Chief Meteorologist

American Meteorological Society; Midland (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TEGNA’s KWES/News West 9 in Midland-Odessa seeks a Chief Meteorologist to lead a weather team, oversee forecasting graphics, and report across television, mobile, and social media. The role emphasizes mentorship, innovation in weather storytelling and strong community engagement.

The ideal candidate has a meteorology degree, AMS certification, 3–5 years on-air leadership and proficient use of multiplatform news tools, plus fluency with major social platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in meteorology and AMS Certification.
• 3-5 years of on-air experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with multiplatform news gathering tools.
• Fluent with social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube).

Responsibilities

• Creates and implements strategic weather coverage directions with News Director.
• Delivers engaging daily weather broadcasts for on-air and digital audiences.
• Supervises the weather team and scheduling.
• Interacts with audience during severe weather on multiple platforms.
• Assists in recruiting and hiring for the weather team.
• Coaches and mentors weather staff with regular feedback.
• Plans severe weather coverage with News Director and managers.
• Pitches and creates original weather content for all platforms.

Skills

Leadership

On-air experience

Communication

Multiplatform news gathering

Education

Bachelor's degree in meteorology

AMS Certification

Tools

Social media tools

Job description

About TEGNA

TEGNA Inc. helps people thrive in their local communities by providing the trusted local news and services that matter most. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA reaches more than 100 million people monthly across the web, mobile apps, streaming, and linear television. Together, we are building a sustainable future for local news.

KWES/News West 9 is searching for a Chief Meteorologist who can lead a weather team and serve the Midland-Odessa area. Our next Chief Meteorologist is a dynamic leader who has mastered every aspect of meteorology, from forecasting to preparing graphics, to reporting in the field, to being an integral part of severe weather coverage reaching our community on television, mobile and social media platforms. The Chief Meteorologist must have a passion for winning severe weather in all seasons and telling a compelling weather story even on bright sunny days. They need to embrace new technology, mentoring and developing their weather team, and be willing to explore new ways to present the weather story while also being a key leader in promoting community involvement.

Responsibilities

• Works with the News Director to create and implement strategic direction for weather coverage
• Builds and delivers daily engaging weathercasts for on-air and digital audiences
• Supervises the weather team, including all schedules
• Interacts live with fans and the audience on multiple platforms, especially during severe or inconvenient weather
• Assists News Director with recruiting and hiring for the weather team
• Coaches and mentors weather team with regular feedback
• Works with the News Director and News Managers to develop plans for severe weather coverage
• Pitches and creates original weather content for all platforms
• Leads coordination and implementation of technological advances related to graphics
• Participates in community outreach efforts including live shots and station appearances as required
• Perform other tasks as required by News Director

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in meteorology; AMS Certification
• Minimum 3-5 years of on-air experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Strong communication skills (written/oral)
• Ability to work under pressure while meeting daily assigned deadlines
• Applicable knowledge of multiplatform newsgathering tools and resources
• Fluent with social media platforms and social management tools, including Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube

Benefits

TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.

Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA's 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.

Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor's appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.

TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year.

* Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.

EEO statement

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email [e-mail]