Meteorological Technician

Meteorological technicians are responsible for the collection of meteorological information. This includes observations of different elements such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, visibility and clouds by using various aids such as computers, radar and automatic weather stations. After a meteorological technician has checked all the information, it is sent to weather, air navigation and marine offices. Weather offices at airports are also manned by meteorological technicians.

Attributes: hard-working, observant, passionate

Meteorologist

A meteorologist studies an aspect of the atmosphere and uses scientific principles to observe, understand and be able to explain or forecast how the earth’s atmosphere affects the earth and everyone on it. In weather forecasting, meteorologist need to collect data from satellite images, radar, remote sensors and weather stations all over the world. They measure factors such as air pressure, temperature and humidity at various atmospheric levels and apply physical and mathematical relationships and sophisticated computer models to make short and long-range weather forecasts. Meteorologists may also monitor climate variability and change, research seasonal forecasting, ocean forecasting and climate prediction and apply the results of research in to give flood warnings or estimate the likely effects of global warming.

Attributes: collaborative, organised, curious

Geophysicist

A geophysicist is someone who studies the Earth using gravity, magnetic, electrical, and seismic methods. They assist the oil and gas industries by creating a picture of what lies below the earth’s surface by collecting data on seismic waves, which move through and around the earth. Geophysicists are responsible for controlling the quality of the seismic data collected and interpreting it in order to create maps of the build-up of hydrocarbons. They examine the physical properties of rocks, as well as gathering data in order evaluate areas for environmental hazards or to build dams and construction sites.

Attributes: curious, observant, imaginative

Engineering Geologist

Engineering Geologists assess whether ground rock is stable enough and whether it is a safe type of rock on which to build. They also look at human developments that might affect the stability of the ground such as mine shafts or waste disposal sites in terms of gas leaks as well as ground stability. Engineering geologists also look at water sources, soil stability and other natural processes that could impact on a new development. They use and analyse site information such as radar images, aerial photographs, reports and geological maps prior to site investigations.

Attributes: collaborative, resilient, creative

Climatologist

Climatologists are atmospheric scientists who study the Earth’s climate. This is the long term weather pattern of a particular area. They collect and analyse data from sources such as ice cores, soil, water, air, and plant life to find patterns in weather and learn how those patterns affect the Earth and its inhabitants. Climatologists apply their research to address local climate issues or to determine how to work different in climate conditions. They work as weather forecasters, develop new measurement tools and statistical models, conduct simulations, and translate findings into more easily understood terms for the general public.

Attributes: patient, committed, self-motivated

Geologist

Geologists work to understand the history of our planet so they can understand Earth’s history and can predict how events and processes of the past might influence the future. Geologists seek to understand the processes of landslides, earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions well enough to avoid building important structures where they might be damaged. They prepare maps of areas that have flooded in the past in order to prepare maps of areas that might be flooded in the future. Geologists locate rocks that contain important metals, plan the mines that produce them and the methods used to remove the metals from the rocks. They also locate and produce oil, natural gas, and groundwater. Geologists study past climates of Earth and how they have changed across time. This provides an understanding of how our current climate is changing and what the results might be. They also study the age of rocks, attempting to piece together a chronology of events for the formation of our land masses and changes over time.

Attributes: observant, curious, creative

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Irrigation Engineer

Irrigation is the process of transporting water safely from one location to another, usually for agricultural purposes. An irrigation engineer designs irrigation systems and oversees their construction or implementation. They construct irrigation systems such as dams, canals, and ditches, according to type of soil, climatic characteristics, water supply and return flow. If a system fails to work, or if performance is sluggish, the irrigation engineer will diagnose and fix the system. An irrigation engineer also conducts research on problems of soil drainage and conservation, applying knowledge of civil engineering.

Attributes: resilient, self-motivated, collaborative

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the effects of human activities on the environment by conducting tests and analysing data in order to prevent and solve environmental problems. Environmental scientists gather samples and observational data in the field and conduct tests in the lab. They analyse, soil or air samples to find the type, concentration and source of the pollution caused by industry or agriculture. The environmental scientist will then identify if that contaminant source has the potential to affect or harm individuals and communities. They then identify ways to manage, minimise or eliminate any negative impacts of the pollution.

Attributes: passionate, creative, committed

Environmental Engineer

An environmental engineer is someone who uses the principles of engineering, soil science, biology, and chemistry to develop solutions to environmental problems. They use their scientific knowledge to design systems that control pollution and protect public health. Environmental engineers evaluate the significance an environmental hazard and advise on treating and containing it. They design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems and research the environmental impact of proposed construction projects. Some environmental engineers study ways to minimise the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion.

Attributes: open-minded, organised, resilient

Conservation Scientist

A conservation scientist is someone who manages the overall land quality of forests, parks, rangelands and other natural resources. They work with landowners to devise ways to use and improve the land while safeguarding the environment, for example, advising farmers on how they can improve their land for agricultural purposes and to help control erosion. Conservation scientists monitor forestry and conservation activities to assure compliance with government regulations, choose and prepare sites for new trees using controlled burning, bulldozers, or herbicides to clear land and monitoring forest-cleared lands to ensure they are suitable for future use.

Attributes: committed, communicative, passionate