Meteorologist Job Information | National Careers Service

The work

As a meteorologist you could specialise in one of two main areas – forecasting or research.

In forecasting, you might:

• collect data from 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-range and long-range weather forecasts
• supply weather data, bulletins and reports to customers.

In research, you might:

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

At the start of your career in either area, you might observe and record the weather, produce charts and help senior staff. With experience, you would take on more complex work and present your findings at client meetings and conferences.

Hours

As a forecaster or observer, you would often work shifts to provide 24-hour cover. In research, you would work standard office hours Monday to Friday.

The work is mainly office-based and involves using technical equipment and computers. You could be posted to some isolated or remote areas, which may mean working in 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.

Income

Starting salaries for Met Office forecasters or scientists are around £20,000 a year. Experienced meteorologists could earn between £25,000 and £35,000 a year. Meteorologists with management responsibilities may earn over £50,000.

Shift allowances may be paid in some posts.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

To work in forecasting or research, you will need the following qualifications:

• a first or upper second class degree in meteorology, maths, a science or computer science
• A levels in maths and/or physics
• five GCSEs (A-C), including English.

For many meteorology research jobs, you are also likely to need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology, climatology or atmospheric sciences. You should check exact course entry requirements with colleges or universities.

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

The Met Office offers a few summer work placements each year at its headquarters, which would be a useful way of gaining relevant experience while you are studying.

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

Training and development

As a forecaster, you would mainly be trained at the Met Office college in Devon (trainees include Met Office employees and those working for other organisations). You would start with the Forecaster Foundation Training Programme, which involves:

• a six-week full-time initial training course, followed by three months' practical training at an operational weather station
• a further 14-week training course
• 20 weeks' further on-the-job training, followed by final assessment.

After your initial training, you will be able to prove your competence by working towards NVQ Level 3 in Weather Observing, and NVQ Level 4 in Weather Forecasting.

Once qualified, you are encouraged to develop your skills throughout your career. The Met Office college offers further training such as:

• the Professional Development Programme, which includes an Advanced Forecasting Course – for forecasters with two or three years' experience
• short courses in various specialist aspects of forecasting.

As a research scientist in the Met Office, you would usually start at Foundation (Graduate) Scientist level, and progress to Scientist and Senior Scientist level with experience and further in-house training.

You could also choose to take a further postgraduate qualification such as an MSc or PhD.

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

Skills and knowledge

To be a meteorologist you should have:

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

More information

Met Office
FitzRoy Road
Exeter
Devon
EX1 3PB
www.metoffice.com

Royal Meteorological Society
104 Oxford Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG1 7LL
www.rmets.org

Institute of Physics
76 Portland Place
London
W1B 1NT
www.iop.org

Opportunities

The Met Office is the largest employer of meteorologists, at its headquarters in Exeter or one of 80 branch offices in the UK and abroad. If employed in the Mobile Met Unit, you will be attached to the Royal Air Force and may be posted around the world.

You could also find opportunities with:

• the Natural Environment Research Council
• agricultural and fisheries institutes
• gas, electricity, oil and water suppliers
• environmental consultancies
• television and radio broadcasters
• universities.

Jobs may be advertised in the national press, the Met Office website and in scientific journals such as New Scientist.

• New Scientist