Climate Change Analysts
At a Glance
- Study climate change in-depth
- Work with government groups
- Usually work indoors
- Have at least a bachelor's degree
- Have strong research and writing skills
Career summary
Climate change analysts study weather patterns to see how and why our modern climate is different from the climate of the past.# review 3/25/19 lh
Climate change analysts work to understand how and why there are changes in weather patterns. They look at:
- Atmospheric temperature
- Ocean conditions
- Ice masses
- Greenhouse gases
They also look at how changes in conditions impact natural resources, animals, and people.
Analysts usually work in one of two areas:
- Scientific research
- Public policy
Those who do science research try to create mathematical models of climate change. They use existing data to create models of the kind of weather to expect in the future.
Climate change analysts who focus on public policy use research and models to help lawmakers, corporations, and the general public make climate-related decisions. They write reports and prepare testimony for Congress and other lawmakers. Government leaders may ask them to explain how certain laws affect climate change. They may also help write new laws that promote renewable energy or fuels that give off fewer greenhouse gasses.
Related careers
This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.
Related careers include:
- Conservation Scientists
- Energy Engineers
- Environmental Scientists
- Geographers
- Geologists and Geophysicists
- Geospatial Information Scientists and Technologists
- Meteorologists
- Political Scientists
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists
- Sustainability Specialists
- Urban and Regional Planners
Job duties
Task list
The following list of tasks is specific to climate change analysts.
- Perform analysis for reports on renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- Summarize research findings for lawmakers and government agencies.
- Prepare study reports, memos, briefs, and testimonies to inform groups on climate change.
- Make recommendations for new policies and programs related to climate change.
- Promote new programs designed to lessen the impact of climate change.
- Research and review policies and procedures on environmental management.
- Present climate information at government meetings.
- Gather climate data and studies.
- Prepare grant applications to fund climate change related programs.
Common work activities
Climate change analysts perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.
- Communicate with people outside the organization
- Get information needed to do the job
- Analyze data or information
- Update and use job-related knowledge
- Explain the meaning of information to others
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
- Make decisions and solve problems
- Use computers
- Establish and maintain relationships
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work
- Process information
- Think creatively
- Develop goals and strategies
- Identify objects, actions, and events
- Provide advice and consultation to others
- Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
- Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
- Evaluate information against standards
- Develop and build teams
- Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
- Coordinate the work and activities of others
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people
- Document and record information
- Schedule work and activities
Work requirements
Working conditions
In a typical work setting, climate change analysts:
Interpersonal relationships
- Have a medium to high level of social interaction. They may work alone studying data, but also talk with coworkers.
- Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
- Sometimes are placed in conflict situations in which others may disagree with recommendations.
- Communicate by e-mail and telephone on a daily basis. They write letters and memos but less frequently.
Physical work conditions
- Almost always work indoors.
Work performance
- Must be very accurate when analyzing data.
- Often repeat the same mental tasks.
- Sometimes make decisions that affect the reputation of their company or organization.
- Regularly make decisions without consulting a supervisor first.
- Set their own daily tasks and goals without talking to a superior first.
- Work in a stressful environment in which they must meet strict deadlines.
Hours/travel
- Usually work a set schedule.
- May work overtime to meet project deadlines.
Physical demands
Climate change analysts frequently:
- Sit for long periods of time.
It is important for climate change analysts to be able to:
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
It is not as important, but still necessary, for climate change analysts to be able to:
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
Skills and abilities
Climate change analysts need to:
Communicate
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Understand spoken information.
- Write clearly so other people can understand.
- Understand written information.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Listen to others and ask questions.
Reason and problem solve
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Recognize the nature of a problem.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
- Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
- Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
- Develop rules that group items in various ways.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Think of new ideas about a topic.
- Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
Use math and science
- Use math skills to solve problems.
- Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
Manage oneself, people, time, and things
- Manage the time of self and others.
- Check how well one is learning or doing something.
Work with people
- Persuade others to approach things differently.
- Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
- Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
- Teach others how to do something.
Perceive and visualize
- Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
Education and training
Educational programs
The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.
