Meteorologist job description.
A Meteorologist analyzes atmospheric data to forecast weather conditions and communicate risks to the public, businesses, or specialized clients. They interpret satellite, radar, and model data, issue forecasts and warnings, and may present findings on-air, online, or in technical reports.
The Meteorologist job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Meteorologist Reports to: Chief Meteorologist or News Director
A Meteorologist analyzes atmospheric data to forecast weather conditions and communicate risks to the public, businesses, or specialized clients. They interpret satellite, radar, and model data, issue forecasts and warnings, and may present findings on-air, online, or in technical reports.
- Analyze atmospheric data from satellites, radar, and weather models
- Produce short- and long-range weather forecasts for assigned regions
- Issue and communicate severe weather warnings and advisories
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
5 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Chief Meteorologist or News Director
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Analyze atmospheric data from satellites, radar, and weather models
- Produce short- and long-range weather forecasts for assigned regions
- Issue and communicate severe weather warnings and advisories
- Prepare forecast graphics, reports, or on-air presentations
- Monitor developing weather systems and update forecasts in real time
- Collaborate with emergency management or industry clients on weather impacts
- Maintain and calibrate weather monitoring equipment where applicable
- Stay current on forecasting models, tools, and meteorological research
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field
- Strong analytical and data interpretation skills
- Proficiency with forecasting and weather modeling software
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- AMS or NWA broadcast meteorology certification
- On-air or public presentation experience
- Experience in a specialized sector (aviation, agriculture, energy)
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Meteorologist job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Meteorologist job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The mid band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Chief Meteorologist or News Director) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Is on-air experience required for all Meteorologist roles?
- No — broadcast meteorologists need on-air presentation skills, but many meteorologists work in research, aviation, agriculture, or government roles with no on-camera component.
- What degree is typically required?
- A bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is the standard minimum requirement for most professional meteorologist positions.
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This Meteorologist job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.