CHIEF METEOROLOGIST - KAIT

GRAY MEDIA; Jonesboro (AR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

KAIT-TV/Gray Media in Jonesboro, AR seeks a Chief Meteorologist to lead the Weather Team and oversee daily forecasting operations. You will command prime-time broadcasts, drive digital weather engagement, and mentor a team of meteorologists.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in broadcast meteorology, strong severe weather tracking and on-air storytelling, plus proven leadership. AMS CBM preferred. This role offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment with community engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of on-air broadcast meteorology and severe weather forecasting experience.
• AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation or NWA Seal of Approval preferred.
• Proficiency with weather graphics platforms and newsroom systems.
• Advanced competency in Doppler radar, dual-polarization products, and numerical weather prediction models.
• Proven ability to ad-lib and deliver calm, decisive live coverage during breaking severe weather.
• Strong scientific communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into accessible public information.

Responsibilities

• Weather anchor weekday evening and prime-time newscasts with clear, engaging on-air presentations.
• Spearhead live, continuous wall-to-wall coverage during weather emergencies.
• Produce accurate localized short- and long-range forecasts using models, radar, and satellite data.
• Lead, schedule, and mentor the weather team to maintain consistent editorial and forecasting standards.
• Design dynamic, high-impact weather graphics using The Weather Company's Max system.
• Coordinate with news producers and management to integrate weather coverage into daily broadcasts.
• Execute digital weather strategy across mobile apps, OTT streaming, web, and social platforms.
• Represent the station at community events.
• Maintain active liaison with the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.

Skills

On-air meteorology

Severe weather forecasting

Ad-lib and calm live coverage

Scientific communication

Leadership experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology/Atmospheric Science

Tools

Weather graphics platforms

Newsroom systems

Job description

Today, we are a growing multimedia company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. We are the nation's largest owner of top-rated local television stations and digital assets serving 117 full-power television markets that collectively reach approximately 37% of US television households. The portfolio includes 80 markets with the top-rated television station and 100 markets with the first- and/or second-highest-rated television station in average all-day ratings across 116 such markets measured by Nielsen in 2025. We also own the largest Telemundo Affiliate group, with 46 markets, and Gray Digital Media, a full-service digital agency offering national and local clients digital marketing strategies and the most advanced digital products and services. Our additional media properties include video production companies Raycom Sports, Tupelo Media Group, and PowerNation Studios, and studio production facilities Assembly Atlanta and Third Rail Studios.

About KAIT:

KAIT 8 is located in beautiful Jonesboro, Arkansas, and serves Northeast Arkansas and Southeast Missouri. The station is the market's dominant news leader, holding the ABC, NBC, and CW affiliations. KAIT prides itself on being on the cutting edge of new technology in our industry.

K8 News is searching for a commanding, trusted, and engaging Chief Meteorologist to lead the K8 Weather Team and serve as the trusted face and voice of our severe weather coverage. As the Chief Meteorologist, you will oversee daily forecasting operations, command prime-time broadcasts, drive digital and social media weather engagement, and lead a team of broadcast meteorologists. The ideal candidate brings at least 5 years of professional broadcast meteorology experience, exceptional severe weather tracking abilities, strong on-air storytelling skills, and proven leadership capability.

Duties/responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Weather anchor weekday evening and prime-time newscasts with clear, engaging on-air presentations.
• Spearhead live, continuous wall-to-wall coverage during weather emergencies.
• Produce accurate localized short- and long-range forecasts using models, radar, and satellite data.
• Lead, schedule, and mentor the weather team to maintain consistent editorial and forecasting standards.
• Design dynamic, high-impact weather graphics using The Weather Company's Max system.
• Coordinate with news producers and management to integrate weather coverage into daily broadcasts.
• Execute digital weather strategy across mobile apps, OTT streaming, web, and social platforms.
• Represent the station at community events.
• Maintain active liaison with the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Meteorology, Atmospheric Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of four years of on-air broadcast meteorology and severe weather forecasting experience.
• AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) designation or NWA Seal of Approval preferred.
• Proficiency with weather graphics platforms and newsroom systems.
• Advanced competency in Doppler radar, dual-polarization products, and numerical weather prediction models.
• Proven ability to ad-lib and deliver calm, decisive live coverage during breaking severe weather.
• Strong scientific communication skills with the ability to translate complex data into accessible public information.

KAIT-TV/Gray Media is a drug-free company

Additional Info:

Gray Media provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Gray Media complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment at every location where the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Gray Media expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with Gray’s employees' ability to perform their job duties may result in discipline, up to and including discharge.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.