Overview
As Director of Surface Measurements at Texas Tech University's National Wind Institute, you will lead strategic operations and long-term vision for the West Texas Mesonet and TxDOT roadside weather station network. This leadership role combines operational oversight, stakeholder management, and technical expertise to ensure network reliability, data quality, and continuous improvement across a multi-agency weather observation system.
Job Description
Directs, plans, coordinates and supervises the operations and activities of a specialized unit or small department; develops and implements policies and procedures, administers the budget, organizes tasks and sets priorities. Serves as liaison with university personnel and community at large.
Provides leadership and strategic planning for the combined West Texas Mesonet and TxDOT roadside weather station network, including long-term vision, expansion priorities, sustainability, operational goals, and performance metrics. Administers all aspects of the TxDOT roadside weather observation project, including project planning, installation and maintenance activities, contractor and consultant oversight, compliance, sponsor reporting, timelines, and performance accountability. Manages and strengthens relationships with TxDOT, federal and state agencies, the National Weather Service, network users, sponsors, contractors, consulting engineers, landowners, and other external stakeholders.
Oversees the development, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement of automated quality assurance and quality control processes, targeted data products and streams, and web-based tools serving network users and the public. Leads and supervises technical staff and field teams responsible for weather station installation, maintenance, calibration, real-time data transmission, troubleshooting, and network reliability. Establishes operational priorities, assigns responsibilities, evaluates performance, supports employee development, and ensures personnel and resources are aligned with program objectives. Oversees budgets, project timelines, contracts, operational resources, and sponsor requirements.
Leads proposal development and external funding efforts to support network operations, research, infrastructure improvements, expansion, and related initiatives. Ensures operational reliability and continuity of the observing network, including coordination with IT and cloud architecture personnel regarding data systems, cybersecurity, data storage, and product delivery. Evaluates current and emerging technologies related to meteorological instrumentation, communications systems, data acquisition, cloud computing, automated quality control, and public-facing data delivery.
Requires Master's degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, Engineering, Computer Science, or closely related field, plus at least six years of progressively responsible management or leadership experience in weather observation network operations or environmental monitoring. Strong understanding of meteorological instrumentation, automated QC, data systems, and stakeholder engagement required. Must be eligible to drive TTU vehicles with valid US driver's license.
Located at the National Wind Institute in Lubbock, TX.