Meteorology and Oceanography Officer

Meteorology and Oceanography Officer (METOC)

U.S. Navy | Commissioned Officer | Full-Time

Fully-funded graduate school opportunity
Location: Worldwide Assignments (U.S. and International)
Career Fields: Meteorology, Oceanography, Earth Science, Physics, Geophysics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics

Position Summary

The U.S. Navy is seeking qualified college graduates or students to serve as Meteorology & Oceanography Officers (METOC)—leaders who apply physical science and environmental intelligence to support global naval operations. This career path combines scientific expertise, operational leadership, and advanced graduate education in a high-responsibility environment.

As a METOC Officer, you will assess and interpret atmospheric, oceanographic, and geospatial data to inform decisions across a range of mission-critical domains, including aviation, submarine operations, expeditionary warfare, and cyber defense. Your work will have a direct impact on U.S. and allied maritime strategy, humanitarian operations, and global situational awareness.

Core Responsibilities

Analyze and forecast environmental conditions using advanced meteorological and oceanographic tools

Provide briefings and mission-critical recommendations to Navy leadership and planning teams

Lead scientific teams and collaborate across operational units to support real-time decision-making

Support environmental readiness for aircraft carriers, submarines, special operations units, and research installations

Utilize global sensing networks, satellite data, and modeling software to support Navy and joint-force operations

Education & Training Path

Officer Candidate School (OCS) – 13-week leadership development course, Newport, RI

Basic Oceanography Accession Training (BOAT) – 5-week METOC foundational course, Gulfport, MS

Advanced Academic Opportunities:

Most METOC Officers earn a fully funded dual master’s degree in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography at the Naval Postgraduate School (Monterey, CA)

Additional opportunities include:

Joint Professional Military Education (JPME) at military service colleges

Naval War College (NWC) coursework in strategy, leadership, and national security

Business-focused training in budget, finance, manpower, and R&D

Potential eligibility to pursue a Ph.D. while serving full-time

Career Progression

METOC Officers typically follow a structured development path that includes:

Initial Operational Assignment – Leadership experience aboard ships or with deployable units

Naval Oceanography Tour – Applied scientific role within operational directorates or production centers

Graduate Education – Formal technical education in a chosen specialty

Advanced Assignments – Positions with Strike Groups, fleet commands, and specialized billets with growing leadership responsibilities

Candidate Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field
(e.g., Meteorology, Oceanography, Physics, Earth Science, Applied Mathematics, Environmental Engineering)

Strong academic performance in STEM coursework

U.S. citizenship (required)

Eligible for Secret security clearance

Demonstrated leadership potential, analytical ability, and professional maturity

Post-Service Career Opportunities

METOC Officers are highly competitive for civilian roles in:

Federal agencies (e.g., NOAA, NASA, National Weather Service)

Private-sector meteorology, hydrography, and environmental consulting firms

Maritime, energy, transportation, and climate-related industries

Research institutions, universities, and defense laboratories

Military experience also supports qualification for advanced professional credentials and certifications (e.g., AMS, GIS, hydrographer licensure) and may translate into post-graduate academic credit.

Why the METOC Community?

Integration of technical expertise with operational leadership

Direct contributions to national security, disaster response, and global strategy

Funded graduate-level education and long-term career development

Competitive salary and full military benefits package, including housing, healthcare, and retirement