Physical Scientist
Quick Facts
Median Salary$106,044
Most Common EducationBachelor's degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+11.76%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Physical Scientist studies and conducts research in one of many specialized areas within the natural sciences including biology, chemistry and physics.
Core Tasks:
- Manage or analyze data obtained from remote sensing systems to obtain meaningful results.
- Analyze data acquired from aircraft, satellites, or ground-based platforms, using statistical analysis software, image analysis software, or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Integrate other geospatial data sources into projects.
- Organize and maintain geospatial data and associated documentation.
- Compile and format image data to increase its usefulness.
- Prepare or deliver reports or presentations of geospatial project information.
- Discuss project goals, equipment requirements, or methodologies with colleagues or team members.
- Process aerial or satellite imagery to create products such as land cover maps.
- Design or implement strategies for collection, analysis, or display of geographic data.
- Develop or build databases for remote sensing or related geospatial project information.
- Collect supporting data, such as climatic or field survey data, to corroborate remote sensing data analyses.
- Monitor quality of remote sensing data collection operations to determine if procedural or equipment changes are necessary.
- Train technicians in the use of remote sensing technology.
- Set up or maintain remote sensing data collection systems.
- Direct all activity associated with implementation, operation, or enhancement of remote sensing hardware or software.
- Attend meetings or seminars or read current literature to maintain knowledge of developments in the field of remote sensing.
- Conduct research into the application or enhancement of remote sensing technology.
- Recommend new remote sensing hardware or software acquisitions.
- Use remote sensing data for forest or carbon tracking activities to assess the impact of environmental change.
- Develop automated routines to correct for the presence of image distorting artifacts, such as ground vegetation.
- Develop new analytical techniques or sensor systems.
- Participate in fieldwork.
- Apply remote sensing data or techniques, such as surface water modeling or dust cloud detection, to address environmental issues.
- Direct installation or testing of new remote sensing hardware or software.
What to expect as a Physical Scientist
1Earn a Bachelor's degree
47% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Physical Scientist related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
101 openings for Physical Scientists
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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