Atmospheric and Space Scientists
Did You Know:
- About 34 percent of atmospheric scientists are employed by the federal government; most of these work in the National Weather Service.
- A bachelor's degree in meteorology, or in a closely related field with courses in meteorology, is the minimum educational requirement; a master's degree is necessary for some positions and a Ph.D. degree is required for most basic research positions.
- Keen competition is expected for jobs; those with graduate degrees should enjoy better prospects than those with only a bachelor's degree.
Industry Areas
- Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation)
- Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
Day-to-Day Tasks
- Study and interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, and charts to predict long- and short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
- 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.
Overall Kind of Work
Atmospheric science is the study of the atmosphere-the blanket of air covering the Earth. Atmospheric scientists study the atmosphere's physical characteristics, motions and processes, and the way...
Work Environment
Military
Meteorological specialists usually work in offices either on land or aboard ships. They work outdoors when making visual weather observations and launching weather balloons.
Status
What is the difference between enlisted and officer?
Enlisted:Enlisted members enter the Military with a high school diploma (in some cases a GED), at a minimum. They are employed in almost every type of military career, often in hands-on roles.
Officers: Officers either enter the Military with a four-year college degree or greater or served previously as enlisted members, and are generally employed in management roles or highly specialized fields that require intensive training.
Officer
Enlisted
Military Breakdown
The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.
1,076 Atmospheric and Space Scientists in the military
Service Branches
Meteorological Specialists work in the following services:
Type of Work
The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.
Data: 
People: 
Things:
Skills at a Glance
The levels of different skills helpful in this career.
Verbal skills: 
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:
Equipment Operation & Maintenance:
Math & Science Skills:
Technology Design & Control:
Leadership:
Workplace at a Glance
The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.
Responsibility:
Exposure to Job Hazards:
Physical Activity:
Decision Making:
Repetitiveness:
Level of Competition:
Time Pressure: