Climate Scientists

Work settings for climate scientists vary based on their job title, education level, and employer. Some scientists spend their days in laboratories analyzing samples and conducting research. Others spend weeks or even months out in the field—traveling by boat to study coral reefs or walking miles in rugged terrain before setting up their research camp at the base of a glacier in the Arctic. Although many scientists enjoy the outdoors, sleeping and dining accommodations can be utilitarian (e.g., a tent and food cooked over a fire), the weather can be extremely hot or cold, and the terrain can be challenging.

A climate scientist who is employed in a laboratory or office setting will work a traditional 40-hour week, Monday through Friday, but may also work at night and on weekends because of a project deadline or because they simply enjoy their work. Scientists in the field may work 12– to 16–hour days to complete their research in the time earmarked for their research trip.