The Meteorological Service of Canada, part of Environment and Climate Change 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. For example, they may provide information related to road conditions, offshore oil and gas operations, forest fire services or wind and solar energy.
The number of meteorologists employed by the Government of Canada is expected to remain constant. Normal employee turnover will probably create 30 to 535 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, 87% of people employed as meteorologists work in the following industries: