Climate scientist
Understand the effects of climate change on our planet. Make a difference and help to improve our environment.
About the job
A day in the life – Climate scientist
What it's like
Working as a climate scientist is an exciting career choice that can make a real difference to the planet.
You’ll work to understand the effects of climate change on the Earth and how human behaviour affects it.
You'll help to preserve nature and the ecosystems of plants and animals. This will also improve and protect the livelihoods of people all over the world.
You could also understand and predict the weather and oceans. In fact, the person who created the weather maps used in forecasts every day was a Scottish climatologist called Alexander Buchan!
You might spend months outdoors, doing essential research and recording climate information for long-term studies. Or you could lecture at universities about the importance of climate change and the projects you’ve taken part in.
Another key part of the job is working with software! Most climate scientists have a good knowledge of coding and programming. Knowledge of data is also useful. For example, you could work outside for months to collect climate data. Then, you’d build an online tool to process the data and share it with the scientific community.
Your tasks might include:
gathering and analysing data from the atmosphere, oceans and land
working with software to create computer models which simulate changes to the environment
investigating ways of tackling climate change
monitoring sea levels and temperature changes – then comparing with the past so we can predict the future
publishing your research findings and attending industry conferences
advising government or corporate policy makers
You could choose to specialise in a certain area of climate science, such as:
polar research
rainfall patterns
ocean changes
You might choose to lecture in order to share your research. Other career options can be working as a consultant for science publications or TV documentaries.
Green job
In this job you'll be doing work to help the environment. Find out more about green jobs.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) – discover the types of careers you could do in the agency
Alexander Buchan – read about this influential Scottish climate scientist
Not Just Lab Coats – explore different career options in science, manufacturing, and technology
Probably Good – find information on careers in climate science and other green jobs
Climatebase – explore this community for climate professionals
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- understanding
- analysing
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- observation
- problem solving
- working with technology
- verbal communication
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Environmental Science
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Geography
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
This is a small profession and entry is very competitive. Most people starting out in this job have a degree in a relevant subject and a postgraduate qualification in a related subject, such as Meteorology.
There are different ways to get qualified for this job through college and university.
University
Most climate scientists will have a degree in subjects such as:
Computing Science
Engineering
Environmental Science
Maths
Meteorology
Physics
Use the My World of Work course search to find degrees.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you get a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Climate Change and Sustainability
Environmental Management
Wildlife and Conservation Management
Use the My World of Work course search to find college courses.
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a climate scientist. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
The Met Office runs a summer placement scheme in areas including science and forecasting, which last for three months. Recent graduates and current students can apply.
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