Graduate Programs 2003
A Career in the Bureau of Meteorology as a Meteorologist
Starting salary: $33,147 pa

A PROFILE OF THE BUREAU

Australia's national weather service, the Bureau of Meteorology, provides forecasts and warnings to the public, the aviation industry, defence services, primary industry and
many other specialist user groups.

It also gathers and disseminates climatic data, provides consultative services and undertakes meteorological research. In support of these functions the Bureau operates
extensive observation, communication and computer systems, and cooperates in the use of international satellite and communication systems.

The Bureau has approximately 1350 staff employed throughout Australia and its Territories (including Antarctica). These staff are located at Head Office in Melbourne, at seven Regional Forecasting Centres (RFCs) in capital cities, at 14 Weather Service Offices (WSOs) at provincial airports and RAAF bases, and at 35 Observing Offices at
other centres.

THE WORK OF THE METEOROLOGIST

There are approximately 300 meteorologists in the Bureau of Meteorology. Meteorologists are normally based at the Bureau's Head Office, situated in Melbourne, and at
the seven Regional Offices located in all State capital cities and Darwin, with smaller numbers at other locations including Canberra and Townsville. Meteorologists working
as forecasters, and in some other operational areas, work on a 7 day, 24 hour shift roster.

Professional meteorological work embraces the study of the physics and dynamics of the atmosphere to obtain a better understanding of its behaviour and effects on the
Earth's surface, oceans and life in general. It includes the analysis and prognosis of the state of the atmosphere, and the provision of forecasts, warnings, information and
advice on weather and climate to the general public and special users.

The professional meteorologist employed as a forecaster prepares daily forecasts as well as warnings for tropical cyclones, storms and gales, bush fires, severe thunderstorms and floods. The forecasts and warnings are issued to the general public, the aviation, agricultural, fishing and shipping industries, and other users of
meteorological services.

Your first step to a progressive career in this challenging environment is to apply now for engagement as a Graduate APS (Meteorologist). Several positions are available and, if selected, you will be required to undertake a 10-month training course at the Bureau's Training Centre in Melbourne, commencing in early February 2003. During training, applicants will study Synoptic, Dynamic and Physical Meteorology, Climatology, Satellite Interpretation, Numerical Weather Prediction and the use of modern technology. Training in operational meteorology and service delivery is also an important component of this course. Satisfactory completion of the training leads to the award of the Bureau's Graduate Diploma in Meteorology. Course graduation is followed by transfer to one of the Bureau's Regional Offices located in each capital city, its Head Office in Melbourne or one of the Provincial Forecasting Offices to carry out duties including operational forecasting. Shiftwork is a mandatory requirement in Regional Forecasting Centre positions. Opportunities for transfer or promotion into non-operational areas are available once appropriate experience is gained.

Successful applicants must have completed, or intend to complete by the end of this academic year, an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognised
Australian Education Institution. Majoring in a course of study in physical science or mathematics, and sufficient mathematics and physics to successfully undertake the
study of physical and dynamic meteorology. (ie; the minimum standard would be the successful completion of study in mathematics and physics to second year university
level.)

Information and selection criteria can be obtained at http://www.bom.gov.au/info/careers

Applicants must complete the prescribed Application Form, which can be obtained by telephoning 03 9669 4200 or 03 9669 4081 or emailing your name and postal to campaign@bom.gov.au and quoting the reference "meteorologist" in the subject line.

Applications close Friday 6 September 2002
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