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Meteorology – and Your Career

What is meteorology? Meteorology is the study of weather and weather forecasting. Military operations such as troop movements, airplane flights, missile launches, and ship movements rely on accurate weather information.

What do meteorologists do? Accurate weather forecasts can save lives and equipment in military operations. Meteorologists study weather conditions and prepare current and long range weather forecasts. You begin your career directing data collection and interpreting weather maps, observation data, and satellite information. As you gain leadership and forecasting skills, you will serve in positions of increasing responsibility. As a meteorologist, you also supervise enlisted weather observers. Weather observers collect information about weather and sea conditions for use by meteorologists. They make visual observations and take readings from weather equipment, radar scans, and satellite photographs.

Where do meteorologists work? Most meteorology officers work in weather stations or weather support units at military bases in the U.S. and overseas. Some work in global weather centers. Others work in command and control centers aboard ships at sea. Civilian meteorologists work for government agencies, radio and television stations, and airlines. They perform duties similar to those performed by military meteorologists.

What are the typical working conditions for meteorologists? Meteorologists usually work in weather stations or operations centers where weather information can be collected, analyzed, and plotted using computers. These stations and centers are either on land or aboard ships. They work outdoors when making visual weather observations.

How do I find a job in meteorology? The military services have about 6,000 weather observers and 1,500 meteorologists. On the average, they need about 500 new observers and 60 new meteorologists each year. After job training, they gain experience and serve in positions with increasing responsibility.

What high school courses are necessary to prepare for a career in meteorology? Because meteorology is a science, a good background in mathematics and the sciences is mandatory. Knowledge of physics and chemistry is helpful toward a career in the atmospheric sciences.

Do I need more education than high school for a career in meteorology? How much and what kind? There are three patterns of education that may be pursued for a career in meteorology. The first is to complete a program in meteorology or a related marine discipline to the level of bachelor of science; this requires about four years of college-level study. The second (and most common) pattern is to complete a bachelor of science level program in one of the basic sciences such as geology, chemistry, biology, physics, or engineering. After this training, it is often possible to go directly to work in weather-related jobs, using the basic scientific knowledge on weather-oriented problems. Alternatively, one can continue into meteorology at the graduate school level and work toward the master's or doctoral level. The time required for attaining advanced degrees varies widely, depending upon both the school and the student. The third pattern is that offered by a number of junior colleges and technical schools. These programs lead to an associate of arts degree in technology or science.

If I decide to go to college, what is the best college or university for an meteorology major? Many colleges and universities offer courses in oceanography and other marine sciences. An online publication of the American Meteorological Society titled, Curricula in the Atmospheric, Oceanic and Related Sciences lists the schools and the courses they offer.

What kinds of jobs are available to people with an education in meteorology? A meteorology degree or a degree in related marine science qualifies an individual to perform many weather-related jobs. There are good opportunities for overseas assignment to military bases and outposts throughout the world.

What college courses will be required if I major in meteorology? Although course requirements differ from one university to another, several courses are considered mandatory for a basic understanding of the atmospheric environment. Meteorology majors must complete courses in mathematics--emphasizing differential equations, chemistry, physics, , geology, naval engineering, environmental dynamics, as well as in naval meteorology applications.

When must I decide what kind of meteorology professional I want to be? Although most colleges require a declared major at the beginning of the third year, a student has the option to change fields throughout his/her college career. Because the marine sciences are interrelated, an meteorology major is equipped to enter almost any weather-related field.

How much does it cost to attend college? As with course requirements, college costs also vary greatly. Specific information should be obtained from the school itself.

Is financial aid available for those students who need help? How much? What kind? Financial aid, again, varies with the school. The institution itself is the primary source of this information. The American Meteorological Society has numerous programs.

What salaries do meteorologists earn? Salary scales in both the private sector and the government are similar and follow the criteria of education, experience, and competence. Check the DFAS Civilian Pay Information for more information.

Do employers offer on-the-job training? The Federal Government offers on-the-job training for its atmospheric science employees. This training consists primarily of additional classes in environmental science as well as training in management, budget, geology, and chemistry.

What does it take to become a really good meteorologist? Laboratory meteorologists must be able to forecast the weather accurately and to apply their experience to research, military exercises, and strategic planning. To advance, meteorologists must make consistently accurate forecasts and show excellent leadership skills. Most senior meteorologists have an advanced degree in areas such as math, geophysics, astrophysics, oceanography, meteorology, and computer science. Outstanding performance and advanced education are keys to advancement in meteorology.

For further information about employment in the Federal Government contact your local Office of Personnel Management, listed under U.S. Government in the telephone directory. The Federal Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer.