Meteorologists study the physics, chemistry and dynamics of the atmosphere and its interaction with land and water surfaces, weather, climate, climate change and their effect on people's health and safety, the economy and the earth's ecosystems.

In general, meteorologists may be involved in:

• weather forecasting
• providing consulting services regarding weather and climate, air quality, sea and lake ice, or hydrology (for more information, see the Hydrologist occupational profile)
• conducting research and developing models
• applying meteorological knowledge to problems in agriculture, forestry, air pollution, water management, energy, hydrometeorology (water in the atmosphere), transportation, national defense or the arctic environment
• supporting management activities through business planning, policy development and performance measurement.

Meteorologists may work as applied meteorologists, climatologists, research meteorologists, instrumentation specialists or weather broadcasters.

• Applied meteorologists provide analyses, forecasts, warnings and advice tailored to the requirements of a business, a governmental organization, or an industry (e.g. transportation, energy, agriculture, forestry, recreation).
• Climatologists study weather records gathered over long periods of time and conduct numerical simulations of climate conditions to understand and predict global changes and long-term or seasonal weather patterns for specific regions, and anticipate the impact of climate change and adaptation strategies.
• Research meteorologists study the dynamic, physical or chemical processes of the atmosphere and its interaction with land and ocean surfaces. They may study small-scale phenomena (e.g. clouds, the electrical and chemical properties of the atmosphere), large-scale phenomena (e.g. transport of air pollutants, hurricanes) or be involved in developing mathematical simulation models for weather and climate prediction.
• Instrumentation specialists develop instruments and systems to measure and record weather variables.
• Weather broadcasters provide weather forecasts and other weather information to the public via television, radio and the Internet.

Most meteorologists are stationed in urban centres and work in an office setting.

Applied meteorologists at weather centres often work rotating shifts that include night shifts and sometimes work alone.

Weather broadcasters often work evening shifts and may work long hours during weather-related emergencies.

The minimum education requirement is a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in atmospheric sciences (or a related discipline with courses in meteorology and related subjects). However, most routine forecast production work has been automated and employment prospects are best for meteorologists who have master's or doctoral degrees as well as computer skills, communication skills and marketing skills. They must be able to plan and carry out investigations, develop and test theories and models, and prepare papers and reports.

In general, the entrance requirement for a master's degree program in meteorology or atmospheric sciences is a B.Sc. in math, physics, chemistry, meteorology or atmospheric science with a minimum specified average in the last two years of study. Universities and university colleges located throughout Alberta offer B.Sc. degree programs in math, physics and chemistry. 

In Alberta, the University of Alberta in Edmonton offers a four year B.Sc. degree program specifically in atmospheric sciences. The entrance requirement is a competitive average (70 to 80 per cent) in English Language Arts 30-1, Pure Math 30, Physics 30, Chemistry 30 and one other approved Grade 12 subject. The University of Alberta also offers master's and doctoral (PhD) degree programs in atmospheric sciences.

For current information about programs, admission requirements and mature student admission policies, please check post-secondary calendars or websites.

The Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society endorses weather broadcasters who apply for endorsement and meet qualification criteria.

The Meteorological Service of Canada, part of Environment Canada, has been and still is the largest employer of meteorologists in Canada. However, a growing number of meteorologists are employed in the private sector, providing value added and specialist meteorological products and services (related to road conditions, offshore oil and gas operations, forest fire services, or wind and solar energy, for example).

The number of meteorologists employed by Environment Canada is expected to remain constant. Normal employee turnover will probably create 30 to 35 job openings each year. Meteorologists also are employed by:

• private meteorology firms
• environmental consulting firms
• companies in the transportation and energy sectors.

There are a few broadcast meteorologists in Alberta. For related information, see the Announcer and Reporter occupational profiles.

Meteorologists who have doctoral degrees may be employed as instructors and researchers at universities.

In Alberta, 92 per cent of people employed as meteorologists work in the following industries:

• Public Administration
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

Incomes vary depending on meteorologists' responsibilities and where they are employed.

According to the 2009 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Meteorologists occupational group earned from $14.00 to $56.16 an hour. The average wage was $35.13 an hour.

For more detailed information, see WAGEinfo.

Post-secondary institution calendars and websites (see Educational Requirements above)

EDinfo website: www.alis.alberta.ca/edinfo

Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS) website: www.cmos.ca

Meteorological Service of Canada website: www.msc-smc.ec.gc.ca/jobs_emplois/Careers/Meteorologist_e.cfm