Meteorologist
Advanced meteorology competency and experience applying METOC expertise to operational decisions transfer directly to weather forecasting and interpretation.
How to prepare: Compare your existing transcripts and documented METOC experience with target forecasting positions to identify any remaining education or technical gaps. Atmospheric scientists typically need a bachelor's degree in meteorology or a related physical science, with coursework that may include physics, mathematics, and computer programming.
What the civilian work involves
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
Civilian tools and software (examples)
- Microsoft Excel