCDs) and Supplementary Data Observations (SDOs).
Demonstrate Proficiency in performing pre-flight checks for upper air observations.
Be able to properly operate the hydrogen generator associated with an upper air balloon release.
Be able to inflate upper air balloons to the proper levels.
Successfully and correctly release balloons with instruments.
Be able to perform in-flight quality control.
Demonstrate proper flight termination procedures.
Be able to quality control coded messages and make corrections as necessary.
Be able to retransmit upper air messages if requested by NCEP.
Successfully complete and transmit 10 day and monthly upper air reports.
Show skill in the quality control of revised ROSA observations.
Be able to successfully update and maintain a climate database.
Be able to monitor and update records and extremes when needed.
Be able to provide callers and visitors with requested weather and hydrologic data, or directs customer to accessible resources from which the data can be acquired.
Demonstrate proper telephone etiquette by:
Answering telephone calls in less than five rings.
Greeting and addressing callers with respect, courtesy and friendliness.
Ending call with a pleasant comment.
Demonstrate skills to courteously brief the media and general public on severe and expected weather conditions.
Demonstrate successful completion of the UCP Proficiency Checklist.
Completes basic UCP checks and takes any appropriate corrective actions with the following parameters of the UCP:
Identify existence and type of RPG alarms
Determine current VCP
Can state purpose of each VCP
Change VCP, as needed
Identify existence and type of RDA alarms
Determine status of Auto PRF (on/off)
Determine status of Archive II
Determine current power source
Determine transmitter air temperature
Determine generator fuel level
Determine transmitter peak and average power
Determine status of wide- and narrow-band lines
Determine available Archive III capacity
Determine current Precip. Category
Identify existing clutter suppression file
Identify existing VAD Wind Range
Determine current Nominal Clutter Area
Determine status of Environmental Wind Auto Update
Conduct time check
Demonstrate the ability to identify problems with equipment and corrects them, or notifies appropriate maintenance support.
Be able to obtain necessary data to create such products as:
Area/State Weather Summaries (SWS)
Public Information Statements (PNS)
Record Reports (RER)
Special Weather Statements (SPS)
Climatological Data (CLI, CLM)
Short Term Forecasts (NOW)
Other miscellaneous products as directed by shift supervisor
Demonstrate the ability to create error-free written products for dissemination including:
Correct spelling.
Proper grammar.
Proper formatting.
Be able to monitor and interpret observational data to identify discrepancies between forecast and current conditions by:
Basic interpretation of surface observations.
Basic interpretation of satellite data.
Basic interpretation of radar data.
Basic interpretation of ROSA data
Basic interpretation of upper air data.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully assist in preparing and issuing warning products.
Demonstrate the ability to assist in warning and forecast verification by:
Making contacts to gather ground truth reports.
Incorporating relevant reports in Local Storm Reports and other verification documents.
Successfully inspects Surface Aviation Weather Reporting Stations (SAWRS) using approved checklist.
Be able to successfully quality control SAWRS observations, correct any errors, and sensysinformation to NCDC.
Demonstrate the ability to adequately train and certify new SAWRS observers.
Be able to make clear and concise manual NOAA Weather Radio (NWR) voice recordings.
Be able to successfully and quickly issue watch / warning / advisory products with Emergency Activation System (EAS) / Tone Alarm as required without error.
Be able to successfully perform weekly / monthly EAS / Tone Alarm tests.
Perform quality control of the NWR broadcast cycle, taking corrective measures as needed.
Demonstrate proficiency in Console Replacement System (CRS) backup procedures (switching back to Interalia, Digital, etc.).
Successfully retrieve and disseminate products on AWIPS.
Be able to access relevant data on the Internet.
Be able to retrieve and send electronic mail messages.
Be able to troubleshoot and perform product quality control of the NOAA Weather Wire System (NWWS).
Be proficient in the use of office equipment such as:
Fax Machines.
Photocopy Machines.
Printers.
Telephone systems.
Demonstrate simple computer skills including:
Ability to use NWS computer systems and software.
Ability to reboot/restart systems.
Basic troubleshooting of PC/LAN systems; identifying hardware/software problems
Return to the NWSTRN Home Page
Last reviewed or updated on 11/10/99