4.NWS Gray SKYWARN Roles

4. SKYWARN Roles

1. SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator
   

   1. Amateur Radio Coordinator Job Description

   2. Amateur Radio Coordinator Position Qualifications

   3. Selection of the Amateur Radio Coordinator

   4. Duties of the Amateur Radio Coordinator

2. Assistant SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator
   

   1. Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator Position Qualifications

   2. Selection of the Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator

   3. Duties of the Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator

3. Area Managers
   

   1. Area Manager Job Description

   2. Area Manager Position Qualifications

   3. Selection of the Area Managers

   4. Duties of Area Manager

4. Net Managers
   

   1. Net Manager Job Description

   2. Net Manager Position Qualifications

   3. Selection of Net Managers

   4. Duties of the Net Manager

5. Net Control Operator
   

   1. Net Control Operator Job Description

   2. Net Control Operator Position Qualifications

   3. Net Control Operator Station Requirements

   4. Selection of Net Control Operators

   5. Duties of the Net Control Operator

   6. Activity Evaluation and Classification

   7. Mix of Regular vs. Reserve NCO’s

6. Responder
   

   1. Position Description

   2. Position Qualifications

   3. Selection of Responders

   4. Duties of the Responder

   5. Substitution with Net Controllers and Area Managers

4. SKYWARN Roles

4.1. SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator

4.1.1. Amateur Radio Coordinator Job Description

The Amateur Radio Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of the operation of the amateur radio team and its relationship between the team and both the National Weather Service and various outside organizations.

The coordinator should be a trained SKYWARN amateur radio volunteer. He/she is expected to provide technical expertise and assistance to the SKYWARN Program Manager. The coordinator is expected to effectively coordinate SKYWARN efforts over a multi-state area with a wide variety of radio clubs, groups and organizations. He/she should be easily accessible at all times and be willing to devote time and effort to this important cause. The coordinator should, ideally, live within reasonable commuting distance of the NWS WFO Gray. This person should have an interest in the SKYWARN program and be able to work well with the NWS SKYWARN Program Manager and other NWS staff.

4.1.2. Amateur Radio Coordinator Position Qualifications

To be eligible to serve as the Amateur Radio Coordinator, the candidate must meet the following criteria:

1. Must meet all Net Control Operator Position Qualifications as specified on page 14 of this manual.

2. Must possess a valid General Class or higher amateur radio license.

3. Must possess and maintain valid SKYWARN Spotter training from the NWS Gray WFO.

4. Must be willing and able to respond to the WFO for SKYWARN activations and other administrative tasks as needed.

5. Must be willing and able to attend Spotter training events and provide outreach services across the entire CWA throughout the year.

6. Must have strong communication and leadership skills. A professional background in a supervisory or management role is preferred.

7. Must not be serving in a leadership or supervisory role with any other emergency communications organization (for example, ARES/RACES, Red Cross, etc).

8. Must have reliable access to the Internet and all potential frequencies and modes of communication (such as VHF FM, HF SSB, DMR & Winlink).

9. Is recommended to have completed FEMA IS.100, IS.200, IS.700, and IS.800 ICS/NIMS training.

Additional qualifying conditions may be imposed by the SKYWARN Program Manager.

4.1.3. Selection of the Amateur Radio Coordinator

The Amateur Radio Coordinator is an elected position and may serve as long as he/she is willing to volunteer. As the served agency, the National Weather Service will be responsible for approving any Coordinator elected by the team. In the event that the Coordinator position is left vacant, the NWS Program Manager may ask the remaining members of the SKYWARN Leadership Team to assist with suggestions or nominations for the position.

4.1.4. Duties of the Amateur Radio Coordinator

The basic duties of the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator are as follows:

1. Serve as a SKYWARN Spotter and attend training classes whenever possible. Attendance of Spotter training classes is intended both to solidify personal training as a Spotter and also to provide representation for the amateur radio team. The Amateur Radio Coordinator should take a few minutes during each class to speak to the amateur radio operators and prospective hams in the room about the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Support Team, including amateur radio's role in SKYWARN and how to get involved personally.

2. Work with Area Managers in the organization and operation of the SKYWARN network, including the recruitment and training of Responders, Net Control Operators, and Spotters.

3. Assist the NWS SKYWARN Program Manager as a technical expert on amateur radio matters.

4. Ensure that Area Managers and/or Responders are on call at all times to receive the activation call from the National Weather Service.

5. Ensure that Responders are dispatched to the National Weather Service when needed or requested by NWS staff.

6. Assist in the creation and maintenance of the SKYWARN Operations Manual.

7. Coordinate simple and effective procedures for communication between the WFO and the local SKYWARN nets through the use of the most effective frequencies and modes.

