How to become An Atmospheric Scientist

• Atmospheric Science Researcher
• Air Pollution Specialist
• Air Quality Scientist
• Alternative Energy Consultant
• Climate Change Analyst
• Environmental Impact Assessor
• Environmental Monitor
• Environmental Scientist

What do Atmospheric Scientists do?

An Atmospheric Scientist would typically need to:

• Monitor and study the weather and climate; make predictions for what it might look like in an hour, a day, a week, or in the next season; examine how weather conditions affect human activity and the earth, in general
• Collect and interpret data from the surface or upper air meteorological stations, GIS (geographic information systems), satellites, and weather bureaus, using computer programs, radar systems, and satellites
• Measure temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, wind speed, dew point, and other properties of the upper atmosphere using weather balloons; collect air samples from planes or ships over land or sea to study atmospheric composition
• Develop and use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting; write computer programs to support modeling;
• Design or develop new equipment, instruments, and methods for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or related applications
• Communicate research findings through appropriate channels; share the information with the news media or directly broadcast current weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the internet
• Collaborate on research activities; consult with other agencies, scientists, technical specialists, or researchers on the use and interpretation of climatological information for weather predictions and warnings
• Study ancient (paleoclimate) data such as tree ring records to build a picture of the climate, weather, and atmospheric conditions in the very distant past; test theories and data against the current body of evidence
• Analyze historical climate information and data sets like precipitation or temperature records, using techniques viz. geophysical fluid dynamics, data assimilation, or numerical modeling to help predict future weather or climate trends
• Research and predict the impact of industrial or development activities on the ozone layer, air quality, climate, and weather across the world
• Study the physical interactions that occur at the atmospheric level; study gases, their chemical reactions, clouds, and the interplay of ultraviolet radiation with atmospheric processes and events; conduct wind assessment, integration, and validation studies
• Consider how terrain affects weather and climate; how oceans cause turbulence; and how solar events affect satellite communications and navigation
• Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, or government sectors; produce forecasts for transportation activities that may affect consumers
• Advise policymakers on how environmental issues, e.g., global warming and air pollution, may impact economics, transportation, society, and agriculture on a local, national, or international scale
• Collate technical reports, articles, or texts; study the impact of physics, chemistry, climatology, and the dynamics of weather systems on the earth and other planets in our solar system
• Perform managerial duties

Most Atmospheric Scientists work indoors, in weather stations, offices, or laboratories. Those involved in research travel frequently to conduct fieldwork, collect data, and to observe weather events, such as tornadoes, up close. Atmospheric Scientists who work in the private industry may have to travel to meet with clients or to gather information in the field.

Atmospheric Scientists are employed in several kinds of roles and jobs. Most find work in offices, weather stations, airports, and laboratories in or near cities. However, many work in isolated and remote areas in weather stations and military observatories as well. In smaller stations, they often work alone; in larger ones, they work as part of a team.

Atmospheric Scientists working indoor jobs usually wear business casuals, except for some research jobs that call for lab coats and safety equipment. Atmospheric Scientists doing fieldwork or observation tasks wear weatherproof functional clothing that allows easy movement and breathability.

Atmospheric Scientists generally work full time. Entry-level staff at field stations work rotating shifts to ensure staff coverage 24/7/365. They may work extended hours during severe weather, such as hurricanes. Researchers may work nights and weekends on special projects.

Owing to their broad knowledge base, Atmospheric Scientists are employed across a wide spectrum.

Atmospheric Scientists are generally employed by:

• National Weather Services
• Broadcast Media
• Private Weather Services
• Environmental Consulting Firms
• Government Agencies
• Public Utilities
• Commercial Airlines
• Futures Markets
• Emergency Management Offices
• Armed Forces
• Pollution Monitoring Teams & Air Quality Analysis Teams
• Aircraft & Instrument Manufacturing Companies
• Educational Institutions
• Archaeological Surveys

Membership in umbrella organizations like the International Association of Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences (IAMAS) and Commission for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) opens up significant employment opportunities.

These organizations also conduct seminars, workshops, networking events, and publish journals that add value to an Atmospheric Scientist’s resume while bolstering their credentials and qualifications.

• Protracted exposure to inhospitable or unsafe weather/climate conditions and terrain while collecting data
• The need to work in isolation on postings to remote or small weather stations
• The need to work around conflicting opinions and reach a viable consensus when part of a larger station or research team
• Meeting deadlines

Students interning in Atmospheric Science are required to develop new instrumentation and improve existing lower atmospheric observing facilities. Resources such as sophisticated testing and calibration instruments, fabrication capabilities, and technical documents are placed at their disposal to achieve these goals. Interns are also provided with expert guidance and support to develop the stipulated engineering and technical infrastructure.

Atmospheric Scientists typically earn a bachelor's degree in atmospheric science or meteorology. Related fields include physics, chemistry, environmental studies, and geology. Students may choose to take additional coursework outside the atmospheric science specialty, especially in advanced math or physics.

Most master’s programs do not require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in atmospheric science alone. A degree in math, physics, meteorology, or engineering is also acceptable. Besides advanced meteorology, a master’s degree may include courses in oceanography and geophysics. Classes in computer programming enable the potential Atmospheric Scientists to write and edit the software that produces forecasts. Coursework in remote sensing of the environment, by radar or satellite, may be mandatory.

