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Useful experience for meteorologists includes:

• practical work experience in the environment, physical science or geography
• weather-related interests such as surfing, gliding, flying, skiing, tramping, diving and fishing.

Meteorologists may do some or all of the following:

• monitor and study weather systems and atmospheric patterns using satellites and radars
• study and predict weather conditions and climate trends using computer forecasting models
• prepare weather maps and forecasts for the media, and shipping and airline companies
• design experiments and equipment to measure air quality and composition, ozone, greenhouse gases and pollution
• be involved in public awareness programmes about the weather
• supervise the work of people in other technical roles 
• teach and supervise students at universities
• write up results of experiments and publish work in scientific journals.

Chances best doing a traineeship at MetService

Opportunities to become a meteorologist in New Zealand are average due to low turnover and high competition for vacancies.

Your best chance of getting a weather forecasting job is through a traineeship at MetService.

According to the Census, 168 meteorologists worked in New Zealand in 2018. 

MetService and Crown research institutes main employers

Most meteorologists work for MetService or Crown research institutes such as the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

A small number may be employed by:

• government agencies such as the Civil Aviation Authority or Ministry for the Environment
• research consultancies 
• regional and city councils
  
• state-owned enterprises, such as Meridian Energy
• universities.

MetService

(04) 470 0700  - enquiries@metservice.com - www.metservice.com

National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA)

0800 746 464 - enquiries@niwa.co.nz - www.niwa.co.nz

Meteorologists at MetService may progress to work in:

• severe weather forecasting
• management positions such as project or team leader
• training roles
• computer modelling
• marketing and consulting.

Meteorologists working as researchers may progress to senior research scientist, policy analyst or managerial roles. 

Meteorologists can specialise as climatologists, who study ozone and air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, weather hazards and agricultural productivity, and renewable energy.

Meteorologists need to be:

• good at problem solving and planning
• curious and observant 
• good communicators with an ability to write reports and research papers
• organised and able to work to tight schedules
• persistent, patient and motivated
• able to work well in a team.

Meteorologists working in research need to have good investigative and analytical skills.