Job Search

by Silas
(Guelph, Ontario Canada)

Readers Talk Back: Science Meets Snark - The full, funny, and scientifically solid breakdown of why atmospheric science is the key to weather forecasting and high-paying air quality jobs.

Question from Silas: Please help with my job search. My name is Silas and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, in the Environmental Earth/Atmosphere Science program. My career goal is to work in the meteorology field. This summer, for my second coop work term, I am interested in working for a private company that specializes in weather prediction and forecasting.

I was wondering if there is any possibility of working with StuffIntheAir.com. Also, perhaps you know of some contacts who may consider hiring a coop student.

Please respond with any possible positions in forecasting or apprenticing a meteorologist. It would be greatly appreciated.

Barry's Response - Silas:

Very flattering - I must say. It may not look like but StuffintheAir.com is just a one man operation. And a very part time one at that.

My background consists largely of working with environmental engineering consulting companies, of which there are many in Ontario. I have done a fair amount of air quality modeling and regulatory reporting, and this may be a good career path for you to explore during a coop term.

If your studies are interdisciplinary in nature, I remember many students of this sort serving terms years ago in the research offices of Environment Canada. I wish I knew how to find those opportunities for you, but you might explore jobs.gc.ca, workopolis.com or monster.ca for starters.

I'm sure you already know about them. Good luck with the job search.

Search this site for more information now.

Here's what you need to know about the job search revolution

Hey Silas, forget flattering me, your ambition is what's important. Do you want to work in meteorology? Awesome. Think the job is just staring at a radar screen? You've got to think again, kid.

It's often right where the atmosphere meets the factory floor where the real action happens. I'm glad you're here.

Meteorological mastery meets market reality

You're studying Earth/Atmosphere Science at the University of Guelph. You're addicted to weather predictions. That's a noble goal! But here's the kicker: Most private-sector atmospheric science jobs don't just forecast rain; they also forecast pollution.

The Big Secret: The biggest employers of meteorologists are environmental engineering and consulting firms, like Calvin Consulting. These people bridge the gap between heavy industry (oil, gas, mining - the engines of our economy, which conservatives value) and regulatory compliance (protecting our air, which progressives demand).

Atmospheric dispersion modelling is your key to the castle:

• You'll use AERMOD and CALPUFF to model how emissions from chemical plants or mine stacks travel through the atmosphere.
• You can model how a plume moves if you can model how a cloud moves. Here's where the science gets messy, and it's crucial for companies to get permits. Physicists and lawyers meet at the high-stakes table of air quality consulting.

Stewardship as Strength: The Counter-Narrative

Let's smash the myth that environmental science is just about stopping industry. You gotta be defiant!

Practicing environmental science well is about stewardship, which aligns perfectly with environmental ethics and conservatism's values of responsibility and efficiency. Rather than just policing, you're inventing solutions. You're helping them run cleaner and smarter. Airborne acid deposition caused by unmanaged industrial emissions, for example, benefits the aquatic environment a lot. As an environmental scientist, you become a Thoughtful Leader. We use the same fluid dynamics principles to model local air pollution as we use to model global climate, proving that local, concrete action is possible right now, despite the broader, contentious debate.

Predictive Compliance: The Revolution

Crazy idea, let's make a new job instead of looking for one. Instead of spending weeks modeling emissions after a facility is built (reactive reporting), let's create Predictive Compliance Consulting (PCC). To predict the likelihood of a regulatory breach three days ahead, we'll deploy AI-driven forecasting models that ingest industrial operational data and real-time meteorological data sort of like an urban micro-sensor arrays.

As a result, the client can proactively adjust operations, avoiding fines and pollution events. Compliance becomes a proactive optimization tool instead of a cost centre. This would need someone with your interdisciplinary background-someone who can handle both math (physics, fluid dynamics) and marketing (organizational skills, client relations).

Here's your next adventure

You start your job search with a philosophy, not a resume. Present yourself as the inventor of tomorrow's compliance strategy, not just a job applicant. Show them you're a Logical Planner.

Get foundational experience from regulatory agencies like Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) or Environment and Climate Change Canada. Don't ignore those private consulting firms; they're where the scientific rubber meets the road.

Don't forget the article's words: "If your skills and presentation match, you'll be considered valuable regardless of whether the company is hiring." Let science be your adventure.

Are you ready to ditch the traditional job search?

Get your atmospheric science degree and prove it doesn't just predict the weather, it predicts success.