Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Human Advantage 69%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Low Risk
2.9 / 10
This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.
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.
Also Known As: Aerologist, Air Analyst, Astrochemist, Atmospheric Chemist, Atmospheric Scientist, Broadcast Meteorologist, Climate Change Risk Assessor, Climatologist +30 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- 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.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
- Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
- Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
- Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
- Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
- Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
- Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
- Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
- Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
- 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.
- Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
Supplemental Tasks (9)
- Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
- Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
- Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
- Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
- Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
- Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
- Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
- Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
- Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
Education & Training
Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (63)
Tools & Equipment (27)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Military & National Security Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Zone 4
Atmospheric and Space Scientists You are here
Local, State, & Federal Services Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
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Zone 3
Energy Auditors 79% match
Zone 4
Atmospheric and Space Scientists You are here
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