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Atmospheric and Space Scientists

SOC 19-2021.00Job Zone 4 · Considerable Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the full practice scope of Atmospheric and Space Scientists — from entry-level data gathering and model operation through independent forecasting and research to executive leadership of meteorological programs, spanning government agencies, commercial weather services, broadcast media, and academic research institutions.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Surface and upper-air observational data — collect and organize from weather stations, satellites, and radar networks under supervisor guidance in an operational forecasting environment.
  2. Meteorological reports and basic charts — interpret with assistance, applying foundational knowledge of atmospheric physics and mathematics learned through degree coursework.
  3. Numerical weather prediction model output — review and summarize key parameters under direct supervision to support short-range forecast products.
  4. Computer programs for data collection — execute and troubleshoot existing scripts written in Python or similar languages to gather meteorological datasets in a government or research setting.
  5. Geographic information system tools — use to display and query spatial weather and climate data under direction from a senior atmospheric scientist.
  6. Scientific literature and technical reports — read and synthesize relevant findings to support team-level research into atmospheric phenomena and climate processes.
  7. Weather forecast briefings — assist in preparing routine written summaries of conditions for internal review before submission to business or government clients.
  8. Analytical or scientific software packages — operate under guidance to run basic statistical analyses on atmospheric datasets in a laboratory or office environment.
  9. Public communication materials — support the drafting of weather condition summaries intended for broadcast or web publication under editorial oversight.
  10. Mathematical models of atmospheric dynamics — apply standard equations and pre-built model frameworks to entry-level forecast exercises with faculty or supervisor review.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Short- and long-range weather forecasts — develop independently by interpreting multi-source environmental data including satellite imagery, radar, and numerical model output in an operational center.
  2. Meteorological and climate datasets — formulate predictions by integrating oceanic, atmospheric, and paleoclimate information using established analytical methods with limited oversight.
  3. Custom computer programs — write and maintain scripts to automate meteorological data collection and processing workflows in a government agency or private-sector forecasting unit.
  4. Severe weather warnings — prepare and disseminate timely public alerts via television, radio, or Internet platforms, adhering to agency protocols and broadcast standards.
  5. Forecast briefings — produce and present tailored products for industry, agricultural, or emergency management stakeholders, adapting content to non-specialist audiences.
  6. Mathematical and statistical models — apply and calibrate existing weather forecasting models to local or regional conditions, refining outputs based on observed verification skill scores.
  7. Atmospheric research data — gather, quality-control, and archive observational records from surface stations and upper-air soundings to support ongoing departmental research projects.
  8. Graphics and visualization software — produce professional-grade weather maps and forecast graphics for client deliverables and media publication in a commercial weather enterprise.
  9. Climate theory and physics principles — apply to diagnose non-routine meteorological events and explain physical mechanisms to colleagues and clients with growing independence.
  10. Scientific writing — author technical sections of research reports, forecast verification summaries, and internal documentation meeting organizational and journal style standards.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Novel mathematical and computer models — design, develop, and validate for operational weather forecasting across diverse geographic domains and temporal scales without supervisory input.
  2. Complex multi-variable environmental datasets — interpret and synthesize meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, and climate data autonomously to produce high-confidence long-range forecast guidance.
  3. Original meteorological research — conduct end-to-end investigations into atmospheric processes, from hypothesis formation through data collection, analysis, and peer-reviewed publication.
  4. Advanced numerical modeling code — develop and optimize custom software in object-oriented languages to improve data ingestion, processing, and forecast model performance in operational systems.
  5. Severe and high-impact weather scenarios — evaluate with expert judgment, issuing authoritative warnings and briefings that balance uncertainty communication with actionable public safety guidance.
  6. Cross-sector forecast products — develop and deliver specialized briefings for energy, aviation, agriculture, and government sectors, independently assessing each client's risk tolerance and decision context.
  7. Atmospheric and climate system interactions — analyze using systems-level reasoning to diagnose cascading phenomena such as teleconnections, feedback loops, and multi-scale weather patterns.
