How to Become a Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric scientists’ work responsibilities include interpreting data obtained from weather and meteorological stations. Atmospheric science engineering is all about analyses radar images, satellite images, GIS and computer simulations to study climate, gases and chemical reactions. Atmospheric scientists study the interaction of clouds and ultraviolet light with atmospheric processes. He or she is involved in studying how terrain affects weather and climate, which causes turbulence in the ocean. Individuals who opt for a career as an atmospheric scientist study how satellite communication and navigation is affected by solar events. Here we will discuss how to become an atmospheric scientist, how do scientists collect environmental data,  is meteorology a good career, details about the earth and atmospheric sciences careers, the role of atmospheric science in society.

Study

Individuals who opt for a career as atmospheric scientists are responsible for analysing data about atmosphere. He or she studies atmospheric conditions and predicts upcoming atmospheric events. An atmospheric scientist studies weather patterns and disruptions. He or she tests properties of air, temperature and air pressure. An atmospheric scientist analyses data to understand the major natural problems caused by worse atmospheric conditions such as droughts, air pollution, loss of the ozone layer and other related problems.

Forecasting

Individuals who opt for a career as an atmospheric scientist are responsible for forecasting weather trends. He or she makes predictions about storms, snowfall and climate data. He or she forecasts on the basis of computer and mathematical models, satellite and radar data. An atmospheric scientist is responsible for performing indoor research in offices, weather stations and laboratories to make weather forecasts.

Emergency Alerts

Individuals who opt for a career as atmospheric scientists are responsible for reporting on advancing storms and alerting the citizens about it. He or she alerts during severe weather conditions such as hurricanes, tornadoes and flash floods. An atmospheric scientist issues warnings and ways to deal with it to protect life and property.

Data collection

An atmospheric scientist uses weather balloons, radar systems, sensors to monitor and collect data. Individuals who opt for a career as an atmospheric scientist use graphics software to illustrate weather reports. An atmospheric scientist creates weather graphics. He or she is involved in recording and observing meteorological data.

Operational Meteorologist: Scientists who are involved in conducting study in the field of meteorology known as meteorologists. The career in meteorology involves studying meteorology phenomena through computer and mathematical models. Operational meteorologists utilise their knowledge to prepare daily forecasts. 

Climatologist: Climatologists are atmospheric science professionals involved in the study of earth’s climate. They are responsible for collecting and analysing data from various sources such as water, air, ice cores and plant life to find weather patterns. Climatologists determine how weather patterns affect life on Earth.

Atmospheric Meteorologist: Atmospheric meteorologists are scientists involved in the study of atmosphere’s motions and physical characteristics. They study how the atmosphere's motions affect the environment. Career in meteorology requires applying the knowledge acquired through research in  global warming trends, air pollution control, agriculture and forestry and air pollution control.

Geothermal Engineer: Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals who research and explore new ways to utilise geothermal energy with the use of technology. Geothermal energy engineering is highly popular and its use is rapidly increasing. Geothermal energy can be defined as thermal energy stored in the earth. Geothermal engineers explore ways to convert this energy into electrical power energy.

Geotechnical Engineer: A career as Geotechnical Engineer requires candidates use of applications of scientific methods and engineering principles to improve ground engineering design. Geotechnical Engineer uses methods such as acquisition, interpretation, and knowledge of use of materials of the earth’s crust and earth materials for the solution of Engineering problems along with the design of engineering works.

Individuals who opt for a career as an atmospheric scientist are employed in academic institutions such as universities and colleges. They are responsible for teaching geography and earth sciences. Atmospheric scientists also find employment opportunities in museums, public departments and government laboratories. Atmospheric scientists are also employed in media houses to predict atmospheric conditions such as temperature and humidity levels or weather forecasting.

Does Atmospheric Scientist require travelling?

Likely

Individuals who opt for a career as atmospheric scientists are often required to travel frequently to collect data or weather events from the field. Either they watch weather conditions from the ground or from aircraft. Those atmospheric scientists who work in private industries are required to travel to meet clients and collect data in the field. Forensic Meteorologists gather information from the scene of the accident to investigate.

Employment Shifts

Full Time

Individuals who opt for a career as an atmospheric scientist work full time. Their work responsibility involves research and gathering of information and analysing data. Such a job is not possible on a part-time, hourly basis, on-call, or work from home type of employment shift. It requires a firm commitment and concentration during research and study to analyse data in order to predict atmospheric conditions.

Employment Nature

Atmospheric scientists find employment opportunities on both contractual basis as well as permanent basis. The contractual terms entirely depend on the requirement of the employers. Individuals who opt for a career as atmospheric scientists often hire a candidate on a contractual basis for a shorter period of time. Depending on the quality of work and discipline the candidate delivers, the contractual term might get extended. It may also be converted into a permanent basis.

