Table of Contents Show
Company: South African Weather Service
Location: South Africa
Closing Date: 29 October 2026
Are you passionate about atmospheric sciences and looking to make a meaningful impact in a vital scientific sector? The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has officially announced a career opportunity for a qualified professional to join their team as a Forecaster in 2026. This role places you at the forefront of weather monitoring, climate services, and aviation forecasting, ensuring public safety and economic growth across the region. If you hold the required meteorological qualifications and want to work at Bram Fischer International Airport, this comprehensive guide provides all the details you need to submit a successful application before the closing date.
Company Overview: About the South African Weather Service (SAWS)
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is a Section 3(a) public entity operating under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) and is governed by a Board. As the authoritative voice for weather and climate-related services in South Africa, SAWS is a proud member of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), fulfilling critical international obligations on behalf of the government.
SAWS strives to be a premier Weather and Climate Centre of Excellence, delivering innovative solutions that support a weather-smart region, sustainable development, and economic growth. Working at SAWS means joining an organization committed to scientific excellence, continuous learning, and public service.
Job Overview
The official job posting outlines the core details of the position:
- Job Title: Forecaster
- Paterson Grade: C4
- Reference Number: WS03/102026 (Record Reference: HCM-ADVERT-FC-WS03/102026)
- Centre: Bloemfontein (Bram Fischer International Airport)
- Employer: South African Weather Service (SAWS)
Job Purpose
The Forecaster is primarily responsible for monitoring atmospheric conditions and issuing accurate weather forecasts. By fulfilling this mandate, the incumbent ensures the delivery of specialized forecasting services that support vital sectors. These services include aviation forecasting, assistance to local disaster management structures, agricultural forecasting, sports and recreation support, marine industry updates, and customized forecasts for any industry requiring specialized meteorological insights from time to time.
Key Responsibilities
The role encompasses several key performance areas designed to maintain high standards of service delivery, safety, and operational excellence:
Products, Service Delivery, and Infrastructure Maintenance
- Generate and quality-control aviation-specific forecasts, including severe weather warnings.
- Analyze and evaluate forecast and warning services continuously.
- Supervise the execution of METAR, SPECI, and SYNOP coded meteorological observations.
- Approve and initiate requests for additional Upper Air Ascents as part of performing upper-air observations.
Innovation, Process Improvement, and Revenue Generation
- Generate and quality-control commercial-specific forecasts where applicable.
- Review Total Quality Management (TQM) processes and suggest actionable improvements.
- Assist with the analysis of data and records to drive continual operational improvement.
Administration, Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Maintain updated competencies, such as Aeronautical Meteorological Forecaster (AMF) competency.
- Promote the SAWS Quality Policy and integrate it into daily activities within the office or unit.
- Ensure strict adherence to relevant policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and business continuity plans.
- Provide assistance during internal and external audits of the office or unit as required.
- Participate actively in the work environment to meet Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislative requirements.
- Perform routine office administration tasks, including lodging claims, processing leave, managing overtime, handling transport administration, compiling periodic reports, and administering office registers.
People, Culture, and Values
- Attend and provide training sessions as and when required.
- Share knowledge and skills with appropriate stakeholders to promote SAWS as a learning organization.
- Conduct meteorological-related case studies and scientific research.
Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate closely with the Airport Management Centre when issuing severe weather warnings.
- Liaise directly with clients to ascertain specific requirements and ensure excellence in service provision.
- Communicate forecasts effectively to all relevant stakeholders.
- Represent SAWS in meetings with stakeholders as instructed or requested.
- Promote awareness of SAWS products and services across all stakeholder groups.
- Support staff involved in exhibiting SAWS products and services at dedicated client contact events, including exhibitions, corporate events, workshops, conventions, and expos.
Minimum Requirements and Attributes
To be considered for this professional meteorological position, applicants must meet the following mandatory educational and competency standards:
- BSc degree in Meteorology (with Honours) or an equivalent qualification.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Weather Forecasting.
- Compliance with World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Basic Instruction Package for Meteorologists (BIP-M) requirements.
- Compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and WMO competency requirements.
Preferred Skills
The official advertisement does not list separate preferred skills beyond the mandatory minimum educational requirements and professional competencies. Candidates possessing advanced operational experience in aviation forecasting or specialized meteorological research will be well-positioned for success.
Salary and Benefits
- TCTC Salary Range: R 379 952 to R 560 478 per annum.
- Additional Benefits: Specific medical aid, pension, or allowance details are not disclosed in the official advertisement.
Location
- Centre: Bloemfontein, operating from Bram Fischer International Airport, South Africa.
Employment Type
- Employment Type: Permanent / Standard Employment (Employment Equity position).
Closing Date
- Closing Date: 29 October 2026. Applicants must ensure their submissions are completed before this deadline.
Required Documents
To apply for the Forecaster vacancy, candidates must prepare and upload the following documentation:
- A comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV).
- Certified copies of academic qualifications.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps to submit your job application successfully:
- Visit the official South African Weather Service careers portal at https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies.
- Register as a user on the website using your personal details.
- Locate the Forecaster vacancy associated with reference number WS03/102026.
- Upload your comprehensive CV along with certified copies of your qualifications.
- Complete the online submission process before the closing date of 29 October 2026.
Important Notes
- Recruitment agency applicant submissions will not be considered.
- This is an Employment Equity (EE) position. In line with SAWS EE targets and preference guidelines, priority will be given to people living with disabilities, as well as African, Coloured, and Indian females, and African and Indian males.
- Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.
- If you have not been contacted within 3 months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- The organization reserves the right not to fill this position.
- For enquiries regarding the position, contact Mr. Denny Maluleke via telephone at (012) 367 6091.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the closing date for the SAWS Forecaster job in 2026?
The closing date for applications is 29 October 2026.
What salary does a SAWS Forecaster receive?
The Total Cost to Company (TCTC) salary range is R 379 952 to R 560 478 per annum.
Where is the job located?
The position is based in Bloemfontein at the Bram Fischer International Airport.
What qualifications are required to apply?
Applicants must hold a BSc in Meteorology (with Honours) or equivalent, a Postgraduate Diploma in Weather Forecasting, and meet WMO BIP-M and ICAO/WMO competency requirements.
How do I submit my application?
You must register as a user on the SAWS website at https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/vacancies and upload your comprehensive CV and certified qualification copies.
Who should I contact for job enquiries?
Enquiries can be directed to Mr. Denny Maluleke at (012) 367 6091.
Conclusion
The Forecaster position at the South African Weather Service in Bloemfontein offers a remarkable career path for qualified meteorological professionals looking to contribute to aviation safety, disaster management, and climate research in South Africa. With a competitive salary range and a clear mandate of excellence, this role provides an ideal platform to advance your scientific career. Ensure you meet all minimum requirements, gather your certified documents, and complete your application via the SAWS portal prior to the 29 October 2026 deadline.
