Navy NEC · Engineering
J00A Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Forecaster
A Navy Enlisted Classification: a skill designation sailors hold in addition to their rating.
Overview
A Meteorological and Oceanographic forecaster produces forecasts, warnings, and operational recommendations by analyzing conditions across land, sea, air, space, and the land and sea interface. They evaluate numerical models, charts, sonar imagery, and ocean bottom data, then brief warfare operations and distribute data to aircraft, ships, and shore activities.
Core Skills
- meteorological forecasting
- oceanographic analysis
- numerical weather model evaluation
- hydrographic chart analysis
- sonar imagery interpretation
- climatology production
- operational briefing
- environmental data processing
- mission impact assessment
Civilian Software & Tools
- Microsoft Office software
- Adobe Photoshop
- C++
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
Civilian Career Paths
- Environmental Engineering
- Emergency Management
- Intelligence Analysis
Training & Development
Getting Started
- CompTIA Network+
Career Growth
- American Meteorological Society Certified Consulting Meteorologist
- GISCI Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP)
- Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
Also Common
- American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist
What the 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.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
Related Occupations
- Hydrologists
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Data Scientists
Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.
Equivalent Roles in Other Branches
Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.
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