Meterologists have a natural hazard job that forecasts extreme weather conditions.
Natural hazards are events that can affect the environment or surrounding residents negatively. These hazards include those that are hydrologic, geologic, atmospheric and wildfires. Individuals who have natural hazard jobs study the potentially disastrous events to learn more about their causes, effects and ways to keep the public safe.
Wildfire Firefighter
Earning a median wage of $45,050 per year in 2008, firefighters who fight wildfires have a specialized skill set that is different from those who fight residential or commercial building fires. Wildfire firefighters must have at least a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The equipment firefighters use to battle forest fires allow these professionals to create fire lines by cutting back vegetation to starve the blaze of fuel. Helicopters and planes also help extinguish forest fires and allow smoke jumpers, elite firefighters, to access hard to reach areas.
Meteorologist
Meteorologists, or atmospheric scientists, earned a median annual wage of $81,290 in 2008. These professionals study the earth's atmosphere and the humidity, wind velocity, air pressure and temperature. By studying past and current trends, meteorologists can forecast flash floods, tornadoes, tropical storms, heat waves and other severe weather conditions. According to the BLS, meteorologists must have at least a bachelor's degree in meteorology. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) offers professional certifications that require continuing education.
Geophysicists
Geophysics is the study of the composition of the earth. Seismology is a specialization within the geophysics field that uses data from instruments that detect earthquakes and fault lines in the earth. Needing at least a master's degree in geology or earth science, seismologists can use past and present data from seismographs, along with historical accounts of earthquakes, to predict how future tremors can affect cities, coastlines and other geographical features. The BLS states that geophysicists made a median annual wage of $108,118 in 2009.
Volcanologist
Studying a specialized branch of geosciences, volcanologists examine volcanoes and their related phenomena. These professionals hypothesize about how the earth looked topographically several thousands of years ago and predict future volcanic eruptions. When volcanologists calculate a timeline for future eruptions, they also take into account hazards to the environment and surrounding residents. Volcanologists need at least a master's degree in geology to hold a position that pays well, according to the BLS. In 2009, volcanologists earned an average of $94,085 per year.
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