Occupation Details
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.
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Interests
Realistic
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$51,150.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$95,850.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$128,660.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
370
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
420
+5 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
38
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
Degree Needed - Four-year college
Experience Requirements
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.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training Details
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
State License and Certifications Requirements are not currently associated with this occupation.
Apprenticeship
Contact your regional representative to learn more about apprenticeships available in your area by visiting Apprenticeship Contacts.
Skills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Geography
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Achievement/Effort
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Air quality samplers
- Air temperature thermometers
- Analog anemometers
- Desktop computers
- Digital anemometers
- Doppler radar equipment
- Graphic tablets
- Hygrometers
- Laptop computers
- Light meters
- Mercury barometers
- Next Generation Weather Radar NEXRAD
- Personal computers
- Psychrometers
- Radiosonde launchers
- Rain gauges
- Relative humidity gauges
- Soil temperature probes
- Solarimeters
- Storm chase vehicles
- Surface temperature probes
- Temperature and humidity data loggers
- Tipping bucket rain gauges
- Two way radios
- Weather balloons
- Weather observation stations
Technology
- Advanced Visual Systems AVS/Express
- Aninoquisi MesoTRAC
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Baron Volumetric Imaging and Processing of Integrated Radar VIPIR
- C++
- Cave5D
- Cisco IOS
- ESRI ArcView
- Environmental Research Services RAOB
- Flow Analysis Software Toolkit FAST
- Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
- IBM SPSS Statistics
- ITT Visual Information Solutions ENVI
- Image editing software
- Lakes Environmental Software WRPLOT View
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- draw maps or charts
- use meteorological equipment or instruments
- prepare reports
- prepare technical reports or related documentation
- adhere to safety procedures
- write research or project grant proposals
- write business project or bid proposals
- develop plans for programs or projects
- broadcast weather forecast over television or radio
- direct and coordinate scientific research or investigative studies
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- advise clients or customers
- advise governmental or industrial personnel
- record test results, test procedures, or inspection data
- plan scientific research or investigative studies
- develop scientific or mathematical hypotheses, theories, or laws
- monitor atmospheric or meteorological processes
- observe weather conditions
- monitor meteorological conditions
- communicate technical information
- make presentations
- confer with scientists
- confer with research personnel
- make decisions
- resolve engineering or science problems
- explain complex mathematical information
- interpret aerial photographs
- write scholarly or technical research papers
- present research papers or dissertations on physical science issues
- analyze scientific research data or investigative findings
- conduct field research or investigative studies
- conduct standardized quantitative laboratory analyses
- perform statistical analysis in physical science or geological research
- forecast or predict phenomena based upon research data
- forecast weather changes
- develop tables depicting data
- classify plants, animals, or other natural phenomena
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use teaching techniques
- use public speaking techniques
- use knowledge of investigation techniques
- use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
- use physical science research techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- use research methodology to study atmospheric phenomena
- collect scientific or technical data
- collect statistical data
- read maps
- use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
- use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
- use relational database software
- use spreadsheet software
- use word processing or desktop publishing software
- use geographical information system (GIS) software
- develop or maintain databases
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- 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.
- Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.
- Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.
- 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.
- Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
- Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
- Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.
- Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.
- Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.
- Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.
- Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
- Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.
- Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.
- Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.
- Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.
- Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
- Develop and deliver training on weather topics.
- Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.
- Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.
- Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.
- Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.
- Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.
- Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.
- Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
- Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
American Meteorological Society (AMS)
The American Meteorological Society promotes the development and dissemination of information and education on the atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciences and the advancement of their professional applications.
Learn MoreAstronomy Education Review
A site that makes it easy to find, read about, and use new ideas and resources for teaching and outreach in astronomy and space sciences from fifth grade classrooms to research laboratories.
Learn MoreAtmospheric scientists
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
Learn MoreChallenger Learning Center of Greater Rochester,NY
A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.
Learn MoreChallenger Learning Center of the Capital Region, Schenectady, NY
A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.
Learn MoreChallenger Learning Center of the Capital Region:Schenectady,NY
A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.
Learn MoreChallenger Learning Center of the Lower Hudson Valley, Suffern, NY
A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.
Learn MoreChallenger Learning Center of the Lower Hudson Valley:Suffern,NY
A way to honor the memory of the astronauts killed in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle disaster, the learning centers aim to spark interest in science and space travel among youngsters in grades 5 though 8 through realistic mock-ups of Mission Control.
Learn MoreEurekAlert! Science for Kids Portal
The EurekAlert! Science for Kids Portal is a central, online source for kid-friendly news and resources. The Portal is housed within EurekAlert!, the editorially independent, online news service operated by AAAS, the science society. Content for the Portal is provided by hundreds of universities, associations, medical centers and other research organizations worldwide.
