Atmospheric and Space Scientists

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.88
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.85
Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.83
Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.81
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.78
Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.78
Direct forecasting services at weather stations or at radio or television broadcasting facilities.77
Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.76
Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.75
Prepare weather reports or maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts, using computer graphics.74
Develop and deliver training on weather topics.70
Prepare scientific atmospheric or climate reports, articles, or texts.70

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Collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition.70
Analyze climate data sets, using techniques such as geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling.69
Analyze historical climate information, such as precipitation or temperature records, to help predict future weather or climate trends.68
Consult with other offices, agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings.67
Teach college-level courses on topics such as atmospheric and space science, meteorology, or global climate change.67
Design or develop new equipment or methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications.66
Research the impact of industrial projects or pollution on climate, air quality, or weather phenomena.65
Conduct wind assessment, integration, or validation studies.61
Conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global or regional weather patterns.61
Estimate or predict the effects of global warming over time for specific geographic regions.60
Speak to the public to discuss weather topics or answer questions.58
Apply meteorological knowledge to issues such as global warming, pollution control, or ozone depletion.57
Perform managerial duties, such as creating work schedules, creating or implementing staff training, matching staff expertise to situations, or analyzing performance of offices.57
Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons.55
Create visualizations to illustrate historical or future changes in the Earth's climate, using paleoclimate or climate geographic information systems (GIS) databases.52

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension78
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning75
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening75
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.
Critical Thinking75
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Science75
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Speaking75
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving72
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Writing72
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Judgment and Decision Making69
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Mathematics60
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Learning Strategies53
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Monitoring53
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

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Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Systems Analysis53
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Instructing50
Teaching others how to do something.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Management of Personnel Resources47
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Persuasion47
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Systems Evaluation47
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Operations Analysis41
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Operations Monitoring25
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming25
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Quality Control Analysis16
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control3
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting0
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Mathematics86
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics86
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.
Geography85
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 Electronics79
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language70
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Communications and Media56
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Chemistry50
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Customer and Personal Service50
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training48
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Engineering and Technology45
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Administration and Management40
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Public Safety and Security40
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

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Telecommunications39
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Administrative36
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Personnel and Human Resources31
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Design26
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Economics and Accounting23
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Law and Government22
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Biology21
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Production and Processing21
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Psychology21
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sales and Marketing19
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Sociology and Anthropology18
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation15
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Mechanical12
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
History and Archeology11
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Foreign Language10
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Philosophy and Theology4
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Fine Arts3
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production1
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Medicine and Dentistry0
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Therapy and Counseling0
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Oral Expression81
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Inductive Reasoning78
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension78
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Comprehension78
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Deductive Reasoning75
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity72
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Speech Clarity72
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Written Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Speech Recognition69
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Mathematical Reasoning63
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

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Category Flexibility60
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Flexibility of Closure60
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas56
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Far Vision50
The ability to see details at a distance.
Number Facility50
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Originality50
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Memorization47
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Perceptual Speed47
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Visual Color Discrimination44
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Visualization41
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Auditory Attention22
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Trunk Strength19
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Depth Perception16
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Wrist-Finger Speed16
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Arm-Hand Steadiness10
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Dynamic Strength10
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Finger Dexterity10
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity6
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Control Precision0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Explosive Strength0
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Extent Flexibility0
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Gross Body Coordination0
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium0
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Multilimb Coordination0
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Rate Control0
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time0
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation0
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation0
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement0
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina0
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Static Strength0
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Working with Computers95
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing Data or Information94
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information90
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information81
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge81
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others80
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems78
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization75
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates71
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Thinking Creatively71
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events68
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships64
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Documenting/Recording Information61
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Training and Teaching Others61
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People60
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing and Building Teams58
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Scheduling Work and Activities57
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Developing Objectives and Strategies55
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others55
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others54
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information53
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates53
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings53
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Coaching and Developing Others51
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards51
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public45
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Performing Administrative Activities39
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others36
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials33
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Staffing Organizational Units33
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources29
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Assisting and Caring for Others25
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment24
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Controlling Machines and Processes23
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment20
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Selling or Influencing Others20
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment16
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Performing General Physical Activities13
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Handling and Moving Objects10
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment8
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail89
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability82
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Intellectual Curiosity82
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
Achievement Orientation71
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Tolerance for Ambiguity67
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
Adaptability66
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Innovation66
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
Integrity64
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness60
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Perseverance58
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Stress Tolerance51
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Self-Confidence50
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

