Earth science enthusiasts have an exciting variety of career options. While some require a degree in science, others do not. Below are descriptions of a few of the career paths available. No matter what your interests may be, chances are there is a career in Earth science that you would find challenging, exciting and rewarding.

Geologists study Earth materials, processes and history. They make ground-based observations of the changes Earth undergoes. Geologists study the dynamic forces that shape our Earth and use this knowledge to predict how those forces will affect mankind. Geologists might study earthquakes, volcanoes, soil erosion, or water. Geographers study the Earth's natural environment and how human societies interact with natural resources. They might use aerial photography or satellite images to map changes in rainforest cover, fires, or other human activity on the Earth. The Moment a Geologist was Born From Forests to Fires: Watching the World's Resources

Some Earth scientists study ocean ecosystems as an oceanographer or marine biologist. These scientists look at how the plant and animal life in oceans interact as a system. Some work in laboratories while others may be out on boats for long periods of time to do research at sea. Marine biologists focus on the living creatures in oceans, seas, bays, and other bodies of water. Explorer Profile: Gene Feldman Meet David Adamec: Physical Oceanographer Meet Dr. William (Bill) Patzert: Oceanographer Cruising the Chesapeake for Water and Air Quality California Dreamin' Jorge Vazquez profile video Josh Willis Reddit interview transcript

Some scientists study weather as meteorologists, using satellites to monitor weather conditions and patterns around the world. They use this knowledge to forecast weather in different areas, allowing people to prepare for severe storms and other conditions. They also conduct research to understand how the atmosphere works, such as studying how tornadoes form. Meteorologists collect information in a variety of ways – from satellites to aircraft to ships to ground observations. Some may be cloud physicists, focusing their research on the formation and evolution of clouds and precipitation. Explorer Profile: Graeme Stephens Meet Frank Marks, Jr.: Meteorologist and Hurricane Specialist, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Forecasters Balance Experience with Technology Janel Thomas profile video

Chemists also contribute to Earth science by studying the Earth's chemical composition and the associated chemical reactions. They might research how the composition of Earth's soils or atmosphere has changed over the years, paying particular attention to how humans have impacted these compositions. Some people who study chemistry might specialize and become atmospheric scientists, looking at the different chemical reactions that happen in Earth's atmosphere. Explorer Profile: Ali Omar Explorer Profile: Brian Kahn Don Frazier: Chemist DC3: Chemistry of Thunderstorms Daring to Learn the Language of Mathematics A Big Fish in a Small Pond No Longer Erica Alston Twitter chat transcript Intuition, Creativity, and Science

Climatologists study the long-term weather and temperature trends. They investigate climate change and variability. Climatologists also study the effect of climate on plants, animals, and other parts of the Earth. Some might look at how climate change affects Arctic regions, while others may focus on agriculture. They create models and collect data about past climates to better understand the changes Earth is experiencing. Explorer Profile: Carmen Boening Explorer Profile: Claire Parkinson Making Earth Science Approachable to Communicate Its Importance Earth Science: Putting the Puzzle Together Break Dancing, Climate Science, and Working at NASA The Interesting Question California Dreamin' Josh Willis Reddit interview transcript

Biospheric scientists study ecosystems on land, which includes plants, animals, humans and the relationships among them. Biospheric scientists may research how those ecosystems interact with the atmosphere using a variety of technology, such as remote sensing and modeling. While a good portion of their work often involves computers, they may also travel around the world to collect data. Explorer Profile: Jeff Masek Explorer Profile: Mark Imhoff

Engineers put scientific knowledge to practical use by designing and building structural components as well as scientific instruments for Earth observing satellites. Engineers might specialize in civil, electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, and NASA employs all types to construct satellites, aircraft, and other equipment. Some engineers might even go on to become project managers, responsible for overseeing the operations and day-to-day functions of different missions. Explorer Profile: Mark Fujishin Center Snapshot: Garfield Creary To The Ends of the Earth Christy Hansen profile video Christy Hansen Google+ Hangout video

