What Do Atmospheric and Space Scientists Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

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 the detailed knowledge of meteorology. They also 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.

Other tasks include:

• Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
• Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
• 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.

We asked Atmospheric and Space Scientists how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

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56% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 63% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

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Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Atmospheric and Space Scientists prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics. They measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.

A typical day for an Atmospheric and Space Scientist will also include:

• Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
• 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 forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.

We asked some Atmospheric and Space Scientists a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

	Do you have telephone conversations everyday in this job?	74% said yes
	How important is it to work in a team in this job?	50% said very important
	Do you have group discussions everyday in this job?	79% said yes
	Do you talk or work with customers everyday in this job?	57% said yes
	Do you have to deal with angry customers everyday in this job?	0% said yes
	Do you have to make decisions everyday in this job?	54% said yes

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Atmospheric and Space Scientists also conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns. They may also develop and deliver training on weather topics.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Atmospheric and Space Scientists Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices. They might also Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.

In addition, they Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.

To some Atmospheric and Space Scientists, it is also their responsibility to Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.

Working life

Standard 40 hour work week

Irregular work schedule that changes depending on weather conditions, customer demand or contract duration.

In a typical work week as an Atmospheric and Space Scientist, you can expect to work 40 hour work week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. They like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally..

They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

Explore other careers

http://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/atmospheric-scientists-including-meteorologists.htm

http://www.ametsoc.org/

http://www.nwas.org/links/career_info.php