|
|
Post by vortlobes on Jun 6, 2015 11:19:13 GMT -5
Have had several phone calls recently about what the requirements are for Weather Observer. Here is a example of what all Weather Contract Companies require.
Part-time Weather Observer
Requirements...
Visual correctable to 20/20 vision with glasses or contacts
Must have at least one year experience with the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS)
For employment at Weather Offices with FMQ-19, must have experience with the FMQ-19.
|
|
|
|
Post by alstein on Jun 6, 2015 11:43:37 GMT -5
Some places if desperate will take no experience.
Otherwise how would you get new ones?
|
|
|
|
Post by ronsarno on Jun 6, 2015 13:24:50 GMT -5
Hoe does one obtain the training?
|
|
|
|
Post by vortlobes on Jun 6, 2015 14:42:32 GMT -5
Training on ASOS from US Marine Corps, US Navy, and maybe the Army. Coast Guard doesn't use ASOS to the best of my knowledge and US Air Force uses the FMQ-19, a system that is very different in its operation than ASOS, and the FMQ-19 is left in the AUTO mode most of the time with very few Special Observations. The Navy still hires forecasters and observers to operate ASOS.
There used to be a few private schools that gave instruction on ASOS when ASOS first started back in the late 80's to 1992 or so, but students were advised that ASOS was eventually to be a mostly Automatic system with no need for a full time observer.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
Additional requirements to the aforementioned Job Requirements is that observers have to be available to work Sundays, Holidays and fill in as necessary for employees on vacation or sick leave for whatever shift is necessary to keep the office manned.
*****************************************************************************************************************************************
|
|
|
|
Post by toofarnorth on Jun 8, 2015 18:46:10 GMT -5
Training needs to be coordinated with your senior weather observer. I suggest a document called "Training Guide In Surface Weather Observations" by Dale Rhodda, from the NWS, also FAA Order 7900.5c. Ask your SWO lots of questions. SWO will order you a security background check. After passing security, you will be given a written exam which the SWO will order from the FAA. Then you get station training from the SWO. Nobody does this without vetting prospects and having an opening to fill.
|
|
|
|
Post by ronsarno on Jun 9, 2015 18:23:07 GMT -5
One last question: Does the military hire civilian weather observers?
|
|
|
|
Post by alstein on Jun 9, 2015 21:36:57 GMT -5
There were some 10 years ago. That was heavily due to deployments though, and they were usually people who did their 20.
|
|
|
|
Post by kcfan on Jun 12, 2015 20:56:35 GMT -5
Hoe does one obtain the training? To my knowledge, the only agency that will accept "newbees" is the FAA. The FAA is most lenient in this regard. If you can pass the test you can work. The same is not true of the military contracts and most military ones are now requiring both an observer and forecaster background. The military contracts mostly require formal school plus experience. The NWS no longer provides the observer schooling so this is something that can only be obtained via the military. Bottom line is other than the FAA it is getting tougher for "observer only" experienced people without formal weather schooling to get weather jobs. Those with meteorology degrees and no experience can seek out the NWS for an internship or something. Might be some opportunities in the private sector but I imagine they would want someone with practical experience as well. |
|
