£19,000 pa + benefits (rising to £22,500 on successful completion of training)
Initial training in Exeter, Devon followed by on the job training at one of a number of locations around the UK. Working in various locations around the UK upon completion of training
Full-time, permanent

Join a unique, high profile organisation with an excellent reputation that's home to world-class science and cutting-edge technological capabilities.

About the programme

Starting April 2014 at the Met Office College in our Exeter HQ, our Initial Forecasting Course (IFC) will give you all the skills and knowledge you need to become an exceptional weather forecaster. The course covers everything from observing methods to how to interpret satellite and radar imagery, to practical forecasting and issuing warnings. You'll receive on the job training working closely with a qualified forecaster to produce real-time products and advisory services for real-life customers. At the end of this part of the course, you'll receive the QCF Level 5 in Meteorological Forecasting, a globally recognised qualification. You'll then take up a post at either of our Operations Centres in Aberdeen or Exeter, or at one of our Defence sites across the UK and be responsible for providing information and advice to our customers to help them manage the impact of the weather on their activities.

You'll be part of an incredibly talented team providing forecasts and advisory services to customers around the world, around the clock. It will take you around two years to gain a good grounding in operational forecasting. And where you go from there is up to you. Some of our talented forecasters are working as far afield as Antarctica and Gibraltar. Others are helping out with our ongoing work in Rwanda, Europe, Cyprus, the South Atlantic or at one of our closer-to-home UK sites - the choice is yours. You could even find yourself forecasting for Wimbledon, The Open Golf, supporting operations on oil rigs or, as a Reservist in uniform, working closely in support of the armed forces operating overseas.

About you

Firstly, we'd like you to have a science based degree and you should be proficient in Maths and Physics up to AS Level standard (or equivalent). Intelligent and willing to learn, you'll be switched on and ready for an intensive and at times, challenging learning experience. We're looking for more than just bright minds though. We want individuals who are as confident interacting with our valued customers as they are with scientific issues. Many of our customers won't be familiar with technical information so you'll need to be able to communicate in a way that is clear for everyone to understand. We invest a lot in our trainees so we look for commitment and dedication. In return, you'll find yourself in a varied and exciting career, working with some of the brightest scientific brains and the most powerful technology in the world. Whilst we'll give you all the training that you need to be an exceptional forecaster, we'd like you to already have a genuine interest in the weather and the impact that it has on people's lives.

The rewards

Our reward package is world class too. Once you're qualified, your salary will increase and there is a generous package of allowances for those working shifts. On top of this, we've a performance pay scheme, hundreds of different employee discounts and an occupational welfare programme. In addition to your starting holiday allowance of 25 days, this will rise to 30 days after five years' service. Your training and development doesn't stop once you receive your internationally recognised qualification either, we offer many courses through our Forecaster Professional Development scheme once you've finished and there's potential to develop your Forecasting career and progress in this area.

About us

Like millions of others, you probably know us best for the weather that you hear on the news or read on your phone. But did you know that our forecasts reach as far as space? Or that high profile organisations across the world - from governments and the military, to the NHS and utility companies, rely on our expertise to operate safely and efficiently? Through world-leading science and cutting-edge technology, through idea generation and enthusiasm, we collaborate to challenge the ordinary every day because we believe in the best. The best for our customers, the best for your career. It's a career where you'll be challenged, developed and fascinated; a career where whatever you do, your work will make a valuable contribution to the bigger picture. A career to be proud of.

Apply

To find out more, and to apply online, please click on the 'Apply Now' button.

Closing date: 6 September 2013

As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all diversity groups, especially from black and ethnic minority applicants.