Directorate of Oceanography & Meteorology

Public Unclassified

About DOM

General Inquiries

Phone: +61 2 9359 3116
Fax: +61 2 9359 3120
Email: metoc.info@defence.gov.au

Postal Address

Directorate of Oceanography & Meteorology
Fleet Headquarters
Wylde Street
Potts Point, NSW, 2011

Courier Address

Directorate of Oceanography & Meteorology
Bay E, Level 2, Building 89/90, Garden Island
Potts Point, NSW, 2011

About DOM

The Directorate of Oceanography & Meteorology (DOM) is a component of the Royal Australian Navy´s Hydrographic, Meteorological and Oceanographic Force Element Group, of which the Australian Hydrographic Service is the other component. The Directorate consists of four sections as outlined below:

Operational METOC Centre (OMC)

The Operational METOC Centre provides two Mobile METOC Teams (MMTs) to the Fleet Commander for employment, normally by assignment to Headquarters Joint Operations Command. MMTs may be embarked in ships or submarines, or deployed ashore, to co-ordinate METOC operations during activities with a particular requirement for METOC MGI, such as those with a significant amphibious, aviation or anti-submarine focus. In addition, the OMC provides METOC training to the Fleet and wider ADF, and contributes to the maintenance and development of METOC capability.

Nowra Weather and Oceanography Centre (NWOC)

NWOC supports Fleet Air Arm operations from the Naval Air Station (NAS) Nowra, by providing information required for the safety and efficiency of air navigation, and for the tactical employment of aircraft, including assessments and forecasts of oceanographic conditions in the training areas adjacent to Jervis Bay. NWOC also provides services to the Parachute Training School, and small boat forecasts for the Jervis Bay area. Routine surface and upper air observations are provided to the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) in support of national meteorological operations.

Ocean Data Services (ODS)

Ocean Data Services manages oceanographic observations collected by the ADF, and fulfils the DOM’s national and international responsibilities for oceanographic data. This management process includes such aspects as quality control, storage, the creation of metadata in approved formats, and the rendering of consolidated datasets to the World Data Center. ODS staff also assist with capability developments related to ocean observations and data management.

METOC Geospatial Services (MGS)

METOC Geospatial Services section is responsible for disseminating a range of METOC products to ADF users, and the general public, using GIS and internet technologies, through Defence intranets and the public internet. These products include near-real time METOC observations derived from satellites, ocean analyses and forecasts from project BLUElink and climatological datasets. Climatological assessments of areas of interest or potential interest to the ADF are also produced. MGS staff contribute to the improvement of capability for product development and dissemination.

Careers

The Directorate of Oceanography & Meteorology employs a range of highly skilled and experienced people, both civilian and uniformed personnel. The majority of staff hold a minimum Bachelor Degree, typically in physical sciences with experience in meteorology and/or oceanography. In general we seek talented people with a knack for problem solving and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with cutting edge technology. Experience in atmospheric or marine science and exposure to cross platform computing environments will be highly regarded.

There are currently no employment opportunities, however check back as they will be posted from time to time.

Civilian Positions

GIS Developers and Geospatial Analysts

The Directorate is a leading defence agency in spatial technologies. We seek to employ people who have a good grasp of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) standards. The role of GIS staff is to broaden existing geospatial capabilities, and develop new products and techniques to represent meteorological and oceanographic conditions. We are most active in data capture and web-based data representation.

Data Managers

The Directorate is responsible for all ADF collected oceanographic data. We employ people who are skilled in handling scientific data sets and understand the value of quality data. The role of data management staff is to advise on data collection, perform advanced quality control and act as safekeepers of the data. We also respond to ad hoc data requests and develop specialised marine data software and frameworks.

Climate Analysts

The Climate Services group employs people who are skilled in gathering and reporting scientific information. Climate analysts are responsible for providing meteorological and oceanographic information to all arms of the ADF. You will have experience in research as well as the ability to create informative, high quality reports. You must be efficient, articulate and have excellent written and oral communication skills.

Other civillian positions that personnel fill within the Directorate include:

Service Positions

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) trains and employs a small number of officers as subject matter experts in Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC). Such officers must have achieved their Seaman Officer Primary Qualification (SMN PQ), before undergoing training for the award of the Maritime Geospatial Officer – METOC (MGO-M) specialisation.

The training is conducted by both the Bureau of Meteorology and the Directorate of Oceanography and Meteorology (DOM). On graduation, MGO-M Officers can look forward to a variety of postings within the DOM, including forecasting, deployment as a member of a Mobile METOC Team (MMT), project involvement, policy development and instruction.

More information on MGO-M training and career structure.

See the Department of Defence Careers and Recruiting site for more information on civilian and uniformed jobs within the Australian Defence Force.