Meteorology technician

Meteorology technicians collect large amounts of meteorological information for weather information users such as aviation companies or meteorological institutions. They operate specialised measuring instruments to make accurate weather predictions and report their observations. Meteorology technicians assist meteorologists in their scientific operations.

Meteorology technicians typically do the following duties:

• install, adjust, and repair weather monitoring instruments, such as sensors and towers
• ensure meteorological towers communicate with one another properly
• operate and maintain work vehicles
• follow strict safety and environmental procedures
• arrange the purchase of necessary equipment
• provide input on the best site for a weather station
• negotiate the use of land to install weather equipment
• teach workshops about the weather, climate, and air quality

The following job titles also refer to meteorology technician:

atmospheric scientist technician
meteorological technician
metrologist assistant
weather station operator
meteorology technician
wind technician
aviation meteorology technician
weather forecaster
electronics technician
climatological technician
meteorologist
meteorological researcher
MET tower installation technician
weather service specialist
atmospheric scientist
meteorological instrumentation technician
MET services technician

Meteorology technicians spend a lot of their time in a weather office, which is typically located near airfields. They also regularly work outdoors to assess weather instruments or observe weather patterns.

Meteorology technicians typically work rotating shifts as many weather offices are open 24 hours a day. This means technicians may work in the morning one week, the afternoon another, and overnight another week before repeating the shifts. They typically work alongside other technicians and meteorologists.

The minimum requirement to become a meteorology technician is a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers may have specific requirements about classes to take while in school, such as physics, chemistry, or math. Some employers even prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in meteorology, so getting a high school diploma is necessary to apply for these programs.

Another requirement for most employers is that candidates have a valid driver’s license. Meteorology technicians often drive to different sites to install or repair weather equipment.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Meteorology technician is a Skill level 3 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to meteorology technician.

physics technician
statistical assistant
remote sensing technician
geology technician
air pollution analyst

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of meteorology technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of meteorology technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

meteorologist
climatologist
oceanographer
seismologist
demographer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of meteorology technician.

• Mathematics: Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.
• Meteorology: The scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.
• Precision measuring instruments: Instruments used for precision measuring or manufacture, such as micrometers, calipers, gauges, scales, and microscopes.
• Climatology: The scientific field of study that deals with researching average weather conditions over a specified period of time and how they affected nature on Earth.

These skills are necessary for the role of meteorology technician.

• Operate remote sensing equipment: Set up and operate remote sensing equipment such as radars, telescopes, and aerial cameras in order to obtain information about Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
• Collect weather-related data: Gather data from satellites, radars, remote sensors, and weather stations in order to obtain information about weather conditions and phenomena.
• Use a computer: Utilise computer equipment or digital devices to facilitate quality control, data management, and communication. Follow instructions given by a computer programme, create computer files or documents.
• Use specialised computer models for weather forecasting: Make short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.
• Use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions: Use meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.
• Execute analytical mathematical calculations: Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.
• Apply statistical analysis techniques: Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.
• Operate precision measuring equipment: Measure the size of a processed part when checking and marking it to check if it is up to standard by use of two and three dimensional precision measuring equipment such as a caliper, a micrometer, and a measuring gauge.
• Use geographic information systems: Work with computer data systems such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
• Calibrate optical instruments: Correct and adjust the reliability of optical instruments, such as photometers, polarimeters, and spectrometers, by measuring output and comparing results with the data of a reference device or a set of standardised results. This is done in regular intervals which are set by the manufacturer.
• Perform scientific research: Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.
• Review meteorological forecast data: Revise estimated meteorological parameters; solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.
• Operate meteorological instruments: Operate equipment for measuring weather conditions, such as thermometers, anemometers, and rain gauges.
• Use communication devices: Operate communication devices in order to interact with customers, colleagues, and others.
• Apply scientific methods: Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.
• Meet deadlines: Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
• Write technical reports: Compose technical customer reports understandable for people without technical background.
• Carry out meteorological research: Participate in research activities on weather-related conditions and phenomena; study the physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere; present research results in scientific journals.
• Assist scientific research: Assist engineers or scientists with conducting experiments, performing analysis, developing new products or processes, constructing theory, and quality control.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of meteorology technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Statistics: The study of statistical theory, methods and practices such as collection, organisation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of data. It deals with all aspects of data including the planning of data collection in terms of the design of surveys and experiments in order to forecast and plan work-related activities.
• Scientific research methodology: The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of meteorology technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Advise on weather-related issues: Advise, on the basis weather analyses and forecasts, companies from various fields such as agriculture and forestry, transport, medicine, and construction.
• Analyse scientific data: Collect and analyse scientific data resulting from research. Interpret these data according to certain standards and viewpoints in order to comment on it.
• Conduct research on climate processes: Conduct research on the characteristic events occurring in the atmosphere during the interactions and transformations of various atmospheric components and conditions.
• Maintain equipment: Regularly inspect and perform all required activities to maintain the equipment in functional order prior or after its use.
• Manage meteorological database: Develop and maintain meteorological databases. Add information after each new observation.
• Study aerial photos: Use aerial photos to study phenomena on Earth’s surface.
• Analyse weather forecast: Analyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Provide analyses depending on the requirements of various different industries and service providers.
• Write scientific papers: Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.
• Create weather maps: Make graphic weather maps for specific areas containing information such as temperature, air pressure, and rain belts.
• Write weather briefing: Present various information such as air pressure, temperature and humidity to customers in the form of a weather brief.
• Design scientific equipment: Design new equipment or adapt existing equipment to aid scientists in gathering and analysing data and samples.

3111 – Chemical and physical science technicians

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References

1. Meteorology technician – ESCO
2. What Is a Meteorological Technician? – Indeed.com Canada
3. Featured image: By USDA photo by Scott Bauer. Image Number K7688-7 – http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/k7688-7.htm, Public Domain