KEY POINTS:
MY JOB
Name: Ramon Oosterkamp (37)
Role: Lead weather forecaster with the Meterological Service of New Zealand (MetService).
Shift hours: Six days on and three days off, three nights on and three days off.
Average pay: Trainees around $28K. With 10 years experience $68K-$80K plus additional penal rates for work between 7pm-7am.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Science in maths and physics from Massey University. Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science in Meteorology at Victoria University. WMO (World Meterological Organisation) Class 1 Forecasting accreditation.
Describe what you do.
I've been working for the last 10 years as a weather forecaster for MetService in Wellington.
I currently work in the aviation division, primarily writing forecasts for airports and providing route forecasts for domestic and recreational pilots. This is done on a 24-hour basis.
I've just come back from the public section where we write forecasts for radio, TV, newspaper, internet and deal with media calls and inquiries.
There is also a marine section, which undertakes coastal and inshore forecasting as well as gale and storm warnings for the Pacific region.
How do you actually go about forecasting the weather?
Most of the information reaches MetService by computer. We then use computer modelling techniques together with real-time data to find a solution. This includes satellite data, radar, computer models and real-time weather information from remote sensors. Twice daily we have 'nodding', where we run through what we think the weather is going to be like for the next two days. The senior forecaster starts, then the lead forecasters comment followed by other forecasters. If you provide a good argument, you'll be listened to. Over the years you learn pattern recognition. You've seen this before and know you need to look for this, this and this. It is always a group effort.
Why did you choose this line of work?
I wasn't sure what to do after finishing my degree. A friend suggested attending the MetServices recruitment seminar. I applied and got in. Once I started I felt a real affinity for it and I can't see myself doing anything else now. I'd always been interested in the weather. As a surfer I spent a lot of time looking at weather maps.
What kind of clients do you have?
We provide forecasts to most of the big papers, radios, TVNZ, TV3, Channel 9, BBC, and dedicated overseas weather channels. We supply aviation weather to airlines like Qantas, Air New Zealand, and a number of overseas airlines. We also supply marine forecasts to search and rescue and other groups.
What qualifications are required?
A science degree, preferably in maths and physics, is minimum. Once accepted into MetService you undertake a one year diploma in meteorology at Victoria University, followed by a one year internship at the MetService where you're forecasting operationally but monitored closely by senior staff. If you are found to be suitable, you're offered a full time role.
What skills or qualities do you need?
We deal with physics every day in an ever-changing environment so you need a firm grounding in the physical world. You're always thinking, 'Why is that happening? What is going on?'
You need to problem-solve quickly and efficiently and meet time deadlines. You need to be articulate. There is nothing worse than knowing the forecast yet not being able to communicate it. Attention to detail is important.
TV weather forecasts look simple. What is involved?
The forecasts and graphics for presenters have to be summarised into 20 second sound bites, which is around five lines per frame, so we have to be generic, succinct and quite ruthless. For example, if the forecast is for showers in one area but fine elsewhere, we may not have room to mention it may be cloudy in between.
Best part of the job?
It is very, very satisfying when you get it right. I also enjoy dealing with the public.
Most challenging part?
Getting it wrong and it is the sort of job where you're not going to get it right all the time. Weather has a great way of humbling people. New Zealand is not the easiest place to forecast. It is a little island surrounded by huge expanses of water with maritime air masses.
Any advice to someone wanting to do same thing?
Attend your local meteorological society's meeting to get a feel for whether you're interested in weather or not. There are a lot of young people at MetService, and a fairly even male-female ratio. If you're at university, look for our recruitment drive which is happening around now.
Where would you like to be in five years?
You need years of skills and experience and follow a definite structure to become a senior forecaster. I have one more step to go and will probably reach that level in five years.
I'd love to be a meso weather forecaster, which is someone who does the fine scale warnings - heavy rain and strong winds.
