Click here for more information CLick here for more information
CareersPortal HomeMy Career File header image
header imageCareer Guidance at your FingertipsCareer Guidance at your Fingertips Follow us on TwitterFollow us on Facebook
header image
header imageCareersPortalCareersPortalspacerCareer Guidance for school studentsCareers information for college students and graduatesCareers information for people who want to work header image
blankCareer PlanningWork and EmploymentEducation and Trainingblank

Occupation information - In brief...



Career Interests 

Interest categories related to this occupation:

This occupation is associated with the following interest categories. These categories can be explored by clicking on the titles.

Investigative
Realist
Administrative

IrishJobs.ie
Monster
Findajob
RecruitIreland.com
Jobs.ie
Note: search results are updated daily and may also include related jobs.

Course Suggestions - CAO

Courses related to this or similar occupations:

If you are interested in this occupation, then these CAO courses may also be of interest. Note that these course suggestions are not intended to indicate that they lead directly to this occupation, only that they are related in some way and may be worth exploring.
Central Applications Office 54 courses found.
Civil and Environmental Engineering
UCC (NUI)
Fire Safety Engineering
Letterkenny IT
Environmental Science
IT Carlow
Forensic and Environmental Chemistry
DIT
Pharmaceutical Analysis with Environmental Science
Tralee IT
Pharmaceutical Analysis with Environmental Science
Tralee IT
Science (Bioscience/Chemistry)
Athlone IT
Science - Applied Biosciences
Dundalk IT
Science - Biological and Environmental Studies
Tralee IT
Biological and Chemical Sciences
UCC (NUI)
Computing - Smart Energy Systems (Thurles)
Limerick IT
Computing - Smart Energy Systems (Thurles)
Limerick IT
Energy Systems Engineering
IT Tallaght
Renewable and Electrical Energy Systems
Limerick IT
Industrial and Environmental Physics
DIT
Physics with Energy & Enviroment
DIT
Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology
Galway-Mayo IT
Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology
Galway-Mayo IT
Marine Science
NUI Galway
Archaeology and Geology
UCD (NUI)
Arts (subject option: Geography)
NUI Maynooth
Arts (subject option: Geography)
TCD
Arts (subject option: Geography)
UCD (NUI)
Arts (subject option: Geography)
UCC (NUI)
Arts (subject option: Geography)
NUI Galway
Wildlife Biology
Tralee IT
Earth and Ocean Sciences
NUI Galway
Earth Sciences
TCD
Energy & Sustainability
IT Sligo
Energy Systems and Industrial Automation (Cancelled)
IT Blanchardstown
Energy Systems and Industrial Automation (Cancelled)
IT Blanchardstown
Enviromental Toxicology
Athlone IT
Environmental Protection
IT Sligo
Environmental Science and Sustainable Technology
Cork Institute of Technology
Geography and Archaeology
UCC (NUI)
Sustainable Energy
Cork Institute of Technology
Agricultural Science - (Agri-Environmental Sciences)
UCD (NUI)
Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences
UCC (NUI)
Environmental Science
NUI Galway
Environmental Science
University of Limerick
Environmental Science
IT Sligo
Environmental Science and Health
DCU
Energy
University of Limerick
Energy and Environmental Engineering
IT Tallaght
Energy Technology and the Built Environment
Tralee IT
Environmental Engineering
IT Sligo
Environmental Engineering
Cork Institute of Technology
Environmental Engineering Science (Cancelled)
Athlone IT
Environmental Engineering Science - Cancelled
Athlone IT
Geomatics (Surveying and Mapping)
DIT
Physics and Astrophysics
UCC (NUI)
Physics and Astrophysics
NUI Maynooth
Physics with Astronomy
DCU
Physics with Astrophysics - Discontinued
NUI Galway

Return to List

 
Return to List 
Saves this course to your Career File if you are registered.
In Brief... Atmospheric Scientist

 Brief Description:

Investigates atmospheric phenomena and interprets meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts for public and other uses.

Atmospheric science is the study of the atmosphere&mdash the blanket of air covering the Earth. Atmospheric scientists, commonly called meteorologists, study the atmosphere's physical characteristics, motions, processes and the way in which it affects the rest of our environment. The best known application of this knowledge is in forecasting the weather. Aside from predicting the weather, scientists also attempt to identify and interpret climate trends, understand past weather, and analyze today's weather.

However, weather information and meteorological research also are applied in air-pollution control, agriculture, forestry, air and sea transportation, defense, and the study of possible trends in the Earth’s climate, such as global warming, droughts, or ozone depletion. Atmospheric scientists who forecast the weather, known professionally as operational meteorologists, are the largest group of specialists. They study information on air pressure, temperature, humidity, and wind velocity; and apply physical and mathematical relationships to make short-range and long-range weather forecasts. Their data come from weather satellites, weather radars, sensors, and weather stations in many parts of the world.

