This occupation is part of the Life, Physical, and Social Science cluster
-
Compatibility
not enough datawhy?
- Create a Budget
- x Create a Plan
- x Find Job Openings
About the Job
Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data, gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses. Includes weather analysts and forecasters whose functions require the detailed knowledge of meteorology.
It is also Called
- Aerologist
- Air Analyst
- Astrochemist
- Atmospheric Chemist
- Atmospheric Scientist
- Broadcast Meteorologist
- Climate Change Risk Assessor
- Climatologist
- Computer Meteorologist
- Forecaster
What They Do
- Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
- Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
- Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
- Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
- Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
- Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
- Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
- Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
- Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
Interests
People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: IR.
This means people who work in this occupation generally have Investigative interests, but also prefer Realistic environments.
Work Values
People who work in this occupation generally prize Achievement, but also value Working Conditions and Relationships in their jobs.
Things They Need to Know
- Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
- Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Geography - Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Things They Need to Be Able to Do
- Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Education Required
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Wages
In 2012, the average annual wage in United States was $90,010.00 with most people making between $49,120.00 and $134,730.00
Outlook
During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 9,000 people in United States. It is projected that there will be 10,000 employed in 2020.
This occupation will have about 0 openings due to growth and about 2,000 replacement openings for approximately 2,000 total annual openings.
Similar Occupations
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Epidemiologists
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
- Urban and Regional Planners
- Transportation Planners
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary
- Archivists
- Dietitians and Nutritionists
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
People who viewed this occupation also viewed:
-
majorAtmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General
-
collegeUniversity of Southern California
-
collegeUniversity of California-Los Angeles
-
onetBiologists
-
majorAstrophysics
-
onetAstronomers
-
majorAstronomy
-
onetPhysicists
-
onetAerospace Engineers
-
collegeUniversity of California-Berkeley
-
collegeUniversity of California-San Diego
-
majorMeteorology