CAREERS IN METEOROLOGY: A Survey By Roxanne Lavalle, Student, USF

The 2005 edition of "Jobs Rated Almanac" ranks meteorologist 13^th out of 250 jobs evaluated by six criteria: environment, income, employment outlook, physical demands, security and stress. Aside from the commonly known (familiar) positions of broadcaster, teacher and severe weather forecaster, the list of careers in meteorology is long and varied. Pay scales range from approximately $18,000 for entry level positions to $130,000 highly skilled and experienced individuals with advanced degrees.

The data collected and analyzed by meteorologists is used by federal, state and local governments to protect communities from natural and man-made hazards. Likewise, private industry uses the meteorologist's skills and services in order to safeguard economic interests. Additionally, the data collected and analysis provided by meteorologists are valuable contributions to the development of scientific advancements which support those same endeavors.

Educational requirements for meteorological careers range from a bachelor's degree for entry-level positions, such as data collection, to Ph.D.s for research positions. A bachelor?s degree in mathematics, physics, or engineering is considered excellent preparation for advanced degrees in meteorology. Additionally, a computer science and applications foundation is becoming increasingly essential to the modeling and analysis aspects of meteorology.

Earth's environment is a dynamic, sometimes volatile system. The history of humankind is the story of the development of mechanisms with which to lessen the social impact of atmospheric extremes while utilizing resources with increasing efficiency. In this survey I will divide a sampling of meteorological jobs into three categories based on primary impact on human interests, give a brief description of those positions, then provide links to some corresponding* sites for those who decide to research further. Some are commercial sites, but none require payment to view the site.

• Atmospheric Scientists are involved in air-pollution control, agriculture, forestry, transportation by sea and air, and climate trends.
• Paleoclimatologists study tree rings, lake and ocean sediment and ice boreholes in an effort to understand climate variations.
• Atmospheric chemists deal with the make-up of the atmosphere and the myriad of chemicals that are being released into it, man-made as well as natural emissions from microorganisms, trees and geological processes.
• Atmospheric physicists study the mathematical and theoretical aspects of radar, radio wave and optical propagation, spectroscopy, etc.

• Aviation forecasters continuously strive to improve accuracy of forecasts in order to limit flight delays and aviation accidents due to wind and ice.
• Marine forecasters provide information with which commercial and recreational mariners can make decisions about routes or even whether to stay in port on a given day. They also monitor the seas for signs of tsunamis.
• Transportation forecasters monitor highway and railway weather conditions. Municipalities can make more informed decisions regarding staffing for snow removal and railways can take measures to guard against wind and snow drift problems.
• Agricultural forecasters are helpful to farmers trying to determine: the best days to plant, fertilize or harvest; whether or not to take measures to protect their crops from freezes; efficient irrigation schedules.
• Industrial forecasters can give businesses options to protect their goods and services from disruptions or to plan in advance to fill needs of customers. For example retailers may decide to order extra product or hire more staff or electric companies might need to be ready to generate at a higher capacity.
• Commodities forecasters supply weather forecasts which can increase a trader's odds of predicting the profitability of consumer goods. An observant trader can predict investment windfalls or circumvent catastrophic losses.
• Wind Engineers work with structural engineers to develop buildings and bridges that will withstand the forces of wind. But that?s not all. There is also work to be done in determination of pollution dispersion and efficient building ventilation.
• Forensic meteorologists collect and analyze data that can be used in investigations for insurance claims and criminal trials.

• Fire weather forecasters integrate meteorological data with fire hazard predictions and warnings and also management of existing fires.
• Warning coordination meteorologists are an integral part of the emergency response planning that communities worldwide depend on when it comes to making decisions on whether to leave or stay when severe weather threatens. An important part of this program is the establishment of a communication system that is effective and reliable so that people will trust enough to leave when that recommendation is made. Federal, state and local agencies work together to notify communities of possible dangers and to organize timely evacuations.

• FOX 13 with Andy Johnson.
• National Weather Service (Ruskin) with Daniel Noah and Charlie Paxton.
• Channel 10.
• Channel 8 with Steve Jerve.

At this time, growth is predicted to be more in the private sector than in government. For anyone interested in a career in meteorology the field is wide, the opportunities vast.