8. Coordinate SKYWARN activities with ARES/RACES and other amateur radio and government groups and agencies to best fulfill the goals of the NWS SKYWARN program.

9. Maintain the SKYWARN Radio Desk and assist in the acquisition of new equipment when necessary. See WX1GYX Equipment Maintenance on page 43.

10. Coordinate with SKYWARN nets in adjacent CWA's to establish backup procedures and to share ideas and strategies.

11. Coordinate, attend, and participate in SKYWARN Leadership meetings/calls.

12. Issue SKYWARN Risk Assessment Bulletins or other communications to keep all team members abreast of important weather conditions which may impact the team throughout the next 24 to 36 hours. These bulletins are covered in “6.2.3. SKYWARN Risk Assessments" on page 25. The SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator may also delegate this task to an Assistant Coordinator or Area Manager.

4.2. Assistant SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator

The Assistant SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator is responsible for assisting with all aspects of the operation of the amateur radio team and its relationship between the team and both the National Weather Service and various outside organizations.

The assistant coordinator should be a trained SKYWARN amateur radio volunteer. He/she is expected to assist the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator as directed. He/she should be easily accessible at all times and be willing to devote time and effort to this important cause. The assistant coordinator should, ideally, live within reasonable commuting distance of the NWS WFO Gray. This person should have an interest in the SKYWARN program and be able to work well with the NWS SKYWARN Program Manager and other NWS staff. He/she shall assume all duties of the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator in his/her absence.

4.2.1. Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator Position Qualifications

To be eligible to serve as the Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator, the candidate must meet all the qualifications required of the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator.

4.2.2. Selection of the Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator

The Amateur Radio Coordinator is an elected position and may serve as long as he/she is willing to volunteer. As the served agency, the National Weather Service will be responsible for approving any Coordinator elected by the team. In the event that the Amateur Radio Coordinator position is left vacant, the NWS Program Manager may ask the remaining members of the SKYWARN Leadership Team to assist with suggestions or nominations for the position.

4.2.3. Duties of the Assistant Amateur Radio Coordinator

The duties of the Assistant SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator are to serve as an advisor to the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator, and to assist as requested, with any of the duties and/or functions required of the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator.

4.3. Area Managers

4.3.1. Area Manager Job Description

The Area Manager is responsible for all local SKYWARN operations within his or her assigned Operating Area. From time to time, an Area Manager may be asked to help with activities in another Operating Area or at the WFO, and an Area Manager may be assigned to more than one Operating Area.

4.3.2. Area Manager Position Qualifications

To be eligible to serve as Area Manager, the following basic conditions must be met by the candidate:

1. Must meet all Net Control Operator Position Qualifications as specified on page 14 of this manual.

2. Must possess and maintain valid SKYWARN Spotter training from the Gray WFO.

3. Must be willing and able to periodically travel to the Gray WFO for administrative tasks as needed.

4. Must be willing and able to attend Spotter training events and provide outreach services across the assigned Operating Area throughout the year.

5. Must have strong communication and leadership skills. A professional background in a supervisory or management role is preferred.

6. Must not be serving in a leadership or supervisory role with any other emergency communications organization (for example, ARES/RACES, Red Cross, etc.) where such involvement may adversely impact the ability to adequately serve SKYWARN during activations. Exceptions may be made for short-term/interim appointments expected to last 6 months or less.

7. Must have reliable access to the Internet and all potential frequencies and modes of communication (such as VHF FM, HF SSB, DMR & Winlink).

4.3.3. Selection of the Area Manager

The SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator may appoint, in consultation with the team, one or more Area Managers to assist him in his role as Coordinator. It is generally preferred to maintain a ratio of one Area Manager per Operating Area except in the case of newly formed Operating Areas or the promotion of a new Area Manager, in which case an additional, seasoned Area Manager may be assigned.

4.3.4. Duties of the Area Manager

The Area Manager's duties are similar to those of the Coordinator, but the focus is more local. In the NWS Gray SKYWARN program, each Area Manager will generally be responsible for a single Operating Area and will focus on the recruiting, training, and activation of qualified Net Control Operators for his individual territory.

The Area Manager is expected to attend as many local NWS SKYWARN Spotter training classes as possible and engage in other community service, public relations, or program awareness activities at the local level. This may include periodic SKYWARN outreach presentations to local clubs.

Additionally, forming and maintaining operating agreements with local repeater operators within each Operating Area are the responsibility of the Area Manager. The duties of the Amateur Radio Coordinator may periodically be delegated to one or more Area Managers.

4.4. Net Managers

4.4.1. Net Manager Job Description

A Net Manager may be appointed to oversee a local Subnet. The Net Manager is responsible for ensuring the Subnet activates and operates as needed for severe weather events and provides coordination of Net Control Operator resources between the Subnet and the Primary Net.

4.4.2. Net Manager Position Qualifications

The Net Manager shall meet all of the Net Control Operator Position Qualifications specified on page 14. Additionally, the Net Manager shall possess the communication capabilities required for the operation of his/her designated net and should have the basic leadership capabilities required to properly manage the Net Control Station resources assigned to his/her net.

4.4.3. Selection of Net Managers

Area Managers are responsible for selection of Net Managers serving a Subnet within their assigned Operating Area(s) and may freely add or remove Net Managers as desired. The Amateur Radio Coordinator may also directly add or remove Net Managers for a local Subnet as needed.

4.4.4. Duties of the Net Manager

The Net Manager shall:

1. Use existing Net Control Operators to staff his Subnet after the Primary Net is properly staffed.

2. Coordinate the relay of reports from the Subnet to either the Primary Net or the National Weather Service as may be necessary during a communications or systems outage.

3. Work with the Area Manager to address staffing deficiencies and other operational challenges.

4. The HF Net Manager reports directly to the Amateur Radio Coordinator instead of an Area Manager.

4.5. Net Control Operator

4.5.1. Net Control Operator Job Description

The Net Control Operator (NCO) is the most critical position in any SKYWARN activation. It is a role that challenges all of an amateur radio operator's communications and technical skills. It is also an extremely responsible position in that the safety of lives and property may rest on the amateur's skills. Although this role is challenging, with proper training and experience, it can also be extremely rewarding when a net is run effectively.

The Reserve Net Control Operator (Reserve NCO) position is available to persons interested in serving as a SKYWARN Net Control Operator on a less frequent basis. Individuals with availability restrictions or other commitments which limit their ability to serve SKYWARN may join as a Reserve NCO. Additionally, regular NCO's who have not participated in SKYWARN activations for an extended period of time may be reclassified as a Reserve NCO.

4.5.2. Net Control Operator Position Qualifications

To serve as a Net Control Operator the following criteria must be met:

1. Must possess a valid Technician Class or higher amateur radio license. A General Class license or higher is preferred, especially in situations where the Net Control Operator may be required to communicate with WX1GYX or other EMCOMM entities via HF.

2. Must maintain valid SKYWARN Spotter training from the NWS Gray WFO, or obtain this training within 90 days of joining the team.

3. Must attend and complete a SKYWARN Net Control Operator training course prior to enlisting as a member and must attend refresher training at least once every three years or as otherwise directed.

4. Must have a computer and Internet access for logging and relaying of reports. Shortterm backup power for the computer and Internet connectivity is preferred. Must be reasonably comfortable with the operation of the computer, including web browser, basic productivity software, and e-mail.

5. Must possess and maintain sufficient communications equipment to be able to reliably operate the primary SKYWARN net (see Station Requirements, below).

6. Must have excellent organization and communications skills. Past experience as a Net Control for any EMCOMM organization is preferred but not required.

7. Must have a cell phone for notification purposes; mobile e-mail capability is highly recommended.

8. Must have a working NOAA Weather Radio receiver; SAME capability is recommended.

All of the preceding criteria also apply to Reserve Net Control Operators, except:

1. Must attend and complete a SKYWARN Net Control Operator training annually unless minimum participation expectations are met.

If a Reserve NCO logs at least one report during a SKYWARN activation in the course of a calendar year, the mandatory 1-year recertification requirement will usually be waived. The Reserve NCO may opt to take the 1-year recertification training, and is encouraged to do so, but it will not usually be required. In any event, the Area Manager may choose to require more frequent training of any NCO, including a Reserve NCO, based on performance or other needs.

4.5.3. Net Control Operator Station Requirements

It is essential that the Net Control Operator's station meet minimum design and performance standards to ensure reliability and continued service in adverse operating conditions.

1. The station must be able to reliably access the primary SKYWARN repeater and at least one backup repeater within the Operating Area. In most areas, this requires only a 2-meter radio.

2. The station must be equipped with backup power capable of sustaining continuous net operation for a period of at least three hours. This backup power may be any combination of battery, generator, or alternative energy source. Local amateur radio clubs can prove an invaluable tool in designing and implementing a proper backup power system. Prospective Net Control Operators are encouraged to reach out to other amateurs for assistance with their backup power system if building one from scratch to support SKYWARN.

Reserve NCO station requirements are the same, except:

1. Backup power requirements are waived.

All other regular NCO station requirements remain in place for Reserve NCO's.

4.5.4. Selection of Net Control Operators

Net Control Operators are recruited from among the general amateur radio population and are not specifically selected or appointed by SKYWARN leadership. Any interested amateur who qualifies and completes the required training may participate as a Net Control Operator.

