Also called: Coastal Radar Field Technician, HFR Operator
Keeps the beach and cliff-top radar stations running that map ocean surface currents every hour.
Along the U.S. coast about 150 high-frequency radar stations bounce radio waves off waves to measure currents. A technician drives a truck to remote bluffs, climbs short antenna masts, swaps fried electronics, and clears out nesting birds. The data feeds Coast Guard search-and-rescue maps and oil spill forecasts.
Usually university or research-lab staff.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor’s in ocean science, physics or electronics; some come from an electronics associate degree.
Ways in: 4-year college, 2-year college, On-the-job training. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Oceanography, Electronics Technology, Physics.
Growing about average. Small national network supported by NOAA’s IOOS program.
Low risk for 10 years. Software processes the current maps automatically, but repairing remote radar sites needs a person on the cliff.
Classes: Physics, Electronics CTE class, Earth science.
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