Chris Metzger, Physical Scientist

Tell us about yourself and your work at NOS.

My name is Chris Metzger and I am a physical scientist in NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS). We provide reliable, real-time oceanographic and meteorological information that supports the nation’s economy, safeguards coastal communities, and ensures safe and efficient maritime navigation.

To collect this data, we install and maintain over 200 water level stations that consist of tide/water level gauges, current meters, and air gap and meteorological sensors. Each station provides critical data to the maritime industry which helps limit ships running aground and upholds the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act of 1998. I manage a team that services the stations along the coast from Maine to Puerto Rico, as well as one international station in Bermuda. We build each station individually, perform geodetic leveling, conduct GPS observations, and scuba dive to maintain the stations. To access the real time data collected at these stations you can visit the Tides & Currents webpage.

How did you get to where you are now in your career?

My journey with NOAA began after graduating high school in 2000. What started as a temporary, part-time position in CO-OPS's Field Operations Division quickly evolved into a career. My responsibilities at that time included preparing water level stations for installation and maintaining the warehouses of equipment. I was fascinated by the field work to install the stations, which led me to pursue my next position as a field technician.

During my first assignment as a field technician we serviced the water level stations from Chesapeake, Virginia, to Newport, Rhode Island. After three weeks in the field, I gained hands-on experience supporting water levels for safe navigation. This included scuba diving operations, electronics repairs on tide gauges, operating a small skiff, and carrying out GPS observations. The breadth of the work, NOAA science, and engineering-focus still interests me today. Fast forward 25 years and I now manage field technicians and oversee 99 of NOAA’s oceanographic observation stations.

What about your work has felt especially exciting or rewarding?

My career journey — from an inexperienced beginner to a team leader — has been the most rewarding aspect of my work. I've found immense satisfaction in sharing my knowledge and experiences, while successfully managing a variety of personalities, skill sets, and resources to achieve our mission. Approaching every challenge with a positive, "failing is not an option" mindset has been key to my success. It’s also hard to call traveling and diving “work!”