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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

  • Broadcast Meteorologist
  • Forecaster
  • Forensic Meteorologist
  • General Forecaster
  • Hydrometeorological Technician
  • Meteorologist
  • Research Meteorologist
  • Space Weather Forecaster
  • Warning Coordination Meteorologist
  • 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.
  • Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
  • Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, 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.
  • Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or 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 other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
  • 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 deliver training on weather topics.
  • Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
  • Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
  • Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
  • Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
  • Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
  • Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
  • Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
  • Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
  • Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Analyze design requirements for computer or electronics systems.
  • Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
  • Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
  • Collect environmental data or samples.
  • Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
  • Conduct climatological research.
  • Create images or other visual displays.
  • Develop environmental research methods.
  • Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
  • Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
  • Develop training materials.
  • Direct technical activities or operations.
  • Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
  • Interpret research or operational data.
  • Measure environmental characteristics.
  • Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
  • Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
  • Present information to the public.
  • Provide educational information to the public.
  • Provide technical information or assistance to public.
  • Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
  • Teach classes in area of specialization.
  • Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
  • Write computer programming code.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aerographer's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Army Astronaut (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Astronaut (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Basic Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Basic Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Battle Management Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Apprentice, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Craftsman, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Journeyman, Weapons Director (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Battle Management Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • CWO - Oceanography Warrant Officer (Navy - Warrant Officer only)
  • Field Artillery Operations Man (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Field Artillery Sensor Support Marine (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Maritime Space Planner (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Master Meteorological And Oceanographic (Metoc) Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Meteorological And Oceanographic (Metoc) Analyst (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Meteorological And Oceanographic (Metoc) Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Meteorological and Oceanographic (METOC) Services Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Impacts Analyst (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Services Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Meteorology and Oceanography Watch Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • METOC Analyst Forecaster (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • METOC Senior Forecaster (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Oceanographic Forecaster (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Operations Officer, Aviation Shore Activity (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • RL - Special Duty Officer (Oceanography) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Acquisition Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations (Army - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space Operations Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)
  • Space Operations Staff Officer (Marine Corps - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, ABM (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Airlift (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, C2ISREW (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Fighter (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, General (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Helicopter or EWO (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Orbital Warfare (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, RPA (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Access and Sustainment (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Battle Management (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Space Electronic Warfare (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Special Operations (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Tanker (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Operations, Trainer (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Space Projects Technologist (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space Requirements Analyst (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Space System Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Space Systems Operations Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Operations Weather (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Operations Weather Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Operations Weather Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Operations Weather Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Operations Weather Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Special Operations Weather Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Staff Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Targeting Acquisition Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)
  • Undersea Warfare Research Officer (Antisubmarine) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Undersea Warfare Research Officer (General) (Navy - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) METOC (Marine Corps - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) METOC (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Weather (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather and Environmental Sciences (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Weather and Environmental Sciences, Advanced Weather Activities (Air Force - Commissioned Officer only)
  • Weather Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman (Space Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman, Advanced Battlefield Airman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman, Battlefield Airman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Craftsman, Forecaster (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Manager (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Superintendent (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Weather Superintendent (Space Force - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Meteorologist

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Meteorologist