Atmospheric and space scientists 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 detailed knowledge of meteorology.

  • Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
  • Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
  • Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
  • Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
  • 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.
  • Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
  • Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
  • Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
  • Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
  • Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
  • Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
  • Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
  • Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
  • Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
  • Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
  • Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
  • Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
  • Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
  • Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
  • Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
  • Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
  • Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
  • Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
  • Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
  • Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
  • Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
Work Context
  • Electronic Mail — 100% responded "Every day".
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 90% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 70% responded "Every day".
  • Spend Time Sitting — 55% responded "Continually or almost continually".
  • Telephone — 55% responded "Every day".
  • Time Pressure — 70% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 50% responded "A lot of freedom".
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Work Activities
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Conduct climatological research.
  • Conduct climatological research.
  • Create images or other visual displays.
  • Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
  • Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
  • Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
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Knowledge

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.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
  • Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Skills

Reading Comprehension
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Science
  • Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension
  • The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Clarity
  • The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Web page creation and editing software
  • Facebook Hot Technology
  • Social media sites Hot Technology
Analytical or scientific software
  • IBM SPSS Statistics Hot Technology
  • SAS Hot Technology
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology
  • Wind flow modeling software
  • WINGRIDDS
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • WSI Titan
  • WSI TrueView Professional
  • VorTek Site Assessment of Tornado Threat SATT
  • Vis5d+
  • SatView
  • Systat Software SigmaStat
  • Systat Software SigmaPlot
  • Unidata Gempak Analysis and Rendering Program GARP
  • SVRPLOT
  • Unidata Integrated Data Viewer IDV
  • STATISTICA
  • Unidata McIDAS-X
  • Unidata GEMPAK
  • PC Weather Products HURRTRAK
  • Environmental Research Services RAOB
  • Cave5D
  • Baron Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar VIPIR
  • Baron Services FasTrac
  • Aninoquisi MesoTRAC
  • Air quality modeling software
  • Ferret
  • Mesoscale modeling software
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • Lakes Environmental Software WRPLOT View
  • Interactive radar analysis software IRAS
  • Grid analysis and display system GrADS
  • Flow Analysis Software Toolkit FAST
Data base user interface and query software
  • Structured query language SQL Hot Technology
  • Microsoft Access Hot Technology
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