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Self-Control41
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Initiative37
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Cooperation29
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Leadership Orientation24
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Sincerity23
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Social Orientation21
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Humility11
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Optimism9
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Empathy5
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Investigative88
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Realistic63
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional58
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Artistic29
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
Enterprising28
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social25
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day90%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day60%
- Once a week or more but not every day40%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually50%
- More than half the time40%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day79%
- Never11%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day60%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom25%
- Some freedom45%
- Limited freedom30%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important25%
- Very important55%
Time Pressure
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important25%
- Very important50%
- Important20%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others35%
- Contact with others most of the time35%
- Contact with others about half the time15%
- Occasional contact with others15%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom15%
- Some freedom55%
- Limited freedom30%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours40%
- 40 hours60%

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Level of Competition
- Extremely competitive15%
- Highly competitive45%
- Moderately competitive25%
- Slightly competitive15%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Very important45%
- Important30%
- Fairly important15%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important35%
- Very important15%
- Important25%
- Fairly important15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results21%
- Important results26%
- Moderate results37%
- Minor results16%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day25%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility15%
- High responsibility15%
- Moderate responsibility45%
- Limited responsibility25%
Public Speaking
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually20%
- More than half the time20%
- Less than half the time20%
- Never30%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week60%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important16%
- Very important21%
- Important11%
- Fairly important16%
- Not important at all37%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated55%
- Slightly automated35%
Physical Proximity
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)55%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)35%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week30%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Moderate responsibility30%
- Limited responsibility35%
- No responsibility20%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
Consequence of Error
- Fairly serious45%
- Not serious at all30%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Once a month or more but not every week32%
- Once a year or more but not every month37%
- Never26%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a month or more but not every week25%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never15%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time25%
- Never45%
Spend Time Standing
- Less than half the time75%
- Never15%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month50%
- Never35%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month55%
- Never30%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never50%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)32%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)68%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time50%
- Never45%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never60%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Fairly important11%
- Not important at all79%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a year or more but not every month42%
- Never58%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month30%
- Never65%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time30%
- Never70%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Less than half the time16%
- Never79%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never80%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never80%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never75%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Never85%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Radiation
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
- Never85%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time15%
- Never85%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never90%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never90%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never95%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never95%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

Bachelor’s degree
Master’s degree
Doctoral degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, PC Weather Products HURRTRAK, SAS, Systat Software SigmaStat
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Graphics or photo imaging software
Adobe Photoshop, Advanced Visual Systems AVS/Express, Image editing software, Microsoft Paint
Operating system software
Cisco IOS, Linux, Microsoft Windows, UNIX
Object or component oriented development software
C++, Perl, Python, R
Geographic information system
ESRI ArcInfo, ESRI ArcView
Development environment software
Formula translation/translator FORTRAN, Software development tools
Data base user interface and query software
Microsoft Access, Structured query language SQL
Web page creation and editing software
Facebook, Social media sites
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Desktop publishing software
QuarkXPress
Video creation and editing software
Apple Final Cut Pro
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Map creation software
ITT Visual Information Solutions ENVI

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Develop theories or models of physical phenomena.
Interpret research or operational data.
Conduct climatological research.
Analyze environmental data.
Provide technical information or assistance to public.
Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
Direct technical activities or operations.
Collect environmental data or samples.
Analyze design requirements for computer or electronics systems.
Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
Write computer programming code.
Develop training materials.

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Prepare research or technical reports on environmental issues.
Present information to the public.
Teach classes in area of specialization.
Collaborate on research activities with scientists or technical specialists.
Instruct college students in physical or life sciences.
Develop environmental research methods.
Research environmental impact of industrial or development activities.
Develop mathematical models of environmental conditions.
Communicate with the public on environmental issues.
Provide educational information to the public.
Apply knowledge or research findings to address environmental problems.
Coordinate training activities.
Manage human resources activities.
Measure environmental characteristics.
Create images or other visual displays.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Meteorologist

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology