NWI Technician - Mesonet

46306BR

Position Description:

The NWI Technician plays a key role in the installation, maintenance, and technical troubleshooting of Mesonet (weather) stations, rain gauges and radar stations across the region. This position requires strong technical skills, the ability to work independently in the field, and effective communication with landowners and project stakeholders. The technician ensures that environmental data streams remain accurate, timely, and reliable, directly supporting critical weather monitoring and research operations.

About the University:

Founded in 1923, Texas Tech University began with a mission to serve the needs of West Texas, but its impact has always reached far beyond. Today, Texas Tech, located in Lubbock (pop. 300,000+), is home to a vibrant community of more than 42,000 students.Texas Tech's 1,800-acre campus showcases Spanish Renaissance architecture and is home to one of the country's largest public art collections. Its 13 colleges include a prestigious School of Law and a distinguished School of Veterinary Medicine. These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their respective fields. Built on the values of West Texas — hard work, grit and authenticity — the university graduates students who are deeply engaged in service to their communities and well-positioned to succeed in the world. Texas Tech is committed to achieving research and scholarly accomplishments that compare favorably to the member institutions of the Association of American Universities (AAU). For more than 100 years, Texas Tech has been a premier destination for those seeking a world-class education and a unique, personalized experience as a member of the Red Raider family.

About the Department and/or College:

Mission Statement

The National Wind Institute's (NWI) mission is to serve as Texas Tech University's (TTU) intellectual hub for interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary education, research, and commercialization related to wind science, wind energy, wind engineering and wind hazard mitigation. The Institute will support Texas Tech faculty and students, and external partners involved in these activities and other peripheral areas of interest.

The program is to provide students with the broad education necessary to pursue research and solve problems related to the detrimental effects of windstorms and to learn to take advantage of the beneficial effects of wind.

Vision Statement

The vision of NWI is to educate the next generation of wind workforce and researchers; stimulate discovery and innovation; provide and implement solutions to wind-related problems and establish multi-dimensional relationships within the wind field.

https://www.depts.ttu.edu/nwi/

Major/Essential Functions:

• Drive to Mesonet or roadside weather stations.

• Load and unload supplies from truck / trailer.

• Oversee maintenance on TTU / WTM vehicle (oil changes, repairs, tires, etc.)

• Help with installation of new Mesonet and roadside weather stations.

• Independently conduct maintenance of existing Mesonet and roadside weather stations.

• Troubleshooting station electronics including data acquisition, sensor, power supplies, regulators, communications, etc.

• Review data streams and associated graphs and tables to identify issues.

• Work with landowners to coordinate visits, installations, maintenance, future installations.

• Other project support as determined by the NWI Senior Director or West Texas Mesonet Operations

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work independently in the field in various conditions to maintain Mesonet weather stations.

• Ability to drive long distances in a safe manner

• Strong organizational skillset with a proven ability to plan and manage activities independently, with minimal guidance.

• Strong verbal and written communication skillset.

• Tolerance for long workdays (>8 hours).

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree with 1 to 3 years of experience in field-based technical work. Additional experience, instead of education, can be considered on a year-for-year basis.

This position requires eligibility to drive TTU vehicles, including a valid U.S. driver license and two years of driving experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.

• Basic knowledge of data acquisition and sensor systems.

• Basic knowledge of computer systems.

Safety Information:

Adherence to robust safety practices and compliance with all applicable health and safety regulations are responsibilities of all TTU employees.

Does this position work in a research laboratory?:

No

Required Attachments:

Cover Letter, Resume / CV

Optional Attachments:

Professional/Personal Reference, Recommendation/Referral, Other Documents Supporting Qualifications

Job Type:

Full Time

Pay Basis:

Hourly

Job Family:

Research

Job Sub Family:

Laboratory Support

Hourly Pay Range:

$23.08 - $30.63 - $37.69

Pay Statement:

Compensation is commensurate upon the qualifications of the individual selected and budgetary guidelines of the hiring department, as well as the institutional pay plan.

Travel Required:

Up to 100%

Shift:

Day

Schedule Details:

M-F; 7am - 4pm. Longer hours required depending on daily job function.

Grant Funded?:

Yes

EEO Statement:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or status as a protected veteran.