Programs of study directly related to this occupation
Other programs of study to consider
- Applied Mathematics
- Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- Natural Sciences
- Public Policy Studies
Training
To work as a climate change analyst, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
- have at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related degree.
Education after high school
Most students prepare for this field by earning a bachelor's degree in environmental science. As an undergraduate student you study math, statistics, computer science, and physics. You should also study public policy and economics if you plan to pursue the policy side of climate change.
Jobs that deal with the science of climate change analysis require a master's degree or a PhD. A degree in environmental science, mathematics, or computer science is helpful.
Work experience
Working as an intern with an organization that deals with climate change is a great way to gain experience. So is working in a climate-change-related science lab.
On-the-job training
New workers often learn additional skills on the job. The length of training varies.
Helpful high school courses
In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements .
You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Physics
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.
Things to know
Employers look for applicants who have a bachelor's degree. They look for analysts that have strong oral and written communication skills. They also look for applicants that can solve problems and work well on a team.
Job listings
Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.
To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .
Wages
Environmental scientists and specialists, including health (SOC 19-2041)
| Location |
Pay Period | |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10% |
25% |
Median |
75% |
90% |
||
| Washington | Hourly | $25.58 | $30.28 | $37.61 | $49.74 | $61.39 |
| Monthly | $4,433 | $5,248 | $6,518 | $8,620 | $10,639 | |
| Yearly | $53,210 | $62,990 | $78,230 | $103,460 | $127,690 | |
| Bellingham | Hourly | $24.84 | $27.22 | $30.48 | $36.27 | $53.46 |
| Monthly | $4,305 | $4,717 | $5,282 | $6,286 | $9,265 | |
| Yearly | $51,648 | $56,614 | $63,393 | $75,443 | $111,208 | |
| Bremerton-Silverdale | Hourly | $27.53 | $32.47 | $39.96 | $48.01 | $54.00 |
| Monthly | $4,771 | $5,627 | $6,925 | $8,320 | $9,358 | |
| Yearly | $57,271 | $67,538 | $83,126 | $99,859 | $112,319 | |
| Kennewick-Richland | Hourly | $27.54 | $32.72 | $45.33 | $61.42 | $76.40 |
| Monthly | $4,773 | $5,670 | $7,856 | $10,644 | $13,240 | |
| Yearly | $57,276 | $68,054 | $94,274 | $127,760 | $158,908 | |
| Longview | Hourly | $26.83 | $29.80 | $34.21 | $37.83 | $40.35 |
| Monthly | $4,650 | $5,164 | $5,929 | $6,556 | $6,993 | |
| Yearly | $55,810 | $61,991 | $71,148 | $78,680 | $83,937 | |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | Hourly | $22.02 | $25.56 | $31.13 | $37.04 | $43.41 |
| Monthly | $3,816 | $4,430 | $5,395 | $6,419 | $7,523 | |
| Yearly | $45,801 | $53,158 | $64,764 | $77,060 | $90,296 | |
| Olympia-Tumwater | Hourly | $23.55 | $27.53 | $31.91 | $34.98 | $40.87 |
| Monthly | $4,081 | $4,771 | $5,530 | $6,062 | $7,083 | |
| Yearly | $48,988 | $57,266 | $66,369 | $72,756 | $85,001 | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | Hourly | $27.61 | $33.61 | $43.58 | $54.06 | $63.50 |
| Monthly | $4,785 | $5,825 | $7,552 | $9,369 | $11,005 | |
| Yearly | $57,426 | $69,904 | $90,646 | $112,439 | $132,072 | |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | Hourly | $23.75 | $27.54 | $31.91 | $32.72 | $37.82 |
| Monthly | $4,116 | $4,773 | $5,530 | $5,670 | $6,554 | |
| Yearly | $49,385 | $57,278 | $66,367 | $68,057 | $78,655 | |
| Vancouver | Hourly | $26.58 | $29.97 | $38.07 | $45.73 | $54.39 |
| Monthly | $4,606 | $5,194 | $6,598 | $7,925 | $9,426 | |
| Yearly | $55,297 | $62,346 | $79,185 | $95,130 | $113,136 | |
| Walla Walla | Hourly | $21.55 | $29.69 | $37.94 | $45.46 | $46.66 |
| Monthly | $3,735 | $5,145 | $6,575 | $7,878 | $8,086 | |
| Yearly | $44,817 | $61,742 | $78,905 | $94,561 | $97,042 | |
| Yakima | Hourly | $23.74 | $26.19 | $31.28 | $32.72 | $36.10 |
| Monthly | $4,114 | $4,539 | $5,421 | $5,670 | $6,256 | |
| Yearly | $49,374 | $54,471 | $65,058 | $68,054 | $75,084 | |
| United States | Hourly | $20.44 | $25.76 | $34.20 | $45.47 | $59.91 |
| Monthly | $3,542 | $4,464 | $5,927 | $7,880 | $10,382 | |
| Yearly | $42,520 | $53,580 | $71,130 | $94,590 | $124,620 | |
Wages vary widely depending on the analyst's skill level, experience, and level of education. Wages also vary by area of the country and by employer.
