A PROFILE OF THE BUREAU

Australia's national weather service, the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology, provides forecasts and warnings to the public, the aviation industry, defence services, primary industry and many other specialist user groups. It also gathers and disseminates climatic data, provides consultative services and undertakes meteorological research. In support of these functions the Bureau operates extensive observation, communication and computer systems, and cooperates in the use of international satellite systems.

The Bureau has approximately 1400 staff employed throughout Australia and its Territories (including Antarctica). Staff are located at Head Office in Melbourne, at seven Regional Forecasting Centres (RFCs) in capital cities, at 14 Weather Service Offices (WSOs) at provincial airports and RAAF bases, and at 35 Observing Offices at other centres.

THE WORK OF THE METEOROLOGIST

There are approximately 350 meteorologists in the Commonwealth Bureau of Meteorology. Meteorologists are normally based at the Bureau's Head Office, situated in Melbourne, and at the seven Regional Offices located in all State capital cities and Darwin, with smaller numbers at other locations including Canberra and Townsville. Meteorologists working as forecasters, and in some other operational areas, work on a 7-day, 24-hour shift roster.

Professional meteorological work embraces the study of the physics and dynamics of the atmosphere to obtain a better understanding of its behaviour and effects on the Earth's surface, oceans and life in general. It includes the analysis and prognosis of the state of the atmosphere, and the provision of forecasts, warnings, information and advice on weather and climate to the general public and special users.

A professional meteorologist recruited as a Graduate APS will usually be initially employed as a weather forecaster but may also work in some of the other areas described below on a part time or full time basis.

Weather Forecaster

A weather forecaster prepares daily forecasts as well as warnings for tropical cyclones, storms and gales, bush fires, severe thunderstorms and floods. Amongst others, the forecasts and warnings are issued to the general public, the aviation, agricultural, fishing and shipping industries.

 

Severe Weather Warning Services

Meteorologists develop and deliver enhanced services for weather events that pose the most severe threat to life and property, including tropical cyclones, bush fires and severe thunderstorms.

 

Meteorological and Oceanographic Analysis

Meteorologists assist in developing, managing and running the systems that provide national analyses and prognoses of weather systems and ocean conditions in the Australian region, including the Bureau's numerical weather prediction systems.

 

Climatology

Meteorologists monitor and study Australia's climate and the mechanisms that control its variability. Regular climate monitoring bulletins, climate assessments, seasonal climate outlooks and drought statements for the Australian region are prepared. Climate variability and change detection at the national level contributes to international assessments.

 

Hydrometeorology

A small number of meteorologists work with the Hydrological Services Program, providing information on rainfall patterns and intensity in support of the planning and management of land and water resources, and the design of communications networks, urban drainage systems, dams.

 

Observational Meteorology

Meteorologists assist Observers and Engineers in developing, maintaining and managing the Bureau's observational network, including such systems as automatic weather stations, the upper-air observation network, sub-surface ocean observations, weather radar and satellite remote sensing.

 

Consultative Services

Meteorologists provide advice and conduct investigations involving the application of meteorology to such fields as agriculture, engineering, architecture, health, tourism, urban planning and design. Services are provided to Government and private users on a public interest, cost recovery or commercial basis as appropriate.

 

Training

Meteorologists assist in providing training in the skills and knowledge required for the effective operation of the Bureau. This includes conducting the Bureau's Graduate Diploma in Meteorology course, and providing ongoing meteorological training for Bureau staff.

 

Program Management

Meteorologists may be involved in program management, providing national coordination and support for regionally based weather services through policy and project development, liaison with users at a national strategic level, performance monitoring, and contributions to training courses, workshops and conferences.

 

Basic and Applied Research

Many meteorologists advance the science of meteorology and develop techniques for use in the Bureau's operations. Current areas of research include numerical weather prediction, climate variability and change, oceanography, tropical cyclones and new observing technologies.

RECRUITMENT and PROBATIONARY ARRANGEMENTS

The Bureau recruits new entrant meteorologists most years. Current Bureau of Meteorology staff can apply for selection as a Graduate APS and successful applicants will be temporarily transferred to undertake the training course.

