1. Meteorological Analyst Agricultural Careers By: Dr. Frank Flanders and Asha Wise Georgia Agricultural Education Curriculum Office Georgia Department of Education March 2006

2. Job Duties & Responsibilities Predict daily weather Monitor storm fronts and international weather patterns to forecast severe weather phenomena such as hurricanes or floods Monitor weather stations for data on changing conditions Use Doppler radar Observe air quality indicators, such as smog or tropospheric ozone

3. Qualities and Skills Have an interest in weather patterns and weather technology Need to be organized, punctual and able to think clearly and act well under extreme pressure Comfortable with an irregular work schedule Be willing to travel at any time to observe and record data from any weather occurrence

4. Salary Median annual earnings were $60,200 Middle 50% earned between $39,970 and $76,880 Lowest 10% earned less than $30,220 Highest 10% earned more than $92,430 Meteorologists in non-supervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions employed by the Federal Government earned $74,528

5. Work Environment National Weather Service stations, which are found everywhere—at airports, in or near cities, and in isolated and remote areas (U.S. Military) Most weather stations operate 24 hours, 7 days a week Involve night, weekend, and holiday work in rotating shifts During weather emergencies, such as hurricanes, operational meteorologists may work overtime Operational meteorologists also are often under pressure to meet forecast deadlines Weathermen and women that appear on television must report on extreme weather by going to the scene

6. Education A bachelor’s degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a closely related field with courses in meteorology is the minimum educational requirement for an entry-level position as an atmospheric scientist. Computer science courses, a strong background in mathematics and physics, and good communication skills are also important.

7. Career Resources American Meteorological Society 45 Beacon Street Boston, MA 02108-3693 Internet: http://www.ametsoc.org National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service 1325 East West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 Internet: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/