Individuals seeking jobs at the high school level (typically as a geography teacher) may find a bachelor’s degree sufficient. Government jobs that involve monitoring and fieldwork would need a master’s program with a dissertation or thesis and expert report writing skills. A master’s degree would be the minimum prerequisite to teach in a college or university, although most establishments tend to favor candidates with doctorates.

Potential research scientists would certainly need a doctorate. Research teams also include technicians who hold two-year associate degrees or have graduated from an approved apprentice program.

Certification demonstrates competence in a skill typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or a combination of the three. Certification from an objective and reputed organization can help you gain professional credibility, encourage membership renewal, and become an independent consultant. Certification most sought after by Atmospheric Scientists include the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) and Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM).

Career progression is driven by performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years.

Some people with an atmospheric science background may become professors or postsecondary teachers of earth sciences. As a researcher, you can take on projects as a leader or part of a group and secure grants to secure your tenure.

There are many different career paths to choose in the field of Atmospheric Science, which currently has the lowest rate of unemployment. In addition to expertise in the field itself, students gain many cross-over skills relevant to other industries, including programming and the ability to analyze large data sets.

All the fields such as meteorology, climate, atmospheric chemistry & air quality, or data science offer ample scope for movement up the career ladder through more complex science and management roles.

The best job prospects will continue to occur in the private industry. Competition for all openings will be intense. Those with a master’s degree or PhD will be able to compete for coveted research and university teaching positions. Professional certification and knowledge of advanced mathematics will fetch you better jobs.

When employed by the national weather service, Atmospheric Scientists undergo on-the-job training to use equipment needed to issue severe weather warnings.

Continuing professional development (CPD) allows individuals to upskill continually, regardless of their age, job, or level of knowledge. It prevents practical and academic qualifications from becoming outdated. It enables Atmospheric Scientists to identify any knowledge gaps and progress to a new specialism.

Atmospheric Scientists can expect support and additional training from their academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years’ experience in enhancing researchers’ skills. In partnership with governments, funders of research, academics, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Diverse Specializations

Atmospheric science is the umbrella term for studying the atmosphere in and around our planet. The field of atmospheric science includes many professionals with expertise in various sub-domains.

Operational Meteorologists

They assess weather conditions using information collected from satellites, weather stations, and radar equipment, predicting weather conditions for the upcoming days or weeks, and warning of approaching dangerous weather conditions.

Environmental Meteorologists

They research situations such as the lack of water or air pollution and issue reports on environmental effects, looking at ways to reduce polluting circumstances.

Atmospheric Chemists

They study the measurement techniques and components of the atmosphere, analyzing the reactions and processes that go on in it. They investigate climates and gases, chemical reactions that occur in clouds, and ultraviolet radiation.

Atmospheric Physicists and Dynamists

They study the physical movements and interactions in the atmosphere, how terrain influences weather and causes turbulence, how solar phenomena affect satellite communications and navigation, or the causes and effects of lightning.

Broadcast Meteorologists

They provide forecasts to the general public through television, radio, and the internet, using graphics software to develop maps and charts that explain their predictions. However, don’t expect all your weather broadcasters on television to be meteorologists or atmospheric scientists: reporters, correspondents, and broadcast news analysts also present weather conditions and forecasts without specific meteorology training.

Climatologists

They study the differences in atmospheric variables such as seasonal temperatures, rainfall totals, or wind speeds over time to recognize seasonal and global patterns. Predictions made by climatologists may cover a season or several years. These observations are essential to the agriculture, construction, and energy industries.

Climate Scientists

They work on the theoretical foundations and the modeling of climate change, using complex mathematical models to forecast many months, and sometimes longer, into the future. Their studies help design buildings, plan heating and cooling systems, and contribute to efficient land use and agricultural production. Forensic Meteorologists They use historical weather data to reconstruct the weather conditions for a specific location, time, and event. They investigate what role weather played in unusual circumstances such as traffic accidents and fires. Forensic meteorologists may need to testify in court as experts.

Research Meteorologists

They develop new methods of data collection, observation, and forecasting while studying ways to improve fundamental understanding of climate, weather, and other atmospheric aspects. For example, some research meteorologists study severe weather patterns that produce hurricanes and tornadoes to understand why cyclones form and develop better predictors. Others focus on environmental problems such as air pollution.

Weather Forecasters

They use the computer and mathematical models to produce weather reports and short-term forecasts ranging from a few minutes to longer than a week. They develop forecasts for the general public and specific customers such as airports, water transportation, shippers, farmers, utility companies, insurance companies, and other businesses.

Senior Atmospheric Scientists

The breadth of their experience and maturity translates into enhanced job responsibilities that focus on managerial elements of the department or team. They advise consumers about atmospheric data sets while providing consultation and data interpretation of data to outside agencies, professionals, or researchers.

At the height of around 60,000 feet, you reach the Armstrong Limit; the drop in air pressure can cause human bodily fluids like saliva and blood to boil at the average human body temperature of 37°C.

Indeed, we have a responsibility to leave for future generations a healthy and habitable planet for all species. Atmospheric Scientists provide us with the tools we need to make that a definite possibility.

Who questions much, shall learn much, and retain much.