4.5.5. Duties of the Net Control Operator

The Net Control Operator is responsible for:

1. Operating the SKYWARN Net in accordance with prescribed operating procedure.

2. Managing net check-ins and check-outs and maintaining a list of stations currently checked in.

3. Appropriately managing the flow of traffic on the repeater during both informal and directed nets.

4. Exercising good judgment in the transition to and from a directed net as required based on traffic flow and current warnings.

5. Logging all reports received, regardless of whether the reports meet Reporting Criteria.

6. Relaying those reports which meet Reporting Criteria to the National Weather Service.

7. Executing requests for reports from specific areas as may be received from NWS employees, Area Managers, or other channels.

8. Constructively and creatively working alongside other nets which may be active on the same frequency at the same time during large-scale or high-impact events, for example, ARES nets.

9. Ensuring the frequency remains clear for regular amateur radio use during informal nets and that the frequency remains clear for SKYWARN traffic during directed nets.

10. Disseminating new watches, warnings, advisories, and statements over the air and periodically providing a recap of existing products.

11. Handling other incidental emergency traffic as may occur from time to time. Net Control Operators are truly on the front lines of the SKYWARN program and are expected to conduct their nets in a professional and courteous manner at all times.

4.5.6. Activity Evaluation and Classification

Net Control Operators are expected to regularly volunteer to serve as Net Control for SKYWARN activations. This includes periodically operating as a primary Net Control, logging reports from Spotters. Net Control Operator activity will be evaluated based on the number of reports logged and number of days active in the previous 18 months.

Net Control Operators who do not log at least one report in a rolling 18-month period will be systematically reclassified as a Reserve NCO and will be subject to the training requirements applicable to that position.

Reserve NCO's wishing to be moved to regular NCO status can request this change through their Area Manager.

4.5.7. Mix of Regular vs. Reserve NCO's

Area Managers should maintain a minimum of 3 regular NCO's and 3 Reserve NCO's to ensure adequate staffing levels are available. Aside from the minimum headcount, there is no required ratio of regular to Reserve NCO's.

4.6. Responder

4.6.1. Position Description

The Responder is a specially-trained operator who staffs the SKYWARN Radio Desk inside the NWS Gray WFO.

4.6.2. Position Qualifications

To serve as a Responder the following criteria must be met:

1. Must meet all Net Control Operator Position Qualifications as specified on page 14 of this manual.

2. Must possess a valid General Class or higher amateur radio license.

3. Must maintain valid SKYWARN Spotter training from the NWS Gray WFO.

4. Must be willing to travel to the WFO for SKYWARN activations, which may occur on very short notice and may run anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days.

5. Must possess the skills necessary to work with a number of Net Control Operators, Area Managers, and NWS employees.

6. Must be familiar with standard VHF, DMR, and HF net operating procedures.

7. Must be familiar with Winlink messaging functions.

8. Is recommended to have completed FEMA IS.100, IS.200, IS.700, and IS.800 training.

4.6.3. Selection of Responders

SKYWARN Responders are selected by the SKYWARN Amateur Radio Coordinator and the Area Managers. Responders are selected on the basis of their availability to operate the NWS Radio Desk and their individual experience and other qualifications.

Any Net Control Operator who is interested in becoming a Responder should contact the Amateur Radio Coordinator.

4.6.4. Duties of the Responder

The Responder is responsible for:

1. Being readily available to report to the WFO on short notice within his or her specified availability.

2. Effectively moving reports and radio traffic between the individual SKYWARN nets and the WFO.

3. Exercising good judgment in the utilization of repeater linking technologies and remote bases which the SKYWARN program has received specific authorization to use.

4. Serving as an on-air interface between the WFO and various emergency service organizations which may be active during large-scale and high-impact weather events.

5. Periodically running individual SKYWARN nets in the absence of a Net Control Operator.

6. Efficiently working alongside the NWS employees at the WFO in the movement of reports and requests for reports between the WFO and SKYWARN nets.

To the NWS employees in the WFO, Responders are the “faces” of amateur radio. All Responders are required to maintain a professional appearance and attitude, treat the NWS employees and other SKYWARN volunteers with respect and courtesy, and continuously maintain a high standard of conduct when present in the WFO. Any misconduct on the part of a Responder may result in immediate discharge from the WFO and the SKYWARN program.

4.6.5. Substitution with Net Controllers and Area Managers

In extreme circumstances when no Responder is available to operate the SKYWARN Radio Desk, one or more Net Control Operators and/or Area Managers who otherwise possess the necessary license class and experience may be dispatched to the WFO to serve in the Responder role.