Training Need: NWS field staff is responsible for providing the observations that constitute the backbone of the national climate database and climate services. To have maximum value, these observations must conform to certain established standards. Field staff needs to understand that sufficient documentation, data continuity and quality, and minimal data gaps and errors play a critical role in supporting a wide range of climate data applications.

Training Objective: NWS field staff needs to understand that accurate, consistent, timely, quality controlled and well documented climate observations form the foundation for NOAA's basic mission as the nation's steward of environmental data. The data form the principal NWS legacy to future generations and deserve the attention appropriate to that responsibility.

Specific Job Task Skills and Knowledge

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the need to provide quality controlled climate observations and factors, which can affect the data accuracy and continuity, and the need to distribute the data in a timely manner. Demonstrate knowledge of the "Ten Guidelines for Climate Monitoring" recommended by NOAA so that NWS personnel can manage the observing network with these principles.

2. Demonstrate knowledge of the factors in the vicinity of an instrument that affect the measurements it makes, and of the effects of observational practices on the types of biases they can introduce into climate records.