meteorologist

The work

Meteorologists study the earth's atmosphere, climate and weather. They collect and interpret data to make short- and long-range weather forecasts for use by all kinds of industries including agriculture, aviation, the armed forces and the media.

The work falls into two main types:

• forecasting
• research.

Forecasting meteorologists:

• collect data by satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world
• measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity
• apply computer models and scientific principles to make short- and long-range weather forecasts
• supply weather data, bulletins and reports to customers.

Research meteorologists may:

• investigate weather patterns and climate change
• develop and improve computer forecasting models
• apply research findings to practical problems such as predicting floods or the weather affects pollution or the spread of disease.

Meteorologists may begin by observing and recording weather data, producing codes and charts and helping more senior staff. More experienced meteorologists do more complex work and present their work to clients and at conferences.

Hours and Environment

As a research meteorologist you will usually work 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. As a forecaster or observer, you will often work shifts to provide 24-hour cover.

Work is mainly office-based and involves using technical equipment and computers. Some postings to isolated or remote areas may mean more basic conditions.

You may sometimes travel to attend conferences in the UK and overseas. Depending on your employer, you may be sent abroad to work.

Skills and Interests

To be a meteorologist you should:

• have excellent mathematical and computing skills
• have good spoken and written communication skills
• have a methodical approach to work
• be able to analyse complex data
• have an enquiring nature
• have good problem-solving skills
• be interested in science and the environment
• work well as part of a team.

Entry

To work in forecasting or research, you will need:

• a first or upper second class degree in meteorology, maths, physics, or a related subject such as environmental science, computer science or electronics; and
• A levels/H grades in maths and/or physics; and
• 5 GCSEs(A-C)/S grades (1-3), including English.

Please check with colleges or universities for degree entry requirements.

For some Met Office support meteorologist jobs you may not need a degree, but you must have at least 2 A levels/H grades at grade C or above, including maths and/or physics, plus five GCSEs (A-C)S grades (1-3) including English.

The Met Office offers a few summer work placements each year at its headquarters.

For many meteorology research jobs, you are also likely to need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology, climatology or atmospheric sciences.

See the Royal Meteorological Society's website for a list of meteorology-related degrees and postgraduate courses in British universities.

Training

As a forecaster, you will mainly be trained at the Met Office's college in Devon (trainees include Met Office employees and those working for other organisations.

You will usually begin with the Forecaster Foundation Training Programme, which involves:

• the Initial Forecasting Course, which lasts 18 weeks full-time
• six months' practical training at an operational weather station, usually an RAF base or weather centre.

You can also work towards the following NVQs/SVQs:

• Level 3 in Weather Observing
• Level 4 in Weather Forecasting.

As a meteorologist, you are encouraged to continue studying throughout your career. The Met Office college offers further training such as:

• the Professional Development Programme and Advanced Forecasting Course - for forecasters with two or three years' experience
• short courses in various specialist aspects of forecasting.

You may also be able to further your skills by taking courses in programming, mathematical modelling, graphics or presentation skills.

When you have at least five years' relevant experience, you could become a Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) of the Royal Meteorological Society. Please see their website for more details.

Opportunities

Most of Britain's meteorologists work for the Met Office at its headquarters in Exeter or one of 80 branch offices in the UK and abroad. Staff employed in the Mobile Met Unit are attached to the Royal Air Force, and may be posted around the world on military exercises and operations.

Other employers include:

• the Natural Environment Research Council's oceanographic and hydrological institutes
• the British Antarctic Survey
• agricultural and fisheries institutes
• gas, electricity, oil and water suppliers
• environmental consultancies
• broadcasters
• universities.

Larger employers like the Met Office have a promotion structure and opportunities to work in various roles, from research, forecasting and teaching to management. Meteorologists might have to move to gain promotion.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries for recent graduates may be between £17,000 and £21,000 a year.
Experienced meteorologists could earn between £30,000 and £35,000 a year.
Meteorologists with management responsibilities may earn over £50,000.

Shift allowances may be paid in some posts.

Further information

104 Oxford Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 7LL 76 Portland Place
London
W1B 1NT FitzRoy Road
Exeter
Devon
EX1 3PB

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