Benefits also vary. Most full-time climate change analysts receive typical benefits. These include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance.
National wage information is not available specifically for climate change analysts. However, they are part of the larger group of "environmental scientists and specialists, including health."
Employment and outlook
Washington outlook
The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health (SOC 19-2041)
| Location | Current employment | Growth over 10 years | Annual openings | |
| This occupation |
All occupations |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | 3,128 | 26.2% | 16.1% | 483 |
| Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties | 12 | 0.0% | 13.4% | 1 |
| Asotin, Columbia, Ferry, Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties | 46 | 13.0% | 8.6% | 6 |
| Benton and Franklin Counties | 377 | 14.9% | 15.0% | 47 |
| Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties | 113 | 15.9% | 11.9% | 15 |
| Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties | 126 | 63.5% | 15.2% | 31 |
| Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties | 367 | 13.4% | 14.1% | 45 |
| Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties | 143 | 32.9% | 14.6% | 24 |
| King County | 1,307 | 34.3% | 19.6% | 228 |
| Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties | 140 | 23.6% | 13.8% | 20 |
| Pierce County | 284 | 20.4% | 15.2% | 39 |
| Snohomish County | 135 | 23.7% | 12.4% | 20 |
| Spokane County | 69 | 5.8% | 13.9% | 7 |
| United States | 85,000 | 8.2% | 5.2% | 10,300 |
National employment
Major employers:
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Consulting companies
- Engineering firms
National outlook
Demand for climate change analysts will be strong as concerns about the environment continue to grow. However, this is a small occupation and the number of jobs created will be very small. Much of the growth will be in private consulting firms. Scientists who work in these firms help companies determine environmental impact for projects such as new buildings and factories.
Demand will also occur as companies try to reduce their impact on the environment by reducing pollution and other hazardous wastes.
Job openings will occur due to people moving to management positions or retiring.
Employment and Outlooks information is not available specifically for climate change analysts. However, they are part of the larger group of "environmental scientists and specialists, including health."
Other resources
American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists
147 Old Solomons Island Road, Suite 303
Annapolis, MD 21401
410.266.3311
American Planning Association
205 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1200
Chicago, IL 60601
312.431.9100
American Planning Association, Washington Chapter
2150 North 107th Street, Suite 205
Seattle, WA 98133
206.682.7436
Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management
1100 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20005
Engineer Girl!
National Academy of Engineering
Environmental Career Center
P.O. Box 3387
Hampton, Virginia 23663
Environmental Council of the States
1250 H Street NW, Suite 850
Washington, DC 20005
Environmental Protection Agency
Park Place Building
1200 - 6th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
1401 Constitution Avenue NW, Room 5128
Washington, DC 20230
202.482.6090
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
901 D Street SW, Suite 930
Washington, DC 20024
202.488.2200
Society of Women Engineers
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636
Technology Student Association
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010
United States Environmental Protection Agency
United States Society for Ecological Economics
Washington State Science & Engineering Fair
References
Career cluster
Career path
- Investigative (Science)
O*Net occupation
O*Net job zone
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.
Holland occupational cluster
- Investigative/Enterprising/Conventional
COPSystem
- Science Professional