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Atmospheric Scientist

Atmospheric scientists study the Earth's atmosphere and the way it affects the environment.

Tasks & duties

Atmospheric scientists may do some or all of the following:

design experiments and equipment to measure air quality and composition, ozone, greenhouse gases and pollution
study the composition of the atmosphere by collecting air samples over land and sea
monitor weather systems and atmospheric patterns from weather satellites
monitor rainfall patterns from weather radars
research the processes that affect the weather
analyse past climates and predict climate trends
use computer models of the atmosphere to estimate future states of the atmosphere
analyse the effect that solar flares and changes in the sun have on the atmosphere, weather and climate
study the effect the atmosphere has on light, sound and radio waves
teach at universities and supervise students
write up results of experiments, publish work in scientific journals and write grant proposals
give policy advice to governments and industries on the effects of air pollution, climate and climate variation on land-based industries and other sectors of the economy

Specialisations

Atmospheric scientists may specialise in studying:

ozone and air quality
greenhouse gas emissions
weather hazards
agricultural productivity and renewable energy (which is often largely weather-driven)

Skills & knowledge

Atmospheric scientists need to have:

knowledge of the atmosphere and past and present climates
knowledge of physics, chemistry, physical geography and meteorology
research skills
skill in analysing and interpreting research results and other information
practical skills for performing experiments and operating scientific equipment
problem-solving skills
planning and organisational skills
communication skills
writing skills, for writing reports and for publications
maths and computer skills

Entry requirements

To become an atmospheric scientist, a Masters or Doctorate in physics, chemistry, maths, geography or meteorology is preferred.

Secondary education

A tertiary entrance qualification is required to enter further training. Bursary or NCEA equivalent physics, chemistry, maths with statistics and/or calculus, and English are recommended.

Training on the job

Many skills are gained on the job. Atmospheric scientists attend conferences and workshops to keep up to date with developments in atmospheric science.