What does a meteorologist do?
A meteorologist specializes in understanding and interpreting atmospheric data, usually from weather stations and satellites, and delivering weather forecasts to the public through radio or television. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with different external agencies, developing models for weather prediction, monitoring sea and land patterns, performing research and analysis, and keeping abreast of the latest developments. Furthermore, as a meteorologist, it is essential to update and monitor all records, all while maintaining an active line of communication with the team.
Meteorologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real meteorologist resumes:
- Interpret highly complex satellite imagery and Doppler radar images.
- Produce & deliver on-camera, weather reports.
- Prepare and deliver current and extend weather forecasts, utilizing the latest WSI TruVuMax computer system.
- Develop custom reports for severe weather outbreaks, tropical cyclone impacts, and river flooding potential.
- Determine weather predictions using Doppler radar and satellite systems.
- Provide weather information to producers, newsdesk, and television staff.
- Coordinate products with and provide briefings to NWS offices, media, and government agencies.
- Maintain extensive social media presence with frequent updates (`` Adam Musyt"on Facebook).
- Visit local NWS office's in official capacity to observe applications of IFPS software and improve training.
- Understand war fighter tactics, techniques and procedures to maximize air, space, cyberspace combat power.
- Weather anchor for weekend news show and regular appearance on morning, noon, and nightly news shows.
- Fill in on every weekday newscasts the station produces, including morning, noon, afternoon, and evening.
- Conduct frequent communication with both FAA and international air traffic controlling agencies.
- Join a team of early social media adopters that help launch WCVB's original Facebook home and weather pages in 2008.
- Execute detailed daily briefings communicating to senior leadership the tropical cyclone conditions and potential impacts to DoD resources.
Meteorologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Meteorologists are proficient in Doppler, Remote Sensing, and Satellite Imagery. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of Meteorologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Doppler, 14%
Operated and incorporated Baron Doppler Radar technology into weather segments.
- Remote Sensing, 11%
Verified the integrity and accuracy of data contained in remote sensing image analysissystems.
- Satellite Imagery, 10%
Monitored volcanoes worldwide for eruptions and presence of ash clouds and disseminated bulletins with pertinent information and satellite imagery.
- FAA, 9%
Administer EWINS (Enhanced Weather Information Systems) compliance conforming to FAA regulations.
- Radar Data, 5%
Analyzed and interpreted satellite and radar data.
- Atmospheric Administration, 5%
Employed as a contract worker with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Common skills that a meteorologist uses to do their job include "doppler," "remote sensing," and "satellite imagery." You can find details on the most important meteorologist responsibilities below.
Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a meteorologist to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "atmospheric scientists need to evaluate large amounts of data produced by computer models." Additionally, a meteorologist resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "analyze surface and upper-air observations and forecast model data. "
Communication skills. Many meteorologist duties rely on communication skills. "atmospheric scientists must be able to write and speak clearly so that their weather information is useful to the public or business clients.," so a meteorologist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways meteorologist responsibilities rely on communication skills: "conducted frequent communication with both faa and international air traffic controlling agencies. "
The three companies that hire the most meteorologists are:
- Nexstar Media Group60 meteorologists jobs
- Sinclair Broadcast Group40 meteorologists jobs
- Gray Television25 meteorologists jobs
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Compare different meteorologists
Meteorologist vs. Environmental service technician
An environmental service technician is an employee who works in a hospital or healthcare facility to maintain cleanliness and a healthy environment within the premises. Environmental service technicians are involved in traditional janitorial tasks as well as proper handling and disposal of biological waste. Although not responsible for laundering them, they are required to distribute linens and keep track of the linens used per department. Environmental service technicians must also refill toilet papers and other paper products to rooms when needed.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between meteorologists and environmental service technician. For instance, meteorologist responsibilities require skills such as "doppler," "remote sensing," "satellite imagery," and "faa." Whereas a environmental service technician is skilled in "patients," "environmental services," "customer service," and "cleanliness." This is part of what separates the two careers.
The education levels that environmental service technicians earn slightly differ from meteorologists. In particular, environmental service technicians are 9.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a meteorologist. Additionally, they're 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Meteorologist vs. Environmental technician
An environmental technician is responsible for identifying, evaluating, preventing, and controlling contamination of the environment. They study how it affects human health with the supervision of environmental engineers and environmental scientists. Environmental technicians work by monitoring the environment and look for possible sources of pollution and contamination that can possibly affect public health. They make sure that environmental violations are prevented. In addition, an environmental technician also investigates any complaint that is related to water quality, air quality, and food safety.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that meteorologist responsibilities requires skills like "doppler," "remote sensing," "satellite imagery," and "faa." But an environmental technician might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "patients," "osha," "hazardous materials," and "customer service."
Environmental technicians earn lower levels of education than meteorologists in general. They're 6.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for meteorologists in the next 3-5 years?
Don Berchoff
CEO, TruWeather Solutions
Meteorologist vs. Space operations officer
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from meteorologist resumes include skills like "doppler," "remote sensing," "satellite imagery," and "radar data," whereas a space operations officer is more likely to list skills in "gps," "missile," "control systems," and "situational. "
Space operations officers typically earn higher educational levels compared to meteorologists. Specifically, they're 11.7% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Meteorologist vs. Weather forecaster
Types of meteorologist
Updated January 8, 2025
