Vacancy: Physical Oceanographer – Wave Modeller

We are currently seeking a talented SWAN Modeller to join our Research and Development team. MetOcean Solutions is a science-based consultancy and forecast supplier providing specialist numerical modelling and analytical solutions in meteorology and oceanography.  

As a division of New Zealand’s MetService, MetOcean has the mission to provide accurate and timely national operational ocean forecasts. With offices across New Zealand (Auckland, New Plymouth, Raglan, and Wellington) and in Sydney, Australia (MetraWeather) our international team works on projects and data analysis world-wide. 

We passionately believe in rigorous scientific method and in applying the latest information technology to data services. With scientific integrity and positive public perception in its core values, MetOcean occupies several niche marine consultancy and service roles and has a rapidly growing forecast and hindcast sector.

We are seeking a self-starter to research and deliver regional wave modelling innovations that align with planned benefits and impact for New Zealand. You will also develop and maintain our SWAN model simulations and participate in the integration of the model improvements and developments into the operational forecast system.

Our employees enjoy an open-office, upbeat culture within a coastal town environment in the North Island of New Zealand. This position would be primarily based in Raglan. Raglan is a small beach side town on the West Coast, just a short drive west of Hamilton or a two-hour drive south of Auckland. It is known for its world-class surf, stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and inspiring arts.

Our company promotes a positive working environment to achieve our shared goals, supported by flexible hours to ensure a healthy work-life balance. We encourage our people to bring fresh ideas to the table, rise to any challenge, and remain passionate about our products and the company mission.

This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a growing environment with an interesting and challenging mix of applied research, science and technology. We love to hear from you, if you have a post-graduate qualification (minimum of PhD.) in a relevant physical science or related field and advanced skills in numerical wave modelling using SWAN.

To apply, you must have the following skills and experience:

• A postgraduate qualification (PhD. level) in a relevant physical science

• Expert knowledge of wave modelling, with the SWAN model

• An understanding of ocean and coastal wave physics and dynamics

• Experience analysing and critically assessing oceanographic model data

• Experience working with, and organising, large geophysical datasets

• General programming ability, including proficiency in Python

• Experience working in a Linux HPC environment

• Experience with data analysis and software development related to the forecasting and hindcasting of MetOcean environmental conditions

• Strong technical and scientific report writing skills in English, with the ability to communicate complex science to a range of audiences

• High level of attention to detail

• Effective decision-making skills

• Methodical and logical approach to problem solving

• An ability to prioritise tasks and manage projects in a timely fashion

Desirable:

• At least 5-year industry work experience

• Experience with other wave models, with emphasis on coastal wave modelling (e.g.,WW3, SWASH, XBEACH)

• Experience running long term model hindcasts in a Linux cluster environment

• Experience in working in an operational forecasting Linux cluster environment

• Wave model code development

• Experience interacting with databases

• Experience in working in a DevOps environment

• Experience with Matlab, Fortran and LaTeX

• Experience working with Docker

• Experience working with observational data is a plus

• Experience with operational oceanography is a plus

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Applications close: Tuesday, 6 September 2022

Apply now at MetService Careers or contact recruitment@metservice.com for more information.

MetService is a member of Diversity Works NZ.