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Careers in Meteorology
- Careers
- Courses
- Qualifications (CMet, CEnv, NVQ/SVQ)
- Join the Met Jobs Mailing List
- Download audio file Chief Executive's career interview on BBC radio
Careers
See some examples of careers in meteorology in our Spotlight
on Careers section.
Download the RMetS Careers Flyer
Download the WMO Careers Flyer
The
areas within which meteorologists work range from TV and broadcast meteorology
through weather forecasting and climatology to applications in energy,
transport and the planning and operation of great engineering undertakings.
They include the development of complex mathematical representations of
the way the atmosphere works and can be predicted, the manipulation of vast
data resources, the design, development and testing of new instruments,
and the use of modern communications and data-management systems. There
are also close links with sister sciences such as hydrology and physical
oceanography.
Within this wide spectrum, there are opportunities for pure research, applied
research, operational work, scientific and commercial management, entrepreneurial
ventures, teaching and consultancy.
Why not have a look at this pdf, which gives some useful information about meteorology
as a career
Who employs meteorologists?
The Public Sector
The
Met Office is the UK's National Meteorological Service (NMS) responsible
for providing the UK's public weather service. It is the home of the
Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research, one of ICAO's two
World Area Forecast Centres (WAFC) and is also involved in other, broader
meteorological research and in applied and operational meteorology. It
is a large employer of meteorologists - watch
this Youtube video about the work of one of the Met Office scientists.
The
Royal Navy’s Flag Officer Sea Training group (FOST HM) trains
specialist Officers and Ratings of the Royal Navy for a career in meteorology
or hydrography. The training programme provides a thorough understanding
of the complex physical environment in which the ships, aircraft, submarines
and people of the Royal and Royal Marines operate, delivering internationally
renowned training for RN personnel as well as students sponsored by foreign
governments There are also a number of private sector weather service providers operating
in the UK and Europe who employ meteorologists. These organisations offer
a range of different and diverse opportunities, some of which include
working overseas and in the media.
Other
Government Departments, agencies and public bodies employ meteorologists. For
example, the Natural Environment Research
Council (NERC) employs meteorologists in its meteorological, oceanographic
and hydrological institutes (such as the British
Antarctic Survey, the Centre for Ecology
and Hydrology, and the Proudman
Oceanographic Centre). The NERC also has a number of Collaborative
Research Centres.
The Private Sector
There are a number of private sector weather service providers operating in the UK and Europe who employ meteorologists. These organisations offer a range of different and diverse opportunities, some of which include working overseas and in the media. Here are some from our Corporate Members. There are also a number of organisations supplying meteorological instruments who offer career opportunities. Again here is a list from our Corporate Members.
Service industries, such as those which supply gas, electricity, oil and water, and finance sectors employ meteorologists in limited numbers, as well as some instrument manufacturers and environmental consultancies. Some of these organisations are Corporate Members of the Society.
International Organizations
The
World Meteorological Organization ,
The
Earth System Science Partnership ,
United
Nations Environment Programme .
European
Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts .
Courses
To become a leading research or applied scientist, a good degree from a university is essential. This may or may not be in meteorology. Others enter meteorology with degrees in physics or maths. An increasing number of people enter the profession with degrees in associated subjects, including computing, environmental studies, physical geography and electronics.
Those who wish to enter the profession at non-graduate level require A-level or a relevant vocational qualification in a mathematical or physical science. Opportunities exist within the profession for vocational training leading to higher-level qualifications.
Qualifications
Chartered Meteorologist
The Society has developed and operates a Chartered Meteorologist Accreditation Scheme whose purpose is to provide a professional qualification in meteorology at a level equivalent to that of Chartered Engineer. Accreditation as a Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) assures clients and employers that the individual, in addition to initial graduate qualification, has reached and continues to maintain a specified level of specialist knowledge and experience. Holders are required to show themselves to be conversant with current best practice and to subscribe to a Code of Conduct. The Society is the regulatory body for the meteorological profession in the UK and as such the Chartered Meteorologist qualification is recognized throughout the EU as the highest professional qualification available within meteorology.
Chartered Environmentalist
The Society can now offer members a route to a new Charter qualification. The Society is a founding Constituent Body of the Society for the Environment and has recently been awarded a licence by that Society which permits us to use our CMet process to award the alternative qualification of Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) on their behalf. The requirements for and objectives of the CEnv are similar to but not the same as those of CMet and it may be that they are more appropriate for some of our members.
National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQ/SVQ)
The second group of qualifications comprises NVQs/SVQs for weather forecasters and weather observers. National/Scottish Vocational Qualifications (N/SVQs) are based upon National Occupational Standards (NOS).
