Technicien·ne en météorologie

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· ne en météorologie role at Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes

Overview
As a military personnel, meteorological technicians observe, transmit, and forecast weather conditions for operations on warships in the Royal Canadian Navy, in Canadian Army facilities, and in Royal Canadian Air Force squadrons and wings.

Their main responsibilities include:

• Observing and recording surface, sea, and altitude weather conditions
• Processing, analyzing, and interpreting meteorological information
• Operating and maintaining specialized meteorological equipment and instruments
• Informing squadron, ship, or land unit personnel about current and forecasted weather conditions
• Forecasting weather conditions

Work Environment
Meteorological observation offices are typically located near airfields. While most work is done in a meteorological office, technicians must regularly go outside to observe and report various weather phenomena. They work in shifts, often alone or with minimal supervision. At sea, meteorological technicians work and live aboard ships. If assigned to an artillery unit, they participate in field exercises under operational and combat conditions.

If you choose a career in the Regular Force, you will be assigned to your first base after completing the required training. While there is some flexibility regarding postings, not all requests can be accommodated, so you should expect to relocate during your career. If you enlist in the Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific reserve unit, and your part-time work will be at that unit without the need to relocate for other postings.

As a reservist, you typically work one evening per week and some weekends, with the possibility of full-time employment.

Enlistment Programs
No prior work experience or career-related skills are required. Recruiters can help determine if your interests and qualities match this profession.

This position requires candidates to have completed at least Grade 11 high school, Grade 5 in Quebec or equivalent, including:

• Applied Mathematics from Grade 11 or Mathematics 526 or SN 5/TS 5; and
• Any chemistry or physics course from Grade 11 or Grade 5.

Studies abroad may be recognized.

Training
The initial training step is the Basic Military Qualification Course at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. This course teaches basic skills and common knowledge for all military jobs and aims to maintain your physical fitness to Canadian Forces standards, making the training physically demanding.

Soldier Qualification Course
After completing BMQ, you will attend a military training center for the Soldier Qualification Course, covering:

• Canadian Army physical fitness
• Offensive and defensive foot operations
• Reconnaissance patrols
• Individual campaign techniques

Following this, you will undergo approximately 20 weeks of training in Winnipeg, Manitoba, focusing on:

• Surface meteorological observations
• Data recording and encoding
• Measuring surface and altitude winds
• Using meteorological instruments
• Meteorological communications
• Maintaining meteorological equipment
• Presenting meteorological briefings

You may have opportunities to acquire specialized skills through lectures or on-the-job training, such as:

• Assistant navigator
• Meteorological inspector
• Automated Weather Observing System

As they advance, meteorological technicians demonstrating aptitude and predisposition may access advanced training, including courses on:

• Installation and maintenance of meteorological sensors and equipment
• Meteorological briefings
• Weather forecasting
• Aerology specialist

Equivalent Civilian Jobs
Meteorological information specialist, Meteorological inspector