Instrument scientists work closely with engineers to design instruments and ensure that they continue to function properly. Instrument scientists play important roles on NASA satellite missions, monitoring the instrument functions from Earth. Explorer Profile: Susan Thomas NASA Engineers and Scientists-Transforming Dreams Into Reality

Computer programmers support researchers and scientists by helping with satellite orientation, writing computer programs to interpret data, and programming equipment to perform necessary tasks. Software engineers create the software for many of the instruments on board NASA satellites. They are responsible for getting the instruments to make the measurements scientists need. Explorer Profile: Kelly Teague Center Snapshot: Wei Zhang Computer Science Connects Real and Virtual Space

Pilots and navigators can be active participants in Earth science research. Some aircraft are modified with instruments to collect weather data and monitor atmospheric and land conditions. These aircraft, and the pilots that fly them, are important to ongoing Earth research. Explorer Profile: Carl Magnusson DC3: Chemistry of Thunderstorms NASA Research Pilot Bill Brockett – Knowledge of, Passion for Science

Artists, photographers, graphic designers, and other media specialists can also pursue careers connected to Earth science. Those with skills in these areas help bring visual images of Earth to NASA websites and publications. Artists and graphic designers may assist on visualizations of data or help create graphics used to explain NASA science to the public. Photographers capture daily life at NASA centers and might also be sent into the field to take pictures of our changing world and the scientists studying it. The Road of a Story Teller The Struggles and Rewards of Telling a Story Computer Graphics Group Selects NASA Earth Visuals for Showcase Artists Give NASA a Different Light Center Snapshot: Tim Marvel NASA Photographers: 50 Years of Capturing the Moment

NASA employs Web developers and programmers to build websites, online games, and other interactive products. Some create animations and visualizations of scientific data. These men and women help the public better understand the work of NASA Earth scientists. Science Friday Explains the Blue Marble Crafting the Blue Marble Robert Simmon - AKA Mr. Blue Marble

Writers and other story tellers also play valuable roles in communicating Earth science to the public. Writers with a background in Earth science can blog or write articles for websites, newspapers or magazines. They may work for large or small companies, government agencies such as NASA, policy makers or non-profit organizations. The Road of a Story Teller The Struggles and Rewards of Telling a Story Center Snapshot - Jennifer Collings Go Backstage With NASA Education

Because the environment is an important national and international issue, government at the local, state and federal level needs people who are interested in and knowledgeable about Earth science to pursue careers as lawyers and policy makers. NASA operates under Federal statutes that are drafted by lawyers with an extensive knowledge of Earth science. Policy makers draft legislation that affects the environment – now and into the future. Climate Policy Speaker Series

Some Earth explorers work with NASA technology in other ways. Park rangers use satellite images to monitor national parks and other nature areas. They apply Earth science principles to the care and protection of natural areas and resources. Agricultural experts and farmers also use satellite data to help determine where to plant. They work together to ensure that farming practices do not harm the greater environment. Firefighters also use Earth science knowledge and NASA technology to help manage and fight fires. NASA and National Park Service to Share Satellite Data Snapshots From Space Cultivate Fans Among Midwest Farmers MODIS Rapid Response Data NASA Airborne Sensors Help Firefighters Battle Flames NASA eClipstm: NASA Technologies Helping Firefighters NASA, Park Service Promote Climate Science Education for Kids

There is always a need for people to teach Earth science – whether in public schools, universities, technical schools, museums or science centers. Teachers and educators can instill an enthusiasm for Earth science, and may inspire someone to pursue any of these related careers. Most NASA missions have education and public outreach leads, people who are charged with helping the public understand the mission, its purpose, and the science behind it. Explorer Profile: Jessica Taylor AREES 2012: Learning About NASA Earth Science Research Observing Clouds for NASA Becomes a Class Tradition Helping Rural Students Take Flight How I Became a Woman@NASA