Meteorologists use sophisticated computer models of the world’s atmosphere to make long-term, short-term, and local-area forecasts. More accurate instruments for measuring and observing weather conditions, as well as high-speed computers to process and analyze weather data, have revolutionized weather forecasting. Using satellite data, climate theory, and sophisticated computer models of the world’s atmosphere, meteorologists can more effectively interpret the results of these models to make local-area weather predictions. These forecasts inform not only the general public, but also those who need accurate weather information for both economic and safety reasons, such as the shipping, air transportation, agriculture, fishing, forestry, and utilities industries.

The use of weather balloons, launched a few times a day to measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, is currently supplemented by sophisticated atmospheric monitoring equipment that transmits data as frequently as every few minutes. Doppler radar, for example, can detect airflow patterns in violent storm systems—allowing forecasters to better predict tornadoes and other hazardous winds, and to monitor the storms’ direction and intensity.

Combined radar and satellite observations allow meteorologists to predict flash floods. Some atmospheric scientists work in research. Physical meteorologists, for example, study the atmosphere’s chemical and physical properties; the transmission of light, sound, and radio waves; and the transfer of energy in the atmosphere. They also study factors affecting the formation of clouds, rain, and snow; the dispersal of air pollutants over urban areas; and other weather phenomena, such as the mechanics of severe storms.

Synoptic meteorologists develop new tools for weather forecasting using computers and sophisticated mathematical models of atmospheric activity. Climatologists study climactic variations spanning hundreds or even millions of years. They also may collect, analyze, and interpret past records of wind, rainfall, sunshine, and temperature in specific areas or regions. Their studies are used to design buildings, plan heating and cooling systems, and aid in effective land use and agricultural production.

Environmental problems, such as pollution and shortages of fresh water, have widened the scope of the meteorological profession. Environmental meteorologists study these problems and may evaluate and report on air quality for environmental impact statements. Other research meteorologists examine the most effective ways to control or diminish air pollution.

Typical tasks undertaken in this profession: 18

»  

Study and interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, and charts to predict long- and short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics. 

»  

Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, and severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, and the Internet, or provide this information to the news media. 

»  

Gather data from sources such as surface and upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, and radar for use in meteorological reports and forecasts. 

»  

Prepare forecasts and briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, and other groups. 

»  

Apply meteorological knowledge to problems in areas including agriculture, pollution control, and water management, and to issues such as global warming or ozone depletion. 

»  

Conduct basic or applied meteorological research into the processes and determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, and climate. 

»  

Operate computer graphic equipment to produce weather reports and maps for analysis, distribution, or use in weather broadcasts. 

»  

Measure wind, temperature, and humidity in the upper atmosphere, using weather balloons. 

»  

Develop and use weather forecasting tools, such as mathematical and computer models. 

»  

Direct forecasting services at weather stations, or at radio or television broadcasting facilities. 


JobZone

ddd

Education
Most of these occupations require qualifications at NFQ Levels 7 or 8 (Ordinary / Honours Degrees) but some do not.

Related Experience
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an engineer must complete four years of college and work for several years in engineering to be considered qualified.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Job Zone Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, computer programmers, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and financial analysts.


Qualifications required?

Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree in related field

Typical entry routes:

Level 8 Honours Bachelor Degree

Related courses

Click here to search the National Courses database for courses related to this occupation or occupational area.
Note: this may not be relevant for certain occupations.
Go..

Sectors related to this occupation:

This occupation is typically found in the sectors below. You can explore information relating to sectors by clicking on the titles below.

Earth Science & Environment
Space Science and Technology
Physical & Mathematical Sciences

Future Skills Requirements & Concerns

Current Labour Market Research highlights concerns in some occupations. These comments are presented here where available: [source: Forfas]


 
This occupation has been viewed 28960 times
 
Return to List


0 LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION

 Return to List

 

 

 
 
 



  CareersPortal for ...   Explore CareersPortal ...   Work & Employment ...   Education & Training ...   About CareersPortal ...  
  @ School
@ College
@ Work
Parents
Guidance Professionals
 

Career Guidance Toolbox

Explore Yourself .... 
Self-Assessment

  Industry Sectors
Company Profiles
Occupations A-Z
Career Videos
Job Search Tools
Labour Market Information 
  Junior Cert. Subjects
Leaving Cert. Subjects
Post Leaving Cert. Courses
CAO Courses
School & College Education
Adult Education 
  Terms and Conditions
Privacy Statement
Contact Us

226907  Registered Users
Provider Login
 
 
  www.saoloibre.ie      
Bookmark and Share
 
© 2013 Durrow Communications Ltd