How to Be Meteorological Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Aug 13, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The role of a Meteorological Technician is to collect, analyze and interpret meteorological data. This helps to understand weather patterns and climate changes, as well as predict future weather events. As a result, Meteorological Technicians play an important role in helping to minimize the impacts of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, flooding and droughts, on ecosystems and human populations.

Their work is invaluable in helping to inform decisions related to public safety, the environment, agriculture, aviation, and other areas of science. In addition, their data helps to improve the accuracy of weather forecasts and climate models. All of these activities are essential for understanding and protecting our planet.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. High school classes in mathematics, science, and computer technology can be beneficial when pursuing a career as a meteorological technician.
Consider enrolling in a college or university program to obtain a degree in meteorology or a related field such as atmospheric science. This can provide the necessary educational background for finding a job as a meteorological technician.
Complete an internship in meteorology at a local or national weather service or research center. Internships provide students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field of meteorology, which can be beneficial when searching for a job after graduation.
Take and pass the American Meteorological Society Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) exam, which is required for entry-level meteorological technicians.
Apply for open positions as a meteorological technician. These positions may be located in government agencies, research centers, or private companies.
Obtain certification by the American Meteorological Society, which is often required by employers. This certification is evidence of a commitment to the profession and may open doors to more advanced positions.

Meteorological technicians play an important role in ensuring the accuracy of weather forecasts and warnings. By collecting data from both ground-based and satellite-based instruments, meteorological technicians are able to assess current and future weather patterns, allowing them to make informed decisions. With accurate data, meteorological technicians are able to provide efficient and effective warnings for hazardous weather conditions such as severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes.

Efficient meteorological technicians also use their data to anticipate high-impact weather events and make recommendations to help minimize their effects. By utilizing the latest technology and best practices, meteorological technicians are able to provide more accurate forecasts and more reliable warnings.

You may want to check Satellite Meteorologist, Climate Scientist, and Climate Change Researcher for alternative.

Job Description

Collect and analyze meteorological data from various sources, such as airplanes, satellite, and ground-based instruments.
Monitor and analyze weather conditions and forecast potential weather events.
Operate and maintain meteorological equipment, such as radiosondes, Doppler radar, and lidar systems.
Prepare daily weather reports, graphic forecasts, and other materials for dissemination.
Analyze and interpret meteorological data to assist in decision-making processes.
Provide technical guidance and advice to forecasters, hydrologists, and other professionals.
Prepare detailed reports on meteorological phenomena.
Participate in research projects related to meteorology.
Conduct experiments to determine the accuracy of meteorological instruments and models.
Communicate weather information to the public through radio, television, and other media outlets.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Accurate data collection and analysis.
Knowledge of meteorological principles and methods.
Ability to interpret and apply meteorological data.
Knowledge of computer systems and software applications related to meteorology.
Good communication and organizational skills.
Ability to work with a team.
Knowledge of safety procedures and regulations related to weather observation.
Understanding of meteorological instrumentation and equipment.
Ability to prepare weather forecasts, reports, and warnings.
Ability to respond to emergency situations.

Meteorological technicians are essential in providing the most up-to-date and accurate information about weather conditions and forecasting. The ability to analyze and interpret meteorological data is a crucial skill for meteorological technicians to have in order to effectively predict future weather changes and events. Meteorological technicians must have strong communication skills in order to help the public understand the implications of weather changes and to disseminate this information accurately.

They must also be proficient in the use of technology, including computer software and satellite imagery, in order to effectively monitor and analyze weather systems. Finally, meteorological technicians must have a solid understanding of physical science concepts, including thermodynamics, radiation, and atmospheric dynamics, in order to properly interpret data and make sound predictions. Collectively, these skills enable meteorological technicians to provide the accurate information needed to prepare communities for changing weather patterns.

Climatology Professor, Climate Service Provider, and Cloud Physicist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with meteorological instruments and tools?
Describe your experience in collecting and analyzing meteorological data.
How would you explain complex weather systems to a layperson?
Are you familiar with the National Weather Service forecasting protocol?
What challenges have you faced while working with meteorological data?
How do you stay up to date on new technologies and techniques in the field of meteorology?
What do you think makes a successful Meteorological Technician?
What safety protocols do you observe when working with weather instruments and data?
How do you verify the accuracy of your data?
What methods do you use to stay organized while working with large datasets?

Common Tools in Industry

Digital Weather Station. A device that measures and records temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, wind speed and direction, and other meteorological data. (eg: Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Plus)
Anemometer. A device used to measure wind speed. (eg: Extech 45118 Mini Anemometer)
Rain Gauge. An instrument used to measure rainfall. (eg: AcuRite 00850A Digital Rain Gauge)
Barometer. An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure. (eg: AcuRite 00611A Digital Barometer)
Hygrometer. A device used to measure the amount of water vapor in the atmosphere. (eg: AcuRite 00613A Digital Hygrometer)
Thermometer. An instrument used to measure temperature. (eg: AcuRite 00589 Digital Thermometer)
Radar. A device used to detect and track precipitation and other weather conditions over a large area. (eg: WSR-88D Doppler Radar System)
Satellite Imagery. Images of the Earth's surface taken from satellites in space. (eg: NASA's Earth Observing System)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Meteorological Society (AMS)
National Weather Association (NWA)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Council of Industrial Meteorologists (NCIM)
American Association of State Climatologists (AASC)
International Association of Broadcast Meteorology (IABM)
World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
International Commission on Atmospheric Chemistry and Global Pollution (ICACGP)
European Meteorological Society (EMS)
Asian-Pacific Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (APAAMS)

We also have Mesoscale Meteorologist, Hydrologic Forecaster, and Aviation Meteorologist jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Meteorology. The scientific study of the atmosphere, its processes, the effects other systems have on the atmosphere, and the effects of the atmosphere on these other systems.
Atmospheric Dynamics. The study of the dynamics of the atmosphere, which includes air pressure, wind, and temperature.
Weather Forecasting. The prediction of future weather conditions based on current observations, patterns, and trends.
Climate Change. The long-term change in global or regional climate patterns.
Climate Modeling. The use of mathematical models to simulate and predict long-term changes in climate patterns.
Remote Sensing. The use of satellite or airborne instruments to measure variables such as temperature, precipitation, and wind speed.
Data Analysis. The process of analyzing meteorological data to gain insight into atmospheric and climatological trends.
Radar. A device used to track the position and movement of particles in the atmosphere.
Satellite Imaging. The use of satellites to photograph the surface of the Earth and measure changes in atmospheric conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Meteorological Technician?

A Meteorological Technician is a professional who collects and interprets meteorological data to help make weather forecasts and advisories.

What qualifications are required for a Meteorological Technician?

Typically, Meteorological Technicians require at least an Associate's Degree in meteorology, physical science, or a related field.

What type of weather data do Meteorological Technicians collect?

Meteorological Technicians typically collect data such as temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation amounts.

What type of equipment do Meteorological Technicians use?

Meteorological Technicians typically use sophisticated instruments such as anemometers, barometers, and rain gauges to measure and collect weather data.