Opportunity
Do you love observing or predicting the weather? Want to experience meteorological conditions in entirely new environments? As a Meteorological Technician in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), you can become a weather expert and use those skills to ensure safety during military operations.
No previous work experience or career-related skills are required.
Overview
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 include:
- Observing and recording surface, marine and upper air weather conditions
- Processing, analyzing and interpreting meteorological information
- Forecasting weather conditions
- Operating and maintaining specialized meteorological instruments and equipment
- Briefing wing, ship and land unit personnel on actual and expected weather conditions
To be eligible to apply to the CAF, you must:
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada
- Be at least 18 years old (17 years old with parental consent), except:
- For the paid education programs you may be 16 years old (with parental consent)
- For the Primary Reserve you may be 16 years old (with parental consent) and must be enrolled as a full-time student
- Have completed at least Grade 10 or Secondaire IV in Quebec (some jobs need higher levels of education)
Work Environment
Meteorological observing offices are generally located near airfields where technician’s work rotating shifts. While much of the 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. In a naval environment, they work and live onboard a ship. When posted to an artillery unit, they will participate in field exercises under operational and combat conditions.
Basic Military Qualification
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, Québec, or through various training establishments across Canada from Esquimalt, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia. This training provides the basic core skills and knowledge common to all trades. One main goal of this course is to ensure all recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; as a result, the training is physically demanding but achievable.
Meteorological Technician Training
Meteorological Technicians attend training in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Training takes 20 weeks and includes:
- 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
Available Specialty Training
Meteorological Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on-the-job training for topics like:
- Navigator’s Yeoman
- Meteorological Inspector
- Automatic Weather Observation Systems
Available Advanced Training
As they progress in their career, Meteorological Technicians who demonstrate the required ability and potential may be offered advanced training. Available courses include:
- Installation and Maintenance of Meteorological Sensors and Equipment
- Weather Briefings
- Weather Forecasting
- Aerological Support
Required Education
The minimum required education to apply for this position is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 11 or Secondaire V in Quebec, including:
- Grade 11 Applied Math or Math 526/SN 5/TS 5
- Any chemistry or physics course at the Grade 11 or Secondary 5 level
Foreign education may be accepted.
Direct Entry Plan
No previous work experience or career-related skills are required. A recruiter can help you decide if your interests and attributes fit. If you already have a university or college diploma, the CAF will decide if your academic program matches the criteria for this job and may place you directly into the necessary on-the-job training program following Basic Training. Basic Training is required before being assigned.
Join the CAF
To learn more about becoming a Meteorological Technician, visit talk to a recruiter at a centre near you or call 1-800-856-8488.
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