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Occupation AtlasAtmospheric and Space Scientists

O*NET · 19-2021.00

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.

Also called Aerologist · Air Analyst · Astrochemist · Atmospheric Chemist · Atmospheric Scientist · Broadcast Meteorologist · Climate Change Risk Assessor · Climatologist
32 more

Computer Meteorologist · Forecaster · General Forecaster · Hurricane Tracker · Hydrometeorological Tech · Hydrometeorological Technician (Hydrometeorological Tech) · Hydrometeorologist · Marine Meteorologist · Meteorological Engineer · Meteorological Tech · Meteorological Technician (Meteorological Tech) · Meteorologist · Morning Meteorologist · Ocean Monitoring and Data Assimilation Scientist · Oceanographic Meteorologist · Operational Meteorologist · Physical Meteorologist · Radiosonde Specialist · Research Meteorologist · Service Hydrologist · Space Operations Officer · Space Scientist · Storm Chaser · Synoptic Meteorologist · Tornado Chaser · Tracker · Warning Coordination Meteorologist · Weather Analyst · Weather Anchor · Weather Forecaster · Weatherization Specialist · Weatherman

Job Zone 4 — Considerable Preparation NeededHolland code IRC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Industrial Ecologists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed

Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

IRCInvestigative · Realistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • I Investigative6.26
  • R Realistic4.77
  • C Conventional4.45
  • A Artistic2.72
  • E Enterprising2.68
  • S Social2.49

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree60%
  • Master's Degree20%
  • Doctoral Degree15%
  • Post-Doctoral Training5%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (30%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (30%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Sciencebasic4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Conduct product tests to ensure safety standards are met
  • Speakingbasic4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Active Listeningbasic4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Active Learningbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Critical Thinkingbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Complex Problem Solving3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Writingbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Mathematicsbasic3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Calculate the square footage of a new home under construction
  • Systems Analysis3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
Show the other 23
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Instructing3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Systems Evaluation2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Persuasion2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Service Orientation2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Operations Analysis2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Negotiation2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Programming2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Write a program to sort objects in a database
  • Technology Design1.81.4Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Management of Material Resources1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Quality Control Analysis1.60.8
  • Operation and Control1.1—
  • Equipment Maintenance1.0—
  • Equipment Selection1.0—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Repairing1.0—
  • Troubleshooting1.0—

Tasks

18 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.4.5
  2. 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.4.4
  3. Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.4.3
  4. Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.4.3
  5. 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.4.1
  6. Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.4.1
  7. Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.4.1
  8. Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.4.0
  9. Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.3.9
  10. Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.3.8
  11. Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.3.8
  12. Develop and deliver training on weather topics.3.8
Show the other 15
  1. Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.3.7
  2. Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.3.7
  3. Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.3.3
  4. Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.3.3
  5. Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.3.3
  6. Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.3.2
  7. Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.4.1
  8. Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.3.8
  9. Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.3.7
  10. Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.3.6
  11. Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.3.6
  12. Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.3.5
  13. Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.3.4
  14. Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.3.4
  15. Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.3.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Geography4.45.7
  • Mathematics4.46.0Level 7 looks like: Derive a complex mathematical equation
  • Physics4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Computers and Electronics4.25.7
  • English Language3.84.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Communications and Media3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Chemistry3.04.0Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Customer and Personal Service3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
Show all 33
  • Education and Training2.94.0Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology2.83.9Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Administration and Management2.63.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Public Safety and Security2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Telecommunications2.62.6
  • Administrative2.53.3Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Design2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Biology1.92.4Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Economics and Accounting1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Law and Government1.92.1Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Production and Processing1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Psychology1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sales and Marketing1.82.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.71.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Transportation1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • History and Archeology1.51.5Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Mechanical1.51.2Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Foreign Language1.41.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Building and Construction1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.1—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral Expression4.35.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Inductive Reasoning4.14.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral Comprehension4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Written Comprehension4.15.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Deductive Reasoning4.04.3Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Problem Sensitivity3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Speech Clarity3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written Expression3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
Show all 52
  • Information Ordering3.84.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.84.0Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Speech Recognition3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Mathematical Reasoning3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Decide how to calculate profits to determine the amounts of yearly bonuses
  • Category Flexibility3.43.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Fluency of Ideas3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Far Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Number Facility3.03.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Originality3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Memorization2.92.9
  • Perceptual Speed2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Selective Attention2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speed of Closure2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.9
  • Time Sharing2.62.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visualization2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention1.91.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Depth Perception1.60.6
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.60.6
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness1.40.4
  • Dynamic Strength1.40.4
  • Finger Dexterity1.40.4
  • Manual Dexterity1.3—
  • Control Precision1.0—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Explosive Strength1.0—
  • Extent Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Gross Body Coordination1.0—
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.0—
  • Multilimb Coordination1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Peripheral Vision1.0—
  • Rate Control1.0—
  • Reaction Time1.0—
  • Response Orientation1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—
  • Spatial Orientation1.0—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.0—
  • Stamina1.0—
  • Static Strength1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Analyzing Data or Information4.86.2Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
  • Working with Computers4.85.2Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Getting Information4.65.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Processing Information4.35.7
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.25.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.15.3Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.05.3Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively3.85.2Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.74.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.64.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.54.5Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Training and Teaching Others3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Developing and Building Teams3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.24.2Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.13.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.63.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.53.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials2.32.3Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.33.1Level 4 looks like: Interview candidates for a sales position and make hiring recommendations
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.22.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.02.5Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Controlling Machines and Processes1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.81.8Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Performing General Physical Activities1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Handling and Moving Objects1.41.0Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.30.7Level 1 looks like: Drive a car

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.4
  • Spend Time Sitting4.4
  • Telephone Conversations4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.0
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.0
  • Time Pressure4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.0
  • Contact With Others3.9

Technology

62 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (1)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot

Hot (18; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • C++
  • Facebook
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Perl
  • Python
  • R
  • SAS
  • Structured query language SQL
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • UNIX
Other tools (43)
  • AccuWeather Galileo
  • Advanced Visual Systems AVS/Express
  • Air quality modeling software
  • Aninoquisi MesoTRAC
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Baron Services FasTrac
  • Baron Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar VIPIR
  • Cave5D
  • Cisco IOS
  • Environmental Research Services RAOB
  • ESRI ArcInfo
  • ESRI ArcView
  • Ferret
  • Flow Analysis Software Toolkit FAST
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • Grid analysis and display system GrADS
  • Image editing software
  • Interactive radar analysis software IRAS
  • ITT Visual Information Solutions ENVI
  • Lakes Environmental Software WRPLOT View
  • Maplesoft Maple
  • Mesoscale modeling software
  • Microsoft Paint
  • PC Weather Products HURRTRAK
  • QuarkXPress
  • SatView
  • Social media sites
  • Software development tools
  • STATISTICA
  • SVRPLOT
  • Systat Software SigmaPlot
  • Systat Software SigmaStat
  • Unidata GEMPAK
  • Unidata Gempak Analysis and Rendering Program GARP
  • Unidata Integrated Data Viewer IDV
  • Unidata McIDAS-X
  • Vis5d+
  • VorTek Site Assessment of Tornado Threat SATT
  • Wind flow modeling software
  • WINGRIDDS
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • WSI Titan
  • WSI TrueView Professional

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Hydrologists
  2. Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers
  3. Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
  4. Data Scientists
  5. Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
  6. Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians
  7. Climate Change Policy Analysts
  8. Geodetic Surveyors
  9. Geographers
  10. Astronomers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.