Beamter/Beamtin im gehobenen nichttechnischen Dienst des Bundes im Deutschen Wetterdienst und im Geophysikalischen Beratungsdienst der Bundeswehr

Learning locations include: The Federal University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration, the German Weather Service Education Center, the German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service Training and Education Center (lecture halls, seminar and exercise rooms, libraries). Additionally, offices and training rooms of the German Weather Service or the German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service, and at home (e.g., preparing for and reviewing courses, completing homework).

The amendment to the Federal Career Ordinance (Bundeslaufbahnverordnung) came into effect on March 17, 2026. It opens up needs-based special access routes to counteract the shortage of skilled workers. A key focus of the reform is the equalization of vocational and academic education. For example, access to the higher technical administrative service and the higher scientific service is now also possible for individuals with vocational advanced training qualifications such as Bachelor Professional or Master Professional.

The profession is a civil service training. The type of training is a Studium (university degree) at the Federal University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration (German Weather Service Education Center, German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service Training and Education Center), with practical study sections in departments of the German Weather Service or the German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service. The qualification is a Diplom. The duration is 3 years. Tasks and activities include: Civil servants in the higher meteorological service conduct meteorological consultations, for example for companies, based on weather analyses and forecasts, and are responsible for the meteorological safety of maritime and air traffic. They evaluate meteorological observation and measurement data, process technical questions in the various service branches of the German Weather Service, provide information about the weather situation, and issue weather forecasts and warnings. Civil servants in the German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service provide data for the army, air force, and navy.

3 years

The selection process consists of a written and an oral part. It includes, for example, an aptitude test that assesses fundamental knowledge in physics, logic, mathematics, English, spatial reasoning, and general education, as well as an interview. In addition, a security check is usually carried out in accordance with the Security Clearance Act (SÜG).

The structure of the Studium (university degree) in the higher meteorological service is as follows: Study Section I - Basic Studium (university degree) at the Federal University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration in Brühl (Central Area): 6 months. Mid-term examination. Internship I at the German Weather Service or the German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service: 6 months. Study Section II - Main Studium (university degree) I at the German Weather Service (DWD) Education Center in Langen: 6 months. Internship II at the German Weather Service or the German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service: 6 months. Study Section III - Main Studium (university degree) II at the German Weather Service (DWD) Education Center in Langen or at the German Armed Forces Geoinformation Service Training and Education Center in Fürstenfeldbruck: 6 months. Internship III a, Diplom (university degree) thesis: 2 months. Internship III b, at the German Weather Service: 2 months. Internship III c, examination period: 2 months. Career examination. Total Studium (university degree) duration: 3 years.

No tuition fees are charged for the Studium (university studies). However, travel expenses or costs for learning materials may arise. If accommodation is provided at the educational institutions, additional costs may also be incurred.

Specialized studies, for example, in the following areas: administrative and civil law foundations of administrative action, business administration foundations of administrative action, organization and information technology, general, theoretical and synoptic meteorology, mathematics, physics, statistics, climatology, geography, meteorological consulting/flight meteorology, meteorological measurement procedures, information technology applications in meteorology, meteorological and geophysical consulting procedures, subject-specific English. Practical study sections provide professional knowledge and experience, especially in the areas of synoptic-technical service, meteorological measurement procedures, and consulting and climate services.

One should prepare for the following conditions and requirements: During specialized studies: attend lectures and seminars (e.g., at the University of the Federal Administration for Public Administration), practical exercises (e.g., using information technology in meteorology), independent work (preparing for and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, preparing presentations, completing assignments), organization (e.g., adhering to submission deadlines for presentations and assignments). During practical study sections: practical collaboration (under guidance) (e.g., evaluating and processing meteorological observation and measurement data), practice-oriented courses (e.g., deepening knowledge acquired in specialized studies through projects), developing key qualifications (e.g., problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills). Assessments are conducted throughout the entire Studium (university studies).

Monthly gross basic salary for trainees: 1,744 Euros. Source: Bundesbesoldungsgesetz (BBesG). Note: In addition to the basic salary, trainee remuneration includes capital-forming benefits, and possibly also family allowances and other allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for a successful Studium (university studies): Mathematics (e.g., to solve meteorological problems), Physics (e.g., to understand physical laws and relationships), Geography (e.g., to perform reliable location determinations in weather analyses and forecasts, as well as flight weather advisories), German (e.g., to give presentations and prepare written assignments).

The following alternatives are available for the profession of civil servant in the higher meteorological service: Geosciences field (Meteorology, Geosciences, Geophysics, Geoecology – all at a basic level). Commonality: Collecting, processing, and evaluating natural science data. Law and Administration field (Civil servant in General Internal Administration – higher non-technical service). Commonality: Processing administrative procedures.

Before 2011, there was a Vorbereitungsdienst (preparatory service) for the career path. In 2011, the regulation for the Ausbildung (vocational training) and examination for the higher federal weather service came into force, introducing the Diplomstudium (diploma study program) as a Vorbereitungsdienst.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in the higher weather service is organized as a Vorbereitungsdienst (preparatory service) and lasts three years. It is structured as a Diplomstudium (diploma study program) and regulated by federal ordinances. The Ausbildung concludes with the career and diploma examination.

The degree title is Diplom-Meteorologe/Diplom-Meteorologin (FH). The career titles are Beamter/Beamtin (civil servant) in the higher scientific service of the German Weather Service or Beamter/Beamtin in the higher scientific service of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Note: The responsible authorities determine whether the career path is offered as a Studium (study program).

After their Studium (study program), Beamte (civil servants) in the higher weather service work at the German Weather Service or the Geoinformation Service of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces). Specialized knowledge is kept current through Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive continuing education). The range of topics extends from geosciences to administrative law. With suitable qualifications, Beamte (civil servants) in the higher weather service have the opportunity to move to the next higher career path after a successful Aufstiegsverfahren (promotion procedure). Further Studium (advanced study), such as obtaining a master's degree in meteorology, can also be considered.

Regulation on the Ausbildung (vocational training) and Examination for the Higher Federal Weather Service (GWDAPrV), last amended by Article 16 of the law of March 29, 2017 (BGBl. I S. 626).

The prerequisite is a Fachhochschulreife or allgemeine Hochschulreife (general university entrance qualification) or a comparable educational qualification. Additionally, for access to the Studium (study program), sufficient vision, hearing, and speech abilities, color recognition and discrimination abilities, health suitability for the demands of shift work, and unlimited willingness to be transferred are required. For applicants to the Geoinformation Service of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces), additional requirements include German citizenship according to Art. 116 of the Basic Law, a declaration of willingness to participate in Bundeswehr missions abroad, a maximum age of usually 49 years, and possibly an extended security clearance.