Meteorologist

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• training with a professional body

University

You'll usually need a degree in meteorology or a related subject like:

• physical sciences
• maths
• geography
• computer science
• environmental science

You might need a postgraduate qualification in meteorology or climatology if you want to do research.

You can find out more about relevant degree subjects from the Royal Meteorological Society.

Getting experience of computer modelling during your degree or postgraduate course can be useful in this role.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
• 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including a science, for a degree
• a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

Entry requirements:

Entry requirements:

Volunteering

You can get  experience with the Met Office 10 week summer internship schemes . There are schemes for different groups, including graduates and A level students who are thinking about meteorology as a career.

OtherRoutes

You can apply to the Met Office for a place as a trainee on their forecasting and observations course .

You'll need a degree or equivalent qualification in science, maths or a related subject like geography. Other subjects may be accepted if you have the right qualities.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• maths knowledge
• knowledge of geography
• knowledge of physics
• analytical thinking skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• excellent written communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• science skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to learn through your work
• active listening skills
• knowledge of media production and communication
• persistence and determination
• concentration skills
• a good memory

What you'll do:

Meteorologists collect and study data from the atmosphere and oceans to make weather forecasts and carry out research.

As a forecaster you’ll:

• collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations
• measure air pressure, wind, temperature and humidity
• forecast the weather by analysing information and using computer models
• give weather information and reports to customers

As a researcher you’ll:

• study weather patterns and climate change
• refine computer forecasting models
• use research to predict floods and droughts
• study how the weather affects the spread of pollution or disease

Location : You could work in an office or at a client's business.
Environment : Your working environment may be outdoors some of the time.

Salary:

Starter : £27,000
Experienced : £60,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

39 - 41 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

Career Path:

With experience you could manage a team of meteorologists, weather forecasters or research scientists.

You could also work towards Registered Meteorologist (RMet) or Chartered Meteorologist (CMet) status. Professional registration can help your career development and is recognition of your expertise.

There are lots of opportunities to specialise in this career, for example:

• working on climate modelling
• carrying out polar research
• forecasting risks posed by storm systems and flooding

You might also move into teaching and train future forecasters and scientists, or work in scientific publishing.