  8. Geographic information and remote-sensing platforms — integrate satellite, radar, and GIS data streams into comprehensive situational awareness products for operational and research applications.
  9. Forecast verification and model evaluation — lead systematic assessments of prediction accuracy, identifying systematic biases and recommending corrective improvements to modeling workflows.
  10. Scientific and public communication — craft high-clarity written reports, journal articles, and broadcast-quality media content that accurately convey complex atmospheric science to diverse audiences.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational forecasting strategy — define and direct the long-term vision for model development, data acquisition, and forecast service delivery across an agency, research institute, or enterprise.
  2. Research programs in atmospheric and climate science — establish and lead multi-year investigations, securing competitive funding, guiding interdisciplinary teams, and advancing the field's knowledge base.
  3. Next-generation predictive modeling frameworks — architect and oversee the development of cutting-edge numerical weather prediction systems that set new performance benchmarks for the profession.
  4. Junior and mid-level atmospheric scientists — mentor, evaluate, and develop technical skills and scientific judgment through structured coaching, project leadership, and formal training programs.
  5. Interagency and cross-sector partnerships — represent the organization in collaborative data-sharing, joint research, and standards-setting initiatives with federal agencies, academia, and international bodies.
  6. Policy and decision-making forums — provide authoritative expert testimony and climate-risk counsel to government officials, regulatory bodies, and executive leadership shaping environmental and emergency management policy.
  7. Organizational data infrastructure — set strategic direction for the integration of satellite, radar, surface network, and HPC computing assets into a unified, scalable science and operations platform.
  8. Public risk communication frameworks — lead the design of enterprise-wide protocols for broadcasting severe weather events, ensuring message consistency, scientific integrity, and community impact across all media channels.
  9. Workforce capability and innovation culture — champion adoption of emerging technologies, learning strategies, and interdisciplinary methods to continuously elevate organizational scientific capacity and adaptability.
  10. Quality and performance standards — establish and enforce organization-wide benchmarks for forecast accuracy, research rigor, software reliability, and professional conduct across all atmospheric science functions.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Aerologist · Air Analyst · Astrochemist · Atmospheric Chemist · Atmospheric Scientist · Broadcast Meteorologist · Climate Change Risk Assessor · Climatologist · Computer Meteorologist · Forecaster · General Forecaster · Hurricane Tracker
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionActive LearningCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingScienceWritingComplex Problem SolvingJudgment and Decision MakingMathematicsSystems AnalysisLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationInstructingTime Management
Knowledge domains
MathematicsPhysicsGeographyComputers and ElectronicsEnglish LanguageCommunications and MediaCustomer and Personal ServiceChemistry
Abilities
Oral ExpressionInductive ReasoningOral ComprehensionWritten ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionSpeech ClarityProblem SensitivityInformation OrderingNear Vision
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityIntellectual CuriosityAchievement OrientationTolerance for AmbiguityAdaptability
Technology
Graphics or photo imaging softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareVideo creation and editing softwareObject or component oriented development softwareOperating system softwareGeographic information systemWeb page creation and editing softwareDevelopment environment softwareMap creation softwareData base user interface and query software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Develop or use mathematical or computer models for weather forecasting.
  2. Interpret data, reports, maps, photographs, or charts to predict long- or short-range weather conditions, using computer models and knowledge of climate theory, physics, and mathematics.
  3. Conduct meteorological research into the processes or determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather, or climate.
  4. Formulate predictions by interpreting environmental data, such as meteorological, atmospheric, oceanic, paleoclimate, climate, or related information.
  5. Broadcast weather conditions, forecasts, or severe weather warnings to the public via television, radio, or the Internet or provide this information to the news media.
  6. Prepare forecasts or briefings to meet the needs of industry, business, government, or other groups.
  7. Gather data from sources such as surface or upper air stations, satellites, weather bureaus, or radar for use in meteorological reports or forecasts.
  8. Develop computer programs to collect meteorological data or to present meteorological information.
CIP education codes
30.350130.500140.040140.040240.040340.040440.0499

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.