Careers At Meteorological Services

Meteorologists are University trained personnel with adequate education in mathematics and physics, and who have successfully completed a course in meteorology to the standard specified by the syllabi. The period of instruction includes at least 4 years of university education (in pre-requisite subjects and meteorology), supplemented by at least 3 to 6 months of on-the-job training.

The selection pre-requisite is a Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Mathematics and Physics in any recognized university. However, a major in either one of these disciplines with satisfactory attainment of two hundred level courses in the other may be acceptable.

Following an interview of selected graduates, successful candidates then proceed to undergo a post-graduate professional meteorology training, for an academic-year term, either in Australia or New Zealand, under scholarship. The course is conducted by the meteorological services of these countries, which entail very formal and thorough lectures/grounding in dynamic, synoptic and physical meteorology. At the completion of the course, these "trainee meteorologists" should also have a basic knowledge of climatology, hydrology, oceanography and ocean-atmosphere interaction, meteorological instruments and methods of observation, meteorological data processing, satellite meteorology, and air pollution meteorology. Professional meteorology is very academically orientated and runs in conjunction with some specifically tailored post-graduate university courses (physics and mathematics).

At the end of the course, the meteorologist returns to Fiji and is given "on-the-job" training for about 3 months, under strict supervision of operational meteorologists. Nearing the end of the "dualling" period, candidates are required to sit an operational bench procedures examination, and to attain a pass mark of 70%. These new meteorologists will only be allowed onto the bench, to work independently, if and when the Department is satisfied that they have attained and displayed the necessary capability.

A Climatologist must possess a University degree majoring in Climatology, Meteorology, or Environmental Science. Some basic knowledge and experience in handling climatological data is useful. Must possess good computing skills and be able to work with MSOffice and Windows. Knowledge in MSDOS is desirable.

When appointed, climatologists are required to perform climate analysis work and respond to user inquiries. They are also expected to carry out climatological research and development work as directed. Other duties include the preparation of the Monthly and Annual Weather Summaries, and preparing or updating Climatological Information Sheets and publications. Must maintain complete familiarization with all aspects of the Division’s processing procedures, both manual and computerized operations.

The job of a Technical Officer basically entails providing support to facilitate the work of meteorologists and climatologists. A critical part of weather forecasting and warning services depends on how efficient the support is provided by the observers.

Essential duties include:

• Making routine land and upper-air observations
• Coding and disseminating these observations nationally/regionally/globally, after quality control.
• Sorting and plotting observations
• Maintaining conventional meteorological instruments and enclosure
• Providing aviation documentation and pilot briefing services.

The minimum entry qualification is a good pass in Fiji School Leaving Certificate or equivalent (Diploma), with satisfactory performance in English and good marks in Mathematics and one other science subject (preferably Physics).

Upon successful appointment to the service as a Technical Assistant (trainee), the candidate is required to undertake a 3-month Basic Meteorology Training Course, conducted by the Training Section of the Fiji Meteorological Service, at Nadi Airport. Towards the end of the course, they are expected to pass (70% and above) the requisite examination (QI). Following successful completion of this training, the officer will then undergo 3 to 4 months "on-the-job" training at Forecast Services Division, under strict supervision of experienced technical officers. When the Department is satisfied with officer’s performance, then and only then, can he/she work "solo", which also includes posting to outer-stations within Fiji. To ensure career advancement, officers must consistently attain good performances and regular upgrading of skills and knowledge.

Programmers are University trained personnel with a computing degree.

The selection pre-requisite is a Bachelor of Science or of Bachelor of Arts with majors in Computing Science or Information Systems.

Programmers are required to have a knowledge of software life development cycle, sound knowledge and experience with relational database systems, experience in structured and or object oriented analysis and design, proficiency in C++ and JAVA programming, experience in SQL, PLSQL, HTML, CGI, Javascript, PHP programming and proficiency in UNIX systems.

The Engineer must posses an appropriate Degree, from a recognized University, together with extensive experience in this field, including management administration. Technicians should hold the appropriate Diplomas (mechanical/electrical/electronics) from a recognized technical institution like FIT and/or Degree in engineering. Some field experience is preferable.

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