Meteorologist

About the Role

Oceanography (OCEANO) Officers, also known as METOC, serve as the Navy's premier geophysical experts. Our mission is to define and apply the physical environment—from the ocean floor to the stars—to ensure the U.S. Navy maintains freedom of action, deters aggression, and secures victory. You will act as the one-of-one geophysical expert at operational commands, providing critical support to fleet and joint operations by leading the collection, processing, and prediction of environmental data. Your work directly ensures the safety of navigation, access to denied waters, and the lethality of Navy forces.

Career Path & Environment

This career offers a dynamic blend of sea and shore assignments with increasing scope and responsibility. You will serve in challenging operational billets worldwide, including Europe, Hawaii, Asia, and the Middle East. Sea duty may involve leading small team detachments on U.S. and foreign vessels, serving as the embarked OCEANO Officer on aircraft carriers or amphibious ships, or working on Strike Group and Joint Task Force staffs. Shore tours provide opportunities at major production commands, forecast centers, headquarters, the Navy Data Center, and Naval Research Labs.

Training & Development

Your journey begins with the 3-week Information Warfare Basic Course (IWBC) and the 7-week Basic Oceanography Accession Training (BOAT). As you advance, you will attend the Division Officer Leadership Course (DIVOLC). Postgraduate education at the Naval Postgraduate School is required for officers at the Lieutenant Commander level and above, typically pursued as mid-grade Lieutenants. The Navy supports your continuous learning through standard programs including Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credits, and Navy COOL-funded certifications.

Joining the Fleet

To serve as an OCEANO Officer, you must be eligible for commissioning in the United States Navy, including U.S. citizenship, and meet all general medical, vision, dental, and character standards. You must be qualified for sea duty, worldwide assignable, and eligible for a Top-Secret security clearance. Compensation, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and Reserve policies, including basic pay, allowances, health coverage, and retirement options. Specific incentives, such as bonuses or loan repayment, may be available depending on current needs and eligibility.

Equal Opportunity

The U.S. Navy is an equal opportunity employer. We consider qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.