Conditions of Engagement
Engagement as Graduate APS [Meteorologist] is subject to the following conditions:

1. Probation
   Employment is on probation for the first 18 months. Continued employment during this period will depend on:
   
   • Satisfactory progress during the course of training;
   • General conduct and work performance; and
   • Ability to meet the prescribed medical standards.
   During the probationary period your medical fitness, conduct and work performance will be assessed to determine whether you meet the required standard. If there are doubts on any of these matters, the probationary period may be extended. If your medical fitness, conduct or work performance are considered unsatisfactory, your employment may be terminated.
   
   
2. Citizenship
   To be eligible for engagement to the Australian Public Service, you must hold Australian Citizenship. However, if you hold Permanent Resident status and have applied, or intend to apply, for citizenship, you may be engaged on probation pending the granting of citizenship. Successful applicants will need to provide evidence of citizenship status as well as their original birth certificate prior to being employed.
   
   
3. Formal Qualifications
   To be eligible for engagement as a Graduate APS [Meteorologist] you must:
   
   • have completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognised Australian educational institution, with a major course of study in physical science or mathematics, and sufficient mathematics and physics to successfully undertake the study of physical and dynamic meteorology. The minimum standard required is met by the successful completion of study in mathematics and physics to second year university level; OR
   • possess an overseas tertiary qualification certified by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition to be equivalent to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a recognised Australian Education Institution, with a major course of study in physical science or mathematics, and sufficient mathematics and physics to successfully undertake the study of physical and dynamic meteorology. The minimum standard required is met by the successful completion of study in mathematics and physics to second year university level.
     A certificate of equivalence MUST be attached with your Application Form.
     If your qualifications have not been assessed to the equivalent Australian Standard, then details of your qualifications must be assessed by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR) GPO Box 1407, Canberra ACT 2601 before submitting your application. Should any delays occur, you should submit your Application Form by the closing date and attach a statement that you have applied for certification, which you should forward on receipt. Applications received without this statement or certification cannot be considered. Note: a statement of professional equivalence is not sufficient. The certification MUST be a statement of academic comparison with qualifications awarded by an Australian University.
   
   
   
4. Character Clearances
   Applicants must be of good character, and comply with the Australian Public Service (APS) Code of Conduct and APS Values during employment.
   
   
5. Health Clearances
   Engagement is subject to passing a medical assessment. This will be arranged by the Bureau with Health Services Australia. Details regarding the assessment will be advised during the selection process. If your medical fitness is considered unsatisfactory, your employment may be terminated.

 

Location

Engagement is followed by training in Melbourne for 10 months. On successful completion of training most meteorologists will be posted to a position in a Regional Office (located in each capital city), a position in Head Office (Melbourne) or one of the provincial forecasting offices. You may be considered for a specific posting but most recruits need to be prepared to be posted to work in any capital city in Australia.

YOUR FIRST and FOLLOWING YEARS

Successful applicants normally undertake a one-week familiarisation with a Regional Office in the state or territory from which they are recruited.

Most of your first year (from February to November) will be spent in Melbourne undertaking a course in meteorology conducted by the Bureau of Meteorology Training Centre. The course occupies one academic year and is of a similar standard to the honours year of a Bachelor degree. The course covers synoptic, dynamic and physical meteorology, climatology, satellite and radar data interpretation, numerical weather prediction and the use of modern technology in Bureau operations. There is strong emphasis on the practical aspects of meteorology and its application to users' requirements. A nationally accredited Graduate Diploma in Meteorology is awarded on successful completion of the course.

Trainees will receive notification of a posting to a weather forecasting, or other position, in September, to take effect on the successful completion of the Graduate Diploma in Meteorology.

Following transfer to your posting you will receive further on the job training. During the four years following graduation from your initial training, you will undertake a structured development program. This program will broaden your skills and understanding of the Bureau's services and operations and provide opportunities for personal development. It includes placements in various areas of the Bureau's operations and a mentoring program.

