Overview

Job Title: OceanographyCategory / Component: Officer • Both OverviewOceanography (OCEANO) Officers, also called METOC, are the Navy's geophysical experts who understand and apply all facets of meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry. Their mission is to define and apply the physical environment, from the bottom of the ocean to the stars, to ensure the U.S. Navy has the freedom of action to deter aggression, maintain freedom of the seas, and win wars. Key ResponsibilitiesProvide timely and relevant support to fleet and joint operations by leading the collection, processing, prediction, exploitation, and dissemination of environmental data. Ensure safety of navigation, access to denied waters, freedom to maneuver at will, and increase the lethality of Navy forces. Lead teams ranging from small 3-4 person deployable units to large commands of over 400 personnel. Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to ExpectServe in a variety of challenging operational billets with increasing scope and responsibility, both at sea and ashore. The career path interweaves sea, shore, and educational tours. Sea duty may include leading small team detachments on U.S. and foreign vessels, serving as the embarked OCEANO Officer on an aircraft carrier or amphibious ship, or serving on a Strike Group or Joint Task Force staff. Shore tours include assignments at major production commands, forecast centers, headquarters, Joint commands, the Navy Data Center, and Naval Research Labs. Work EnvironmentAssignments are worldwide, including Europe, Hawaii, Asia, and the Middle East. Work environments range from being at sea on surface combatants, survey vessels, aircraft carriers, and amphibious ships to being ashore at major production commands, forecast centers, headquarters, and research facilities. Pathways, Training & AdvancementInitial training includes the 3-week Information Warfare Basic Course (IWBC) and the 7-week Basic Oceanography Accession Training (BOAT). Officers may also attend Division Officer Leadership Course (DIVOLC). Postgraduate education at the Naval Postgraduate School is required for officers at the LCDR level and senior, typically as mid-grade Lieutenants. Promotions to LTJG and LT occur at 2 and 4 years of service, with competitive promotion opportunities to LCDR, CDR, CAPT, and Flag Officer ranks.Requires a Baccalaureate degree, preferably in a technical field, with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or greater. Must have completed a full college calculus series (I and II) with a minimum 'C' average, and a college-level calculus-based physics series (I and II) with a minimum 'B' average. A desired degree is in physics, physics-based oceanography, meteorology, hydrography, earth science, engineering, or mathematics. QualificationsAll Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy as an Officer, including United States citizenship A bachelor's or qualifying professional degree Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age rangesMeeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standardsMeeting character and conduct standards, including background screeningAchieving required test scores on the Officer Aptitude Rating examEligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designatorAdditional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter. Additional qualifications for this job may include:Must be qualified for sea duty, world-wide assignable, and eligible for a Top-Secret security clearance. EducationEducation benefits are available through standard Navy pro