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Meteorologist AND Meteorological Technician/Technologist

A meteorologist is a scientist who studies the atmosphere of the earth and the physical processes that take place in it. This implies the study of the composition and movement of air, incoming and outgoing radiation, as well as thermodynamic, electrical and optical phenomena in the atmosphere.

Meteorologists also manage the Weather Bureau and keep pace with scientific and technological developments in this profession. The meteorological technician/technologist is responsible for the collection of meteorological information necessary for weather forecasts.

Job Characteristics

Meteorologist

  • Distributing weather forecasts to the public and regularly processing the climatological data.


  • Conducting research and improving and developing concepts, theories and operational methods related to the composition, structure and dynamics of the atmosphere.


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  • Studying data from weather stations, preparing detailed or long-term weather maps and forecasts used in aviation, shipping, agriculture and for the information of the general public.


  • Conducting experiments in fog dispersal, rain-making and other types of weather control.
Meteorological Technician/Technologist
  • Distributing weather forecasts to the public and regularly processing the climatological data.


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  • Operating and maintaining a weather observation network by studying data from weather stations and preparing detailed weather maps and forecasts used in aviation, shipping and agriculture.


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  • Maintaining apparatuses such as computers, radars and automatic weather stations used for observing the temperature, visibility, atmospheric pressure and clouds.


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  • Installing, maintaining and developing electronic equipment such as electronic airport systems and weather radar.

Requirements
Secondary Education
A HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption is required for university studies in South Africa (to become a meteorologist). For enrolment at South African technikons a HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, will be required (to follow the technician route namely technician or technologist.)

Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science (South Africa)
Mathematics with at least a C-symbol on ICGSE level (UNAM)

Tertiary Education
To be appointed as a meteorologist a three-year B. Sc. Atmospheric Sciences: Meteorology is the minimum requirement. It can be completed at universities in South Africa. A B. Sc. (Hons.) degree with Applied Mathematics, Physics or Mathematical Statistics as major subject is required to register as a professional meteorologist.

A B. Sc. degree at UNAM with Mathematics and Physics can be followed by one year’s specialization in Meteorology.

The specialization course is, however, not offered in Namibia, but the Institute of Meteorology in Kenya offers a two year certificate in Meteorology.

For appointment as meteorological technician or technologist a N. Dip.: or B. Tech.: Meteorology can be obtained from the technikons in South Africa.

Personality
The prospective meteorologist and meteorological technician/technologist should be a keen observer and accurate worker with a special interest in the weather.

Work Opportunities
Limited work opportunities exist at the Ministry of Works, Transport and Communication, especially the Weather Bureau.
 

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