Promotional Opportunities

On successful completion of the 40-week course Graduates will be advanced to APS Level 3 (PO Class 1). Successful completion of the four-year structured development program will lead to promotion to the next level (APS Level 6 (PO Class 2)). Promotion to higher levels is based on merit as positions become available. You may also apply for other positions while undertaking the structured development program.

 

Salary

Salary as covered by the Bureau's Certified Agreement on commencement is based on the award rates for Graduates APS. As of 10 April 2003 the annual rates were:

 

Graduate APS		$36,544
APS Level 3 -5 (PO Class 1)		$40,476 - $51,658
APS Level 6 (PO Class 2)		$52,942 - $59,339
EL 1 (SPOC)		$66,221 - $71,508
EL 2 (SPOB)		$76,378 - $86,591

 

Shiftwork is applicable to certain positions and attracts special penalty payments, which can add about 30% to the base salary figure.

TRANSFER ENTITLEMENTS

The Bureau will generally cover the cost of travel to Melbourne to undertake the training. These costs include fares for the employee and their dependants, removal of furniture and personal effects and an allowance to cover temporary accommodation when transferring. Similarly the Bureau will cover the costs involved in transfer to your posting following successful completion of the training course. Further information is available in the Bureau of Meteorology Certified Agreement [www.bom.gov.au/inside/ca_bom_2002_master_final.pdf].

GENERAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Superannuation

As an employee you automatically contribute to the Public Sector Superannuation Scheme. Contributions from 2% up to 10% of salary are deducted fortnightly from your pay. Unless you specify otherwise, a basic contribution of 5% of your fortnightly salary will be deducted every payday. Superannuation contributions are reviewed each year on your birthday and are based on the highest salary and any recognised allowances you have received in the year from birthday to birthday. Employees also receive a superannuation payment that is paid by the employer directly to the superannuation fund on top of the employee's salary. This benefit is known as the Productivity Benefit.

 

Recreation Leave

Recreation Leave accrues at 147 hours (4 weeks) per year. Credits are accrued on the 1st of January each year, based on the number of completed calendar days worked in the previous year. Extra leave credits are available for employees on shift work. Employees who have no credits, and/or have used all of their existing credits, can anticipate up to one week of the next year's recreation leave credit. New employees must have been employed for at least three months before anticipating recreation leave.

 

Prior Service and Leave

Service with certain public sector employers may be recognised for sick leave and long service leave purposes subject to the following criteria:

Sick Leave:

If the break in service prior to commencement with the Bureau does not exceed 2 months.

Long Service Leave:

If the break in service does not exceed 12 months.

 

Sick Leave

On commencement employees receive a sick leave credit of 3 weeks leave on full pay. Further credits of sick leave accrue on the anniversary of your commencement. This date may vary if you have prior service which is recognised for sick leave purposes; or
it is deferred by periods of leave without pay which do not count as service.
Each year you may be granted up to five days paid sick leave without the need to provide a medical certificate. You should note that no more than three continuous days sick leave can be taken without producing a medical certificate.
Sick leave credits (apart from the 5 days without a medical certificate) accumulate without limitation throughout your period of service.

 

Other Leave

There are various other leave entitlements available with accompanying conditions of accrual and usage. Examples include Long Service Leave, Leave Without Pay, Maternity Leave and Personal Leave.

 

Accidents and Compensation

Whilst on duty or travelling to and from your home and place of employment, by the most direct route, you are covered under the Occupational Health and Safety 'Commonwealth Employment' Act 1991 in respect of work related injury and disease. Should you be injured you should contact the Personnel Section for advice.

REGIONAL OFFICE ADDRESSES

For information about the day to day operations of the Bureau you can contact your local Regional Office.

RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE GRADUATE APS (Meteorologists) 2004

• Closing Date for Applications 5 September 2003
• Interviews during October 2003
• Notification of selection from the end of November onwards
• (Note that as many positions are available, second round offers may occur throughout December, and possibly into January 2004.)
• Pre-engagement medical, citizenship, qualification & character checks - Nov / Dec
• Pre-course familiarisation in local office from Thursday, 29 January 2004
• Training in Melbourne from Monday, 9 February 2004

Revised August 2003