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Meteorologist

Do you want to become a Meteorologist? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Meteorologists study the Earth's atmosphere and how it interacts with the Earth and all forms of life. The work can be divided into two main areas: forecasting the weather by interpreting observations, and carrying out research to understand climate and the atmosphere.

• Forecasters collect data, using computers to analyse and interpret measurements. They use this analysis to produce weather forecasts, which are supplied to customers in the form of weather briefings, often represented on charts.
• Research meteorologists may study climate and causes of weather patterns and develop new methods of measuring and predicting the weather.

Many forecasters and observers work shifts and at weekends to provide a round-the-clock forecasting service. Meteorologists in research generally work normal office hours, with perhaps some extra hours.

Most meteorologists are based in offices or laboratories but some work in isolated and remote areas or on military operations, where conditions can be more basic.

New entrants earn from about £17,500. Department heads can earn up to £65,000.

Meteorologists should:

• be good at physics and applied maths, including statistics
• have good communication skills
• be skilled with ICT
• have good powers of observation, attention to detail and accuracy.
• be interested in meteorology and the environment.

The Met Office is the largest employer of meteorologists in the UK , with over 2,000 staff . Other employers include organisations like the Natural Environment Research Council and the British Antarctic Survey.

Professional meteorologists generally need a degree, preferably in meteorology, maths or physics, or a related subject, and may need postgraduate qualifications. The Met Office has no upper age limits, and welcomes mature applicants.

Most meteorologists start in the Met Office, which has its own college. All its graduate entrants attend the Foundation Training Programme, which takes around a year, followed by ongoing training and professional development.

It is possible to move between different functions in the Met Office such as research, forecasting and teaching, or to move into personnel and more commercial roles.

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