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BAMOS April 2025
13 measure conditions up to 32,000 meters above the ground, providing invaluable insight into the upper atmosphere.
Training played a vital role in preparing me for this role. I completed training in hydrogen handling under the expert guidance of Luc De Pauw at the Bureau of Meteorology Training Centre( BMTC) along with remote first aid and four-wheeldrive courses. The Bureau’ s comprehensive support and the exceptional training staff have truly set me up for success.
I’ ve found that each day at Giles presents new challenges and opportunities, from performing station maintenance to ensuring the equipment and infrastructure are running smoothly. I also enjoy connecting with the local Warakurna Community, where I’ ve had the privilege of volunteering— recently helping local police run a Blue Light Disco for local kids to kick off 2025.
Though life at Giles can be demanding— especially with temperatures soaring above 44 ° C— I ' ve come to appreciate the simplicity and unique beauty of this remote environment. The challenges of living and working in such extreme conditions are part of what makes this role so fulfilling. While I do miss aspects of regular life like family, friends, and community, I find joy in the quieter moments here, whether it’ s working out at the gym, watching movies, or preparing meals for the team. I’ ve even found that living in a dry station has helped me reframe my habits, though I can ' t quite kick my ice cream cravings!
Through this role, I’ ve discovered a new passion for hands-on work, volunteering in the local community, and contributing to something much larger than myself— the global weather observation network. This experience has been truly transformative. I never imagined that I would have the chance to be a part of something so critical and rewarding, but now that I’ m here, I can ' t imagine doing anything else.
Balloon launch at Giles. Credit: Emma Lewis
Cleaning the evaporation pan. We don’ t do many traditional observations but we still manually measure evaporation each morning at 6.30. The pan needs to be emptied and scrubbed every month. It’ s a big job. Credit: Emma Lewis
Giles Station at sunset. Credit: Barend Becker