Meteorological Technician

Overview As a member of the military, Meteorological Technicians observe, brief on and forecast weather conditions in support of operations at Royal Canadian Air Force Wings and Squadrons, on Royal Canadian Navy Ships at sea and in Army facilities.

Their primary responsibilities are to:

• Observe and record surface, marine and upper air weather conditions
• Process, analyze and interpret meteorological information
• Operate and maintain specialized meteorological instruments and equipment
• Brief wing, ship and land unit personnel on actual and expected weather conditions
• Forecast weather conditions

Work environment Generally, meteorological observing offices are located near airfields. While much of a Meteorological Technician’s time is spent indoors in a weather office, duties require regular trips outdoors to observe and report on all types of weather phenomena. Meteorological Technicians work rotating shifts. In a Naval environment, they will work and live onboard a ship. If posted to an artillery unit, they will participate in field exercises under operational and combat conditions.

If you chose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training, you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations can’t always be made, and therefore, you can likely expect to move at some point in your career. However, if you decide to join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum with possibilities of full-time employment.

Entry plans

• Direct Entry Options

No previous work experience or career related skills are required. CAF recruiters can help you decide if your personal interests and attributes match the criteria for this occupation.

The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 11, Secondary 5 in Quebec or equivalent, including:

• Grade 11 applied math or math 526 / SN 5/TS 5; and
• Any chemistry or physics course at the Grade 11 or Secondary 5 level.

Foreign education may be accepted.

Training The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course, or Basic Training, held at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. A goal of this course is to ensure that all recruits maintain the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding.

Basic military qualification – land course After Basic Training, Army recruits go to a Military Training centre for the Basic Military Qualification – Land Course for approximately one month, which covers the following topics:

• Army Physical Fitness
• Dismounted Offensive and Defensive Operations
• Reconnaissance Patrolling
• Individual Field Craft

Meteorological Technicians attend training in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for 20 weeks that includes the following subjects:

• Surface weather observations
• Recording and encoding weather data
• Measurement of surface and upper winds
• Operating meteorological instruments
• Weather communications
• Maintenance of weather equipment
• Weather briefing

Meteorological Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training, including:

• Navigator’s Yeoman
• Meteorological Inspector
• Automatic Weather Observation Systems

As they progress in their career, Meteorological Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential will be offered advanced training. Available courses include:

• Installation and maintenance of meteorological sensors and equipment
• Weather briefings
• Weather forecasting
• Aerological support

Related Civilian Occupations

• Weather Service Specialist
• Meteorological Inspector