Profession meteorologist

meteorologist
Credits: Shutterstock.com

Climatologists, metereologists Investigate atmospheric phenomena and interpret meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, radar etc. to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses and to improve general/scientific understanding of climate.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

Tasks meteorologist

  • Gather meteorological data by surface, upper level and other measurements (including satellite cloud images, remote sensing data, radar and other information about atmospheric conditions).
  • Study and interpret relevant information (e.g. data, reports, maps, photographs, charts).
  • Predict long-range and short-range weather conditions using weather forecasting tools (e.g. computer models) and relevant knowledge (e.g. climate theory, physics, mathematics).
  • Produce weather reports and maps (e.g. for analysis, distribution, use in weather broadcasts).
  • Prepare forecasts and briefings for different types of audiences, such as the general public, industries (e.g. aviation, marine, fishing, farming, forestry) or government.
  • Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts and weather warnings to the public via television, radio and the Internet, and provide this information to the news media.
  • Apply meteorological knowledge to problems related to environment, agriculture, pollution control and water management.
  • Conduct basic or applied meteorological research into the processes and determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, climate, etc.
  • Design and develop weather forecasting tools (e.g. mathematical and computer models).
  • Maintain equipment and tools used to gather meteorological data.

Related professions research, consultancy

  • Bacteriologist
  • Biologist
  • Biotechnologist
  • Chemist
  • Civil engineer
  • Climatologist
  • Clinical research associate
  • Environmental inspector
  • Environmental scientist
  • Epidemiologist
  • Geographer
  • Geologist, geophysicist
  • Metallurgist
  • Physical or engineering science technician, all other
  • Physical scientists, all other
  • Physicist
  • R&D department manager
  • Social scientist, all other
  • Sociologist, anthropologist or related professional
  • Tax consultant

Knowledge

  • Mathematics

    Mathematics is the study of topics such as quantity, structure, space, and change. It involves the identification of patterns and formulating new conjectures based on them. Mathematicians strive to prove the truth or falsity of these conjectures. There are many fields of mathematics, some of which are widely used for practical applications.

  • Climatology

    The scientific field of study that deals with researching average weather conditions over a specified period of time and how they affected nature on Earth.

  • Meteorology

    The scientific field of study that examines the atmosphere, atmospheric phenomena, and atmospheric effects on our weather.

Skills

  • Review meteorological forecast data

    Revise estimated meteorological parameters; solve gaps between real-time conditions and estimated conditions.

  • Use meteorological tools to forecast meteorological conditions

    Use meteorological data and tools such as weather facsimile machines, weather charts and computer terminals, to anticipate weather conditions.

  • Apply scientific methods

    Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

  • Apply statistical analysis techniques

    Use models (descriptive or inferential statistics) and techniques (data mining or machine learning) for statistical analysis and ICT tools to analyse data, uncover correlations and forecast trends.

  • Execute analytical mathematical calculations

    Apply mathematical methods and make use of calculation technologies in order to perform analyses and devise solutions to specific problems.

  • Perform scientific research

    Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

  • Carry out meteorological research

    Participate in research activities on weather-related conditions and phenomena; study the physical and chemical characteristics and processes of the atmosphere; present research results in scientific journals.

  • Use specialised computer models for weather forecasting

    Make short-term and long-term weather forecasts applying physical and mathematical formulae; understand specialised computer modelling applications.

Optional knowledge and skills

manage meteorological database scientific research methodology collect weather-related data assist scientific research calibrate electronic instruments create weather maps operate meteorological instruments write scientific papers design graphics oceanography operate remote sensing equipment write weather briefing study aerial photos conduct research on climate processes statistics present during live broadcasts geographic information systems design scientific equipment develop models for weather forecast use geographic information systems

Source: Sisyphus ODB