Meteorological technicians

Overview

Technical occupations in geomatics include aerial survey, remote sensing, geographic information systems, cartographic and photogrammetric technologists and technicians, who gather, analyze, interpret and use geospatial information for applications in natural resources, geology, environmental research and land use planning. Meteorological technologists and technicians observe weather and atmospheric conditions, record, interpret, transmit and report on meteorological data, and provide weather information to the agricultural, natural resources and transportation industries and the public. Geomatics technologists and technicians are employed by all levels of government, utilities, mapping, computer software, forestry, architectural, engineering and consulting firms and other related establishments. Meteorological technologists and technicians are employed by all levels of government, the media, natural resources, utilities and transportation companies and consulting firms.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Meteorological technologists and technicians

  • Observe, record and transmit atmospheric and weather information including air pressure, temperature, humidity, precipitation and cloud, wind and ultraviolet conditions

  • Observe, chart and report on ice conditions in navigable waters and snow conditions, and participate in programs to forecast and control avalanches in mountainous terrain

  • Maintain climatological databases, analyze and interpret weather data and participate in the production of weather maps, charts and reports

  • Install, inspect, monitor, calibrate and maintain meteorological equipment and instruments.

Job titles

  • geographic information systems (GIS) technologist
  • geomatics technologist - geographical information systems (GIS)
  • geomatics technologist - remote sensing
  • ice conditions service specialist - meteorology
  • land information system (LIS) technician
  • land information system (LIS) technologist

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition
The labour market information for this career is aggregate data for Technical occupations in geomatics and meteorology

Annual salary

Low

$56,311

Median

$75,082

High

$91,391

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

411

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is required.

  • Meteorological technicians require completion of a one-year meteorological technician program provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada.

  • Further specialized training is available for meteorological technicians, and may be required by some employers.

Additional information

  • Mobility is possible between some occupations in this unit group.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

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