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.
- Tasks
- 27 tasks18 core, 9 supplemental
- Family
- Life, Physical & Social ScienceOne of its 66 occupations
- Code
- 19-2021.00SOC 2018: 19-2021
What the work is made of
18 core tasks and 9 supplemental, each quoted as published, with the survey it came from.
Core: central to the jobSupplemental: done by some, not all
- Task 1. Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.Core taskTask 20208Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 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.Core taskTask 20209Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 3. Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.Core taskTask 20210Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 4. Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.Core taskTask 19759Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 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.Core taskTask 9068Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 6. Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.Core taskTask 9070Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 7. Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.Core taskTask 9069Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 8. Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.Core taskTask 21104Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 9. Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.Core taskTask 20206Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 10. Develop and deliver training on weather topics.Core taskTask 21105Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 11. Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.Core taskTask 20211Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 12. Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.Core taskTask 19755Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 13. Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.Core taskTask 20205Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 14. Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.Core taskTask 20203Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 15. Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.Core taskTask 21103Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 16. Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.Core taskTask 20207Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 17. Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.Core taskTask 20202Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 18. Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.Core taskTask 9074Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 19. Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.Supplemental taskTask 9076Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 20. Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.Supplemental taskTask 9078Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 21. Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.Supplemental taskTask 20204Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 22. Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.Supplemental taskTask 9083Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 23. Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.Supplemental taskTask 20212Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 24. Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.Supplemental taskTask 19756Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 25. Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.Supplemental taskTask 9079Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 26. Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.Supplemental taskTask 19758Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
- Task 27. Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.Supplemental taskTask 19757Rated by 20 occupational experts, August 2024
Where this comes from
Quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor, and credited. Nothing on this page is written by us.
How we copy and credit sources- Published byO*NET 29.0, U.S. Department of LaborEmployment and Training Administration
- ClassificationStandard Occupational Classification 2018, 19-2021
- LicenseCC BY 4.0Free to copy and reuse, with credit
- Changed by usNothing.
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