Meteorologist
Meteorologists forecast the weather and study the atmosphere to improve the understanding of climate.
Meteorologists may perform the following tasks:
- use and develop scientific techniques to forecast and interpret atmospheric conditions
- analyse and interpret surface, upper level and other measurements (including satellite images and other remote sensing data about atmospheric conditions)
- prepare weather forecasts for the public and for specific users such as aviation, marine, defence and emergency services
- issue warnings for cyclones, storms, gales, floods, frosts and fire danger
- study climate and identify climatic change
- work with physicists and engineers to develop observation equipment and distribute information on topics such as air pollution
- supervise and coordinate the work of other meteorologists, technical officers and meteorological observers
- carry out weather studies for particular clients.
Specialisations:
Climatologist
A climatologist monitors and studies the climate and the factors that control its variability. A climatologist may produce climate assessments and forecasts of seasonal conditions, or contribute to national and international assessments of climate variability and climate change. Climatologists may also provide relevant climate data to users such as the insurance industry.
Hydrometeorologist
A hydrometeorologist provides information on rainfall patterns and intensity in support of the planning and management of land and water resources, as well as the design of urban drainage systems and dams.
Meteorological Consultant
A meteorological consultant provides advice and conducts investigations involving the application of meteorology to fields such as agriculture, engineering, architecture, health, tourism, urban planning and design.
Research Meteorologist
A research meteorologist develops and tests theories and concepts, applying the laws of physics to the study of the atmosphere with the aim of improving forecasts and warnings. This includes the analysis of meteorological data and the running of forecast and global climate models.
Meteorologists in forecasting positions usually work in shifts. Operational meteorologists may work in field station locations throughout Australia and its territories, from the tropics to Antarctica. Others are involved in policy development, administration and training.
Personal Requirements:
- enjoy and have ability in science, especially physics and mathematics
- flexible and resourceful
- interested in the provision of meteorological services to the community
- Australian citizenship, or the eligibility to apply for Australian citizenship, is required for employment in the Bureau of Meteorology.
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