Meteorologist

As a Meteorologist you observe, analyse and forecast atmospheric conditions, providing critical weather intelligence to a range of clients including pilots, airlines, airport operators, emergency services and the general public. Your daily work involves collecting data from weather stations, radiosondes, radar systems and satellites, then feeding that information into complex numerical models to produce short-range and long-range forecasts. In an aviation context you prepare terminal aerodrome forecasts, en-route weather briefings and hazard warnings covering phenomena such as wind shear, icing, turbulence and low visibility. You collaborate closely with air traffic controllers, airline dispatchers and fellow scientists, and you may also contribute to climate research, public weather services or environmental consultancy projects.

A strong Leaving Certificate with Higher Level Mathematics, Physics and, ideally, Geography provides the best foundation for this career. The typical entry route is an NFQ Level 8 Honours Bachelor degree in Physics, Applied Mathematics, Meteorology or a closely related Earth science, followed by a Level 9 Masters or Postgraduate Diploma in Meteorology or Atmospheric Science — universities such as University College Dublin, University of Galway and University College Cork offer relevant programmes. Met Éireann, Ireland's national meteorological service, recruits forecasters who typically hold postgraduate-level qualifications and then undergo a rigorous in-house professional training programme. Some graduates enter via PhD research (NFQ Level 10) where they specialise in areas such as climate modelling, numerical weather prediction or remote sensing. Professional development is supported through bodies such as the Royal Meteorological Society and the World Meteorological Organization, and aviation meteorologists must meet the competency standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).