Work Place

Laboratory, academic institution, Offices

Individuals who opt for a career as atmospheric scientists work in an office setting, laboratory, project site and manufacturing units.

Presence in Geographical Area

Urban

Urban and semi-urban areas provide promising employment opportunities. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Nagpur and Pune provide good employment opportunities for atmospheric scientists. The meteorological departments, research laboratories and academic institutions are more established in these urban cities.

Time Pressure

Likely

Atmospheric scientists have to work under pressure to deliver accurate and on-time weather forecasts. Individuals who opt for a career as an atmospheric scientist are required to predict major atmospheric events such as tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes or tsunamis. Individuals who opt for a career as atmospheric scientists alert everyone on such events.

Overtime Details

Atmospheric scientists are often required to work overtime. Atmospheric scientists' work hours may exceed 40 hours a week. Researchers are often required to work overtime including weekends and holidays when they are working on a specific project.  

Weekly Hours of Work

Min 40 Hours

There are several atmospheric scientists who work more than 40 hours a week. While several other individuals who opt for a career as an atmospheric scientist work standard weekhours. Individuals who opt for a career as atmospheric scientists often work in nights, weekends and on holidays on particular projects.

When it comes to how to become an atmospheric scientist, the first thing that they should know about are the skills required to become an atmospheric scientist. Some of the essential skills we have mentioned below.

Communication skills: An atmospheric scientist must be able to understand spoken information. He or she should be able to speak and write clearly. An atmospheric scientist requires to read and understand work-related materials. He or she should understand what others are saying and ask questions accordingly. 

Problem Solving Ability: An atmospheric scientist should be able to analyse ideas to determine the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions. He or she is required to combine several pieces of information to draw conclusions. An atmospheric scientist recognises the nature of the problem.

Logical Reasoning: An atmospheric scientist understands when something is wrong or likely to go wrong. He or she judges the costs and benefits of possible action. Meteorologist jobs require using reasoning to discover answers to the problems. He or she can recognise the important changes and determine when they are likely to happen. 

Mathematical Skills: An atmospheric scientist applies principles of mathematics and science to solve problems. He or she can frequently add, subtract, multiply and divide on fingers. 

Organising Skills: An atmospheric scientist has to manage his or her time and others’ time as well. He or she has to work with numerous other professionals. An atmospheric scientist is required to teach other people. He or she is required to discuss problems together to sort out differences. Meteorologist jobs require persuading people to approach things differently and provides support. 

Climate Change Analyst: Climate change analyst is also known as climatologist. He or she is responsible for studying climate conditions over a period of time. A climatologist uses climate models to predict future climate conditions and study the dynamics of weather and climate systems. 

Remote Sensing Scientist: Remote sensing scientist is a professional responsible for applying remote sensing principles and methods to analyse data to resolve problems such as homeland security, urban planning and natural resource management. These types of meteorologist jobs includes designing and developing new sensor systems, new applications and new techniques for existing systems. A remote sensing scientist often analyses data of remote sensing systems to draw conclusions and meaningful results. 

Geographical Information Systems Specialist: GIS specialist is a professional who uses GIS technology to compile and display digital data. He or she is also known as a mapping specialist. A GIS specialist uses computer software to design detailed maps and drawings. 

Cartographer: A cartographer is a professional usually responsible for field work. He or she collects and analyses geographical data. These types of meteorologist jobs includes examining and compiling data from ground surveys, aerial photographs, satellite images and reports. A cartographer is responsible for preparing digital maps or thematic maps in digital or graphic form.

Photogrammetrist: A photogrammetrist is a professional who collects reliable information about physical objects in the environment. He or she records, measures and interprets the photographic images and patterns captured through electromagnetic radiant imagery and other phenomenons. 

There are several businesses that rely on just-in-time delivery of products and thus require a weather forecaster to schedule deliveries. Numerous businesses have started maintaining a weather forecasting team to advise delivery personnel. It provides support to stay on schedule. The modern computer models have also resulted in improved accuracy of forecasts and allowed atmospheric scientists to tailor forecasts to specific purposes. There is an expected 12 per cent growth in the number of jobs for atmospheric scientists and meteorologists in the coming up years. Candidates with advanced knowledge of mathematical skills have a greater chance of bagging a job role. It is because the nature of atmospheric scientists’ work is highly quantitative. Earth and atmospheric sciences careers offer better job prospects for meteorologists as compared to the government and public sector. Candidates can find opportunities in television studios, and other businesses that rely on weather forecasting to deliver products and services.