Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

The Work

The duties of the Meteorological Officer vary with the type of station at which s/he is serving. They fall into seven different categories:

• surface meteorological observations (includes measurements of air pressure, temperature, wind speed and direction, cloud height, barometric tendency, the identification of cloud and weather types, the calculation of humidity and dew-point, the estimation or measurement of visibility etc.,); these elements are then coded for national and international dissemination
• use of specialised equipment for the measurement of wind-speed and direction, temperatures, pressure, humidity and osone levels of the upper atmosphere;
• interfacing with the public in relation to the delivery of meteorological services
• using automated systems for the plotting of synoptic surface and upper air charts. Occasional manual plotting of weather charts and diagrams;
• mathematical calculations, quality control and analysis of climatological data and the compilation of climatological data appropriate to the grade;
• the installation, care and maintenance of sophisticated meteorological instruments and communication facilities;
• develpoment, installation and maintenance of IT systems

Meteorological Officers may be required to serve in any part of the state. While performing observing duties, the officer will spend about 25% of his/her time outdoors, but, in general, the work is indoors. Officers, depending on the location at which they are stationed, will be required to work shift (including night) duties and to attend at weekends and Public Holidays; extra allowances are paid for working these duties.  
 
At present Meteorological Officers are stationed at Dublin, Cork, Shannon Airport, Cahirciveen, Rosslare, Malin Head, Belmullet, Clones, Mullingar, Birr, Kilkenny and Knock Airport.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
• Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
• Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
• Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
• Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
• Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
• Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
• Analyse historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
• Analyse climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
• Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

Met Eireann is the main employer of Meteorological Officers/ Meteorologists in Ireland. Met Éireann, Ireland’s National Meteorological Service, is a division of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and is the leading provider of weather information and related service in the State.

Met Éireann include weather forecasters, climatologists, research scientists, IT specialists, database experts, hydro-meteorologists, instrument engineers, liaison and funding officers, administrative staff, and radar and satellite meteorologists.

A recognised First or good Second Class Honours University degree in Meteorology or Physics or Mathematical Physics or Mathematics or a qualification regarded by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) as equivalent in value for the purpose of the competition for this role and for open cometitions for employment. 

Candidates must have a minimum of a university degree with a First or Upper Second (2:1) Class Honours in one or more of the following (or a recognised equivalent). 

Training & Development 

FET PLC Courses: Environmental Science, Pre-University, Environmental Studies with Business, Science with Environmental Studies, Ecotourism with Environmental Studies, Environmental and Biodiversity Studies - Pre University, Sustainable Applied Ecology, Applied Science at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search our FET PLC Coursefinder

Higher Education CAO Entry: Climate and Environmental Sustainability, Mathematical physics, mathematics, meteorology and physics, Applied Physics and Instrumentation, Climate & environmental sustainablity NFQ level 7-8 Search our CAO coursefinder 

Postgraduate study options: A Masters course in Meteorology is available at the UCD Meteorology & Climate Centre. Met Éireann provides metrological training for new entrants. A six months training period is spent in the Met Office and Met Éireann will support staff who wish to increase their qualifications.

UK & Northern Ireland 

UCAS [Northern Ireland and UK]: The Met Office offers a comprehensive training programme for those with a suitable degree and a proven interest in the weather. Degree subjects can include: meteorology, electronics, oceanography, physics, mathematics, environmental sciences, GIS and geography. A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not always a requirement Search UCAS Postgrad courses

The Met Office in the UK has its own college in Exeter, providing training courses for new entrants and for continuing professional development. Meteorologists in the UK are encouraged to pursue the Royal Meteorologist Chartered Meteorologist Accreditation Scheme (CMets) - a chartered accreditation, identical in concept and scope to chartered accreditation in other professions such as chartered accountant. Continuing professional development is provided by the Royal Meteorological Society and maintenance of this is actively monitored by the Society for all CMets.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €35k - €58k

Salaries vary by employer, location, duties, role, experience, and sessional shift pattern & conditions.

Data Source(s):
Met.ie/ PAS

Last Updated: May, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.

Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.

New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.

• Public Appointments Service

  • Chapter House, 26/30 Abbey Street Upper, Dublin 1, D01 C7W6
  • (01) 858 7400 or Local: 1890 44 9999
  • [email protected]
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• Met Eireann

  • Glasnevin Hill, Dublin 9
  • (01) 806 4200
  • [email protected]
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• Irish Meteorological Society

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• Wind Energy Ireland

  • Sycamore House Millennium Park Osberstown Naas Co Kildare W91 D627
  • 045 899341
  • [email protected]
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