Guyanese urged to pursue careers in hydrometeorology

As Guyana continues to strengthen its weather and climate services, more persons are being encouraged to join the hydrometeorological field.
Chief Hydromet Officer, Dr Garvin Cummings said that it was a rewarding profession, especially now as the agency embarks on a number of technological advances.
The Hydrometeorological Office in Guyana is celebrating 57 years of operations and according to the Chief Hydromet Officer, more persons should pursue careers in this field.
“It is to bring awareness to the young people, especially in this time of climate change and climate variability. It is really to make young people aware of the impact of climate change and what actions they should take to reduce the impact of climate change.

“So, a career in hydrometeorology is to really bring awareness to the young people in Guyana. So, as we move forward as a nation, we want to make sure that our young people are educated and informed on climate and climate science,” he said.
Dr Cummings added that hydrometeorology – which encompasses meteorology, hydrology, and climate sciences – impacts many lives and with more hands, it would make a significant difference.
“Having a career in hydrometeorology really allows you to make a contribution to the global trust, to ensure that our country, our nations are resilient. We are very equipped and we can adapt to climate change…even though it is a small field, it is a way to make a contribution to the entire world,” he said.
He said specifically in Guyana they were seeing a shortage in the workforce and would love for those positions to be filled.
“We have a lot of vacancies in Hydromet at all levels; at the entry levels if you have your sciences at CSEC, you have a university degree in Mathematics, physics, chemistry, environmental studies, engineering, Hydromet have a place for you,” the Chief Hydromet Officer said .
Additionally, he encouraged more women to join this field.
“Hydrometeorology is everybody’s science, it affects everybody. I also think it is one of those departments where we have more females than men. Women are equally brilliant as men, and I believe that hydrometeorology can sometimes sound complicated, but women are equally capable of working in this field and we welcome them,” Dr Cummings said.
The Hydrometeorological Service’s general responsibility is to monitor and evaluate the weather and water resources in Guyana and to actively support the Government in disaster risk management and aeronautical, water, agriculture, engineering, and other agencies for the socio-economic development of the country. (G9)