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Meteorologists and climatologists

OaSIS code 21103.00

Meteorologists and climatologists analyze and forecast weather, provide consultation on atmospheric phenomena and conduct research into the processes and phenomena of weather, climate and atmosphere.

Overview

Also known as

  • Air quality meteorologist
  • Climatologist
  • Hydrometeorologist
  • Meteorologist
  • Operational meteorologist

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Analyze and interpret data obtained from meteorological stations, radar and satellite imagery and computer model output
  • Produce weather forecasts and provide weather consulting services for industries such as aviation, marine, agriculture and tourism, and to the general public
  • Disseminate weather forecasts and reports to the general public through a variety of media including radio, television, print and the Internet
  • Conduct research and provide consultation on the processes and determinants of atmospheric phenomena, weather and climate, atmospheric dispersion, and physical and chemical transformation of pollutants
  • Develop and test mathematical computer models of weather and climate for experimental or operational use
  • Analyze the impact of industrial projects and human activity on the climate and quality of the air and work with the social science, engineering and economic communities to develop appropriate mitigation strategies
  • Participate in studies of the effect of weather on the environment
  • Provide consultation and advice to outside agencies, professionals, or researchers regarding the use and interpretation of climatological information
  • Make scientific presentations, publish reports, articles or popular texts for specialists, users or the general public
  • May engage in the design and development of new equipment and procedures for meteorological data collection, remote sensing, or for related applications.

Additional information

No data has been provided for this section.

Similar occupations classified elsewhere

Exclusions:

  • Weather reporter (in 52114.00 Announcers and other broadcasters)

NOC hierarchy breakdown

NOC version

NOC 2021 Version 1.0

Broad occupational category

2 – Natural and applied sciences and related occupations

TEER

1 – Occupations usually require a university degree

Major group

21 – Professional occupations in natural and applied sciences

Sub-major group

211 – Professional occupations in natural sciences

Minor group

2110 – Physical science professionals

Unit group

21103 – Meteorologists and climatologists

Occupational profile

21103.00 – Meteorologists and climatologists

Work characteristics

Work characteristics gathers the various components describing the work environment of each occupation, such as employers, work activities, and the work context. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of complexity (for Work Activities) or other measurement dimensions (for Work Context), and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Work Activities

Proficiency or complexity level
Analyzing Data or Information
5 - Highest Level
Applying New Knowledge
5 - Highest Level
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
5 - Highest Level
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics
5 - Highest Level
Getting Information
5 - Highest Level

Work Context

Structural Job Characteristics

Structured versus Unstructured Work
Degree of freedom to determine tasks and priorities
4 - High amount of freedom
Work Week Duration
Worked hours in a typical week
2 - Between 35 to 40 hours

Physical Work Environment

Physical Proximity
Physical distance from others
3 - Somewhat close (e.g. share office)

Physical Demands

Sitting
Duration
5 - All the time, or almost all the time
Standing
Duration
2 - Less than half the time
Bending or Twisting the Body
Duration
1 - Very little time

Interpersonal Relations

Contact with Others
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day
Duration
3 - About half the time
Work with Work Group or Team
Importance
4 - Highly important
Frequency
3 - Once a week or more but not every day

Workplaces/employers

  • All levels of government
  • Media and private consulting companies
  • Natural resources and utility companies
  • Self-employed

Skills and abilities

This section displays the various competencies required for an occupation. Each category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency (for Skills and Abilities) or importance (for Personal Attributes) and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Abilities

Proficiency or complexity level
Mathematical Reasoning
5 - Highest Level
Pattern Identification
5 - Highest Level
Written Comprehension
5 - Highest Level
Written Expression
5 - Highest Level
Categorization Flexibility
4 - High Level

Skills

Proficiency or complexity level
Numeracy
5 - Highest Level
Oral Communication: Oral Expression
5 - Highest Level
Critical Thinking
4 - High Level
Decision Making
4 - High Level
Digital Literacy
4 - High Level

Personal Attributes

Importance
Analytical Thinking
5 - Extremely important
Attention to Detail
5 - Extremely important
Active Learning
4 - Highly important
Collaboration
4 - Highly important
Independence
4 - Highly important

Interests

The OaSIS uses the Holland Codes to describe the work-related interests. According to the Holland model, people work best in work environments that match their preferences, which means that people and work environments can be matched for a best fit. Occupational environments in Holland’s theory are described according to a combination of main interests and the activities they represent. There are six interests in the Holland typology: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional. All occupations in OaSIS have up to three interests assigned to them.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Interests profile: IR

Investigative (I)

Investigative occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the observation and systematic or creative investigation of physical, biological, or cultural phenomena. These occupations require an extensive amount of thinking and frequently involve working with ideas, searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Realistic (R)

Realistic occupations are characterized by the dominance of activities that entail the explicit, ordered or systematic manipulation of objects, tools, machines and animals. Many of these occupations do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Employment requirements

Employment requirements includes the education, training, certifications and the knowledge required to work in each occupation. The Knowledge category displays up to 10 descriptors in descending order based, firstly, on their attributed ratings by the level of proficiency, and secondly, in alphabetical order. The whole list of Knowledge descriptors and their ratings can be expanded at the bottom of each page.

Education, certification and licensing

  • A bachelor's or master's degree in meteorology, atmospheric sciences or in a related field is required.
  • A doctoral degree is usually required for employment as a research scientist in meteorology.
  • Formal training is provided by Environment Canada for operational meteorologists employed by the federal government.
  • Membership in the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society is available, but voluntary, for qualified meteorologists.

Knowledge

Knowledge level
Geoscience
3 - Advanced Level
Languages
3 - Advanced Level
Mathematics
3 - Advanced Level
Technical Design
3 - Advanced Level
Water Resources
3 - Advanced Level

Skills for success

 
Skills for Success Model
 
Skills for Success are skills that help you in a quickly changing world. Everyone benefits from having these skills. They can help you to get a job, progress at your current job or even change jobs. The skills also help you become an active member of your community and succeed in learning.
 
 
Linkages Between ESDC Skills Models and Frameworks
 
ESDC makes available a dictionary of over 300 terms (or descriptors) and definitions, known as the Skills and Competencies Taxonomy (SCT). Descriptor information from the Taxonomy is used in the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).
 
While there is general commonality of meaning between the descriptors in the SCT and the Skills for Success model, there are some differences in their definitions due to their distinct purposes. The Skills for Success Model [9 broadly defined skills] identifies the skills that are universally applicable. The SCT displays specific skills and competency requirements for 900 occupations. Users of the Skills for Success Model and Essential Skills content may find competency information from the Taxonomy and the OaSIS to be complementary.
 
Stay tuned to this section for more information and updates regarding linkages between the Skills for Success model and the OaSIS.

O*NET in-it

This page includes information from the O*NET 27.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Employment and Social Development Canada has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.

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