Betty Jester, a native of Tiverton, Rhode Island, is one of the Navy civilians ensuring the U.S. Navy maintains freedom from the ocean to the stars at Navy Meteorology and Oceanography Command (METOC).
Jester currently serves as the chief technology officer at METOC, headquartered at the Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Jester graduated from Tiverton High School in 1982. Additionally, Jester earned a bachelor’s degree in electronic computer engineering from the University of Rhode Island in 1986, and an MBA at Salve Regina University in 1999.

Jester started a civil service career with the Navy 30 years ago.

“Both my parents were civil servants,” said Jester. “There was a warfare center in the area that was a very large employer. In some ways, I was following in their footsteps, but I also recognized that it was a stable, lifelong career. I love my job.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in a career with the Navy are similar to those found in Tiverton.

“I think that, from an early age, it was instilled in me the importance of getting a college education in order to be prosperous,” said Jester. “When I came in as a civilian, I needed the engineering degree to be hired. Had I not had the degree, I wouldn’t have fast-tracked in an engineering discipline in a civil service career.”

According to Navy officials, sailors and civilians working throughout Naval Oceanography collect, measure, and analyze the elements of the physical environment (land, sea, air, space). They synthesize a vast array of oceanographic and meteorological data to produce forecasts and warnings in support of safety of flight and navigation.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Jester supports a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

Jester has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments as a Navy civilian.

“As a Navy civilian, I take great pride, irrespective of the product or capability that I’m working on, to ensure that the warfighter has the best asset for the fight,” said Jester.

Jester can take pride in serving America through government service.

“I’ve had a very fortunate and fulfilling career,” said Jester. “I love to come to work every day. I’m planning to retire in January 2025, but I’m already planning to return in a part-time capacity post-retirement because I love it so much.”

Jester is grateful to others for helping make a career supporting the Navy possible.

“I want to thank my mom,” added Jester. “My mom worked two jobs to put me through college and set the civil service example that I would follow for the rest of my life.”