Transcript Job Duties & Responsibilities

Meteorological Analyst
Agricultural Careers
By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise
Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office
Georgia Department of Education
March 2006
Job Duties & Responsibilities
•Predict daily weather
•Monitor storm fronts and international
weather patterns to forecast severe weather
phenomena such as hurricanes or floods
•Monitor weather stations for data on
changing conditions
•Use Doppler radar
•Observe air quality indicators, such as smog
or tropospheric ozone
Qualities and Skills
•Have an interest in
weather patterns and
weather technology
•Need to be organized,
punctual and able to think
clearly and act well under
extreme pressure
•Comfortable with an
irregular work schedule
•Be willing to travel at any
time to observe and record
data from any weather
occurrence
Salary
•Median annual earnings were $60,200
•Middle 50% earned between $39,970 and $76,880
•Lowest 10% earned less than $30,220
•Highest 10% earned more than $92,430
•Meteorologists in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial
positions employed by the Federal Government earned $74,528
Work Environment
•National Weather Service stations, which are found everywhere—at airports, in or near cities,
and in isolated and remote areas (U.S. Military)
•Most weather stations operate 24 hours, 7 days a week
•Involve night, weekend, and holiday work in rotating shifts
•During weather emergencies, such as hurricanes, operational meteorologists may work overtime
•Operational meteorologists also
are often under pressure to meet
forecast deadlines
•Weathermen and women that
appear on television must report on
extreme weather by going to the
scene
Education
•A bachelor’s degree in meteorology,
atmospheric science, or a closely related field
with courses in meteorology is the minimum
educational requirement for an entry-level
position as an atmospheric scientist.
•Computer science courses, a strong
background in mathematics and physics, and
good communication skills are also important.
Career Resources
American Meteorological Society
45 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02108-3693
Internet: http://www.ametsoc.org
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
1325 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Internet: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/