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Atmospheric and Space Scientists - 19-2021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Meteorologist
  • Forecaster
  • General Forecaster
  • Science and Operations Officer (SOO)
  • Warning Coordination Meteorologist
  • Broadcast Meteorologist
  • Hydrometeorological Technician
  • Meteorologist-in-Charge
  • Weather Forecaster

SOC Occupation Groups

19-0000 Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-2000 Physical Scientists
19-2020 Atmospheric and Space Scientists
19-2021.00 Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
  • Apply meteorological knowledge to problems in areas including agriculture, pollution control, and water management, and to issues such as global warming or ozone depletion.
  • 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.
  • Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
  • Collect and analyze historical climate information such as precipitation and temperature records to help predict future weather and climate trends.
  • Conduct basic or applied meteorological research into the processes and determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, and climate.
  • Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
  • Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
  • Consult with agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information.
  • Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
  • Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
  • Develop and use weather forecasting tools, such as mathematical and computer models.
  • Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
  • Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
  • Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
  • Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
  • Make scientific presentations and publish reports, articles, or texts.
  • Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
  • Operate computer graphic equipment to produce weather reports and maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts.
  • Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
  • Research and analyze the impact of industrial projects and pollution on climate, air quality, and weather phenomena.
  • Study and interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, and charts to predict long- and short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
  • Teach at colleges or universities.

Detailed Work Activities

  • adhere to safety procedures
  • advise clients or customers
  • advise governmental or industrial personnel
  • analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
  • broadcast weather forecast over television or radio
  • classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
  • collect scientific or technical data
  • collect statistical data
  • communicate technical information
  • conduct field research or investigative studies
  • conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
  • confer with research personnel
  • confer with scientists
  • develop or maintain databases
  • develop plans for programs or projects
  • develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
  • develop tables depicting data
  • direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
  • direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
  • draw maps or charts
  • explain complex mathematical information
  • forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
  • forecast weather changes
  • interpret aerial photographs
  • make decisions
  • make presentations
  • monitor atmospheric or meteorological processes
  • monitor meteorological conditions
  • observe weather conditions
  • perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
  • plan scientific research or investigative studies
  • prepare reports
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
  • read maps
  • record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
  • resolve engineering or science problems
  • use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
  • use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
  • use geographical information system (GIS) software
  • use knowledge of investigation techniques
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
  • use meteorological equipment or instruments
  • use oral or written communication techniques
  • use physical science research techniques
  • use public speaking techniques
  • use quantitative research methods
  • use relational database software
  • use research methodology to study atmospheric phenomena
  • use scientific research methodology
  • use spreadsheet software
  • use teaching techniques
  • use word processing or desktop publishing software
  • write business project or bid proposals
  • write research or project grant proposals
  • write scholarly or technical research papers

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Analyst-Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Basic Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Analyst Forecaster (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Impacts Analyst (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Services Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography Watch Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space Operations Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Special Operations Weather Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Operations Weather Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Staff Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Weather Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman, Advanced Battlefield Airman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman, Battlefield Airman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman, Forecaster (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Meteorologist

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Meteorologist