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Observer (meteorological)

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For other uses, see Observer.
Observer
A Weather Station Observer at Germi, Ardabil, Iran.
Occupation
NamesObserver, Meteorological Watch, Synoptic Expert
Occupation type
Technician
Activity sectors
Weather services and scientific research
Description
CompetenciesMeteorological and climatic knowledge
Education required
Weather observing courses (varies by country)
Fields of
employment
Meteorological Stations

A Meteorological observer is a person authorized by the Director of Meteorology to make or record meteorological observations or a person approved by the Authority for that purpose[1] Also called a Weather observer, Meteorological Watch or synoptic expert, he or she is a technician who is responsible for accurate observation, rapid measurement, timely collection and recording, and timely submission of meteorological parameters and information and various atmospheric phenomena to the Meteorological Center.[2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] There are four types of weather observations: surface, upper air, radar, and satellite.[2]

Meteorological observations

Meteorological observations play a key role in many flood, drought, environmental and water resources applications. Whilst rainfall observations are most widely used, other parameters of interest include air temperatures, humidity and wind speeds.[8] The main measurement techniques include raingauges, weather stations and weather radar, with satellite precipitation estimates playing an important role in data-sparse regions.[8]

Surface aviation weather observations (METARs) are a compilation of elements of the current weather at individual ground stations across the World. The network is made up of government and privately contracted facilities that provide continuous up-to-date weather information. Automated weather sources, such as the Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS), Automated surface observing systems (ASOS), as well as other automated facilities, also play a major role in the gathering of surface observations.[3][2][9]

Surface observations provide local weather conditions and other relevant information for a specific airport. This information includes the type of report, station identifier, date and time, modifier (as required), wind, visibility, runway visual range (RVR), weather phenomena, sky condition, temperature/dew point, altimeter reading, and applicable remarks. The information gathered for the surface observation may be from a person, an automated station, or an automated station that is updated or enhanced by a weather observer. In any form, the surface observation provides valuable information about individual airports around the country. Although the reports cover only a small radius, the pilot can generate a good picture of the weather over a wide area when many reporting stations are viewed together.[2][10]

Meteorological observer tasks

Weather observer in Iran.

A weather observer responsibilities are to collect, record, and map weather conditions. The job usually requires monitoring conditions at all times, so work is usually distributed on shifts around the clock, on weekends, and on holidays as necessary. It is an all weather job, gathering weather information in good as well as in poor weather. It thus requires the ability to work in the heat, cold, rain, wind, or other environmental conditions as necessary.

The weather observer may research information about other weather station observations to help users plan their activities (such as briefing for pilots) and discuss with meteorologists at central services about weather warnings. Many weather observers specialize in particular areas, such as supporting the military or local news stations, and specialization can affect future career options.[3] [11] [10][12]


Qualifications of weather observer

A weather observer need a technical training and certification from an organization like the National Weather Service[13]. Some use internships or similar experiences to practice observing the weather before applying for a full-time job in this field.[10][12] Any history of fieldwork, such as recording the weather in remote areas, can increase the number of positions you qualify for.

Fulfilling the duties of a weather observer requires excellent eyesight, attention to detail, and presentation skills. For certain positions, the ability to direct assistants or support staff is also helpful.[14] [15] Being a weather observer is a difficult job and requires the following:[10][12][13] [16] [17] [18] [19]

  • Dedication to public service
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to learn and perform daily duties
  • Willingness to working with meteorological tools and instruments
  • Interest in gathering information and visiting meteorological and rainfall stations

Satisfactory aspects

  • Work inside and outside the office
  • Challenge to make observations, exactly at the set time at the same time.

Required aspects

  • Long working shifts and working hours when tools break down
  • Boredom with daily chores
  • Working in adverse weather conditions

Meteorological Watch Requirements

  • Be reliable
  • Work carefully and responsibly
  • Have scientific knowledge.
  • Willingness to do the usual things.

Salary of weather observers

In 2021, the average salary for a weather observer in the United States is $52,452 per year or $25 per hour[20]. The top 10 percent makes over $108,000 per year, while the bottom 10 percent under $32,000 per year.[21] In Canada, the average salary is 54,174$CAD per year or 26$CAD per hour. Entry level positions start at 39,791$CAD per year while most experienced workers make up to 66,135$CAD per year.[22]

In other countries : the average observer surface weather gross salary in Yanbu'al Bahr, Saudi Arabia is 200,612 SAR[23] while in South Africa, the entry level of a weather observer (1-3 years of experience) is R245,126 and on the other end, a senior level weather observer (8+ years of experience) earns an average R407,412.[24]

References

  1. ^ meteorological observer
  2. ^ a b c d "Aviation Weather Services, Chapter 13" (PDF). FAA. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  3. ^ a b c "Weather observer". dot-job-descriptions.careerplanner.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  4. ^ "Weather Observer". Merriam-Webster Dictionnary. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  5. ^ "Early Weather Observations". NOAA. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  6. ^ Ann Posegate (2010-09-01). "Observing Weather at the Bottom of the World: The South Pole". Weatherwise: 28–34. doi:10.1080/00431672.2010.503840.
  7. ^ Jonathan Shanklin; Cathy Moore; Steve Colwell (May 2009). "Meteorological observing and climate in the British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia: Part 1". Weather: 127–134. doi:10.1002/wea.391.
  8. ^ a b "Surface Observations -Synoptic" (PDF). World Meteorological Organization. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  9. ^ "Weather observations". NOAA. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  10. ^ a b c d "Weather observer". www.bom.gov.au. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  11. ^ "Weather observer". www.careermatch.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  12. ^ a b c "Weather observer". www.speciss.co.zw. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  13. ^ a b "Become an Observer". National Weather Service. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  14. ^ Central Illinois Office (2021). "Training for the SWOP Observers". National Weather Service. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  15. ^ "First Aviation Weather Observer Training Course Launched in US". StormGeo. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  16. ^ "Weather Observer". Indeed. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  17. ^ "Weather Observer". Glassdoor. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  18. ^ Alexandra Witze (September 16, 2019). "Meet the weather observers on climate change's front lines". Nature. 573: 317–318. doi:10.1038/d41586-019-02632-2. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  19. ^ Georgie Burgess (August 30, 2019). "Antarctic weather observer not fazed by 40-hour blizzard, frozen fingers and dark winter days". Autralian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2021-03-12.
  20. ^ "Weather Observer Salary in United States". www.salaryexpert.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  21. ^ "weather-observer-jobs in United States". www.zippia.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  22. ^ "Weather Observer Salary in Canada". www.salaryexpert.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  23. ^ "Weather Observer Salary in Saudi Arabia". www.salaryexpert.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
  24. ^ "Weather Observer Salary in South Africa". www.salaryexpert.com. 2021. Retrieved 2021-03-11.
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