Learn MoreGirls Go Tech: Careers You Can Count On
Math, science and technology play an important part in your life. It is all around you! Be surprised how much fun you can have, and are already having, with math, science, and technolog. Careers in math, science and technology are as varied as they are exciting. Read the activities and then find out more about the careers associated with them.
Learn MoreGirls Go Tech: Careers You Can Count On
Math, science and technology play an important part in your life. It is all around you! Be surprised how much fun you can have, and are already having, with math, science, and technology. Read the activities and then find out more about the careers associated with them.
Learn MoreImagine the Universe
Imagine the Universe site is intended for students age 14 and up, and for anyone interested in learning about our universe. Teachers may choose from a number of lesson plans for grades 6-12 that use mathematics in the study of various science topics.
Learn MoreImagine the Universe
Imagine the Universe is intended for students age 14 and up, and for anyone interested in learning about our universe, teachers may choose from a number of lesson plans for grades 6 to12 that use mathematics in the study of various science topics.
Learn MoreKids' Club
Animated, educational and interactive games on the site teach children about exploring space, building and launching rockets, keeping airplanes on schedule, how a comet travels through the solar system, and more.
Learn MoreLearning at the Marian Koshland Science Museum
The Marian Koshland Science Museum has identified unique, inquiry-based activities that can be used in the classrooms. They are related to its Global Warming and Infectious Disease exhibits that are designed for middle and high-school students and adhere to the National Academies' National Science Education Standards.
Learn MoreLearning at the Marian Koshland Science Museum Webquests
The Koshland Science Museum has created online webquest activities for students interested in learning more about issues presented in the exhibits of Global Warming and Genetic Disease.
Learn MoreLink Summer Science Explorations
Link Summer Science Explorations introduces students to hands-on, high-tech science. This Summer Exploration offers weeklong science programs that include At Home in Our Galaxy, Planets in the Solar System, Violent Weather and its Effects, Mars, Gas Giants, Alien Moons, and Space Travel and finally, Super Science Explorers.Completed materials need to be returned by April 20, 2007.
Learn MoreLiveScience
LiveScience is an original content site focusing on the innovative and intriguing in Science and Technology. The website covers news, views and scientific inquiry from an original, provocative point of view. With articles by respected science journalists and contributors, LiveScience looks at new discoveries, intellectual adventures and the idiosyncrasies of the world that surrounds us. The main topics include Animal Domain, Health SciTech, Forces of Nature, Environment, Technology and Science of Fiction.
Learn MoreNASA Kids Page
Reliable information on space related topics that include art, stories, games and activities for kids.
Learn MoreNASA's Kids' Club
NASA's Kids' Club has animated, educational and interactive games on the site that teach children about exploring space, building and launching rockets, keeping airplanes on schedule, how a comet travels through the solar system, and more.
Learn MoreNASA: Kids Page
Reliable information on space-related topics that include art, stories, games and activities for kids.
Learn MoreSUNY New Paltz Summer Camp: Mad Science NASA
Mad Science has sparked imaginative learning with their unique brand of engaging and educational live programs and activities. NASA - Learn how different kinds of flying machines work as you explore the principles that we use to move ourselves through the air. Launch several kinds of rockets and use tools for celestial navigation to track their flight path.
Learn MoreSpace Operations Officers
Visit this link for information on this career in the military.
Learn MoreSpace Science Education Resource Directory
The Space Science Education Resource Directory is a convenient way to find NASA space science products for use in classrooms, science museums, planetariums, and other settings. There are several ways to search in the Resource Directory: "Grade/Subject," "Topic," or "Custom Search." The Solar System, Light and Color and Black Holes are some topics.
Learn MoreStarChild, A Learning Center for Young Astronomers
Easy to navigate astronomer specific information (Solar System, the Universe, Space Stuff, and a Glossary) site useful for teaching and learning.
Learn MoreStarChild: A Learning Center for Young Astronomers
Easy to navigate astronomer specific information (Solar System, the Universe, Space Stuff, and a Glossary) site useful for teaching and learning.
Learn MoreSummer Institute
Kopernik Space Education Center Summer Institute offers weeklong science programs for young people in grades 3-12. Programs include Moon Craters and Catastrophes, New Views of Mars, It's All About Me, Meteors and Dinosaurs, Junior Astronomers and Super Science Explorers.
Learn MoreTech-Interns, The Source for Undergraduate and Graduate Science and Engineering Internships
This site is an online clearinghouse for information regarding extra-curricular study and employment in technical and science fields. The features of this site include not only a search engine for internship and co-op opportunities, but also links to many other helpful websites on internships, post-graduate employment, scholarships, and financial aid.
Learn MoreWeb Weather for Kids!
Learn what makes weather wet and wild, do cool activities, and learn how to forecast the weather on Web Weather for Kids!
Learn More