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Atmospheric Science Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics - Senior Director for Science The Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder invites nominations and ...

A. Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes: * At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in meteorology/atmospheric science, including: * 6 semester ...

A. Degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or another natural science major that includes: * At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours in meteorology/atmospheric science, including: * 6 semester ...

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Atmospheric Science information

See Colorado salary details

$22.6K

$71.7K

$146.8K

How much do atmospheric science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for atmospheric science in Colorado is $71,664.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,653.00 and $97,899.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an atmospheric scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Atmospheric Scientist, you need a solid background in meteorology, mathematics, physics, and often an advanced degree in atmospheric or environmental science. Proficiency with data analysis tools, weather modeling software, remote sensing technologies, and programming languages like Python or MATLAB is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and share findings with diverse audiences. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately predicting weather patterns, understanding climate phenomena, and informing public safety and policy decisions.

What are some common challenges atmospheric scientists face when conducting field research?

Atmospheric scientists often encounter unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and logistical hurdles when conducting field research. These challenges can impact the deployment of instruments, data collection, and project timelines. Effective planning, adaptability, and teamwork are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring safety while gathering high-quality data. Collaborating closely with other scientists, engineers, and local stakeholders also helps in addressing unexpected issues and achieving research objectives.

What is the difference between Atmospheric Science vs Meteorology?

AspectAtmospheric ScienceMeteorology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in atmospheric science, meteorology, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric sciences often required
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, government agenciesWeather forecasting centers, TV stations, government agencies
Industry UsageResearch, academia, environmental consultingWeather prediction, broadcasting, operational forecasting

Atmospheric Science and Meteorology share overlapping credentials and work environments, but Atmospheric Science has a broader focus on research and environmental studies, while Meteorology is more oriented toward weather forecasting and operational services.

What is atmospheric science?

Atmospheric science is the study of the Earth's atmosphere, its processes, and how it interacts with the planet's surface and oceans. This field includes the investigation of weather patterns, climate change, air quality, and the transfer of energy within the atmosphere. Atmospheric scientists use observations, experiments, and computer models to predict weather, understand climate trends, and analyze environmental impacts. Careers in atmospheric science can include meteorology, climatology, and research on atmospheric chemistry and physics.

What are the qualifications to get a job in atmospheric science?

The qualifications to get a job in atmospheric science depend on the level and complexity of your responsibilities and the specific field in which you work. For many entry-level jobs, such as field workers, site researchers, and assistants, you need an associate or bachelor’s degree in climate science, meteorology, or atmospheric science. More advanced research or analytical work may require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Many atmospheric science jobs now include a significant data analysis component, so knowledge of R and other statistical software is essential. Strong analytical thinking and study skills are essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Atmospheric Science jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Atmospheric Science jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Atmospheric Science jobs in Colorado? For Atmospheric Science jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Atmospheric Science jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Atmospheric Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Atmospheric Science job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,664 per year, or $34.5 per hour.

Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Affiliate Instructor

Metropolitan State University of Denver

Denver, CO • On-site

$27.25 - $37/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Department
Earth and Atmospheric Science
By applying to this posting, you are entering an applicant pool for affiliate faculty. Screening of applicants will take place when positions come available. The number of these temporary, part-time, non-tenure track academic positions varies from semester to semester, depending on the needs of the program. As such, not everyone in the applicant pool for this position will be contacted and/or selected to teach.
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff.
About the Department
The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences (EAS) is home to four undergraduate degree programs in Applied Geology, Environmental Science, Geography and GIS, and Meteorology. Our programs are united in our mission to provide students with an enriching education in Earth system science, and human-environmental impacts. The EAS Department has advanced research and teaching facilities, including designated GIS and Meteorology computer labs, Geology and Environmental Science teaching labs, and a variety of state-of-the-art instrumentation and equipment (e.g., X-ray Diffractometer, Ion Chromatograph, High Precision Liquid Chromatograph, ICP-MS, and handheld X-ray fluorescence). The successful candidate will join a multi-disciplinary team of >15 faculty and staff, devoted foremost to excellence in teaching and supporting the success of our diverse students. The EAS Department is committed to MSU Denver's strategic goal of attracting and retaining a representative workforce, and welcomes applications from diverse candidates.
Position Summary
The Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) invites applications for part-time affiliate faculty teaching positions. This listing is for potential future affiliate faculty needs to teach courses in courses in Geography, Geology, Geographic Information Systems, Environmental Science, Integrated Science, or Meteorology.
For more information about the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences in our College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, please visit: https://www.msudenver.edu/earth-atmospheric-sciences.
Responsibilities
An affiliate faculty member's duties may include but are not limited to: teaching assigned classes in person or online by delivering course content to students, preparing course materials and lesson plans, grading student work, providing students with robust feedback in a timely manner, addressing student questions consistent with university, college/school, and department policies, and providing online or in person academic support to students as needed and appropriate for the teaching assignment; providing instruction in assigned classes consistent with the content and learning objectives of the regular course syllabus and, if required, with department course coordination policies; and complying with university-wide student evaluation of instruction policies and peer observation policies. The ability to adapt and learn new modes of instruction is highly encouraged. Candidates need to be sensitive to the educational needs of a diverse student population.
Required Qualifications
Master's degree in a field related to EAS disciplines
Terms of Employment
Affiliate faculty are part-time, at-will employees hired to teach on a per credit hour basis for specific classes, usually on a semester-by-semester basis. Affiliate faculty are not eligible for benefit coverage under the University's benefit program. All such teaching assignments are dependent on budget and enrollment.
Qualified candidates will be expected to teach in person/on campus upon hire.
Salary for Announcement
The final salary is based on the number of credit hours assigned at a rate determined by university policy.
Rate of pay per credit hour assignment can be between $1233 - $1512.
For more information, you may view pay rates here: Affiliate Rates.
How to Apply
Candidates must apply online through MSU Denver's career site, https://www.msudenver.edu/careers. Complete applications will include the following materials:
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter
  • Copies of all unofficial transcripts
  • A list of three professional references and their contact information

Applicants will notice on the application portal there is one location (the resume/cover letter submission field) to upload all required materials. Multiple documents can be submitted into this one field; alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF and upload. Once submitted, you will not be able to edit your application.
Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.
Closing Date
Open Until Filled
Posting Representative
Tanya Rogowsky
Posting Representative Email
trogowsk@msudenver.edu
Benefits
The University's benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver's benefits website to learn more.
For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf.
The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.
Background Checks
Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors. To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.
Diversity Statement
Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.
We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.