Lead Meteorologist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office in Fairbanks, AK, part of NOAA, is recruiting a Lead Meteorologist to oversee shift operations and ensure timely, accurate weather products.

You will coordinate watches and warnings, liaise with federal, state, and local partners, and supervise staff during demanding weather events.

This federal position requires strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as shift leader for quality and timeliness of all WFO forecast/service products, warnings, and advisories.
• Interpret Doppler radar data, satellite imagery, and other hydrometeorological data for warnings and forecasts.
• Act as primary contact for FAA, FEMA, and state/local agencies on emergency health and safety measures based on forecasts.
• Handle office administrative matters on shift, including staffing adjustments and overtime approvals.
• Work periods with long hours during severe weather, maintaining alertness.

Job description

This listing is a summary.

Open: September 3, 2026 — Closes: September 16, 2026

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO), with 1 vacancy in Fairbanks, AK. WFOs issue warnings and forecasts for their local area, keeping the public informed of weather hazards and interacting with emergency management partners to mitigate the impacts of weather and water hazards.

Major Duties

As a Lead Meteorologist, you will perform the following duties: Serve as the shift leader responsible for quality and timeliness of all National Weather Service (NWS) forecast and service products, warnings, and advisories prepared and issued by the Weather Forecast Office (WFO). Conduct weather watches, which involve interpretation of Doppler radar data, satellite imagery, and the analysis of other hydrometeorological data for the preparation of all WFO warning, forecast and service products, including individual briefings. Serve as the primary contact for other Federal, state, and local agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and emergency management and law enforcement officials, over matters involving the initiation and implementation of immediate or emergency public health and safety measures based on NWS forecasts, warnings and watches. Handle general office administrative matters which may occur on shift, including augmenting staff and approving overtime and leave. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The work is generally sedentary, although there is considerable moving about among various desks and equipment. Routine duties require meeting tight deadlines. During periods of threatening weather or rapidly changing weather conditions, the increase in workload and the necessity for rapid dissemination of weather warnings and updates requires periods of acute mental alertness and produces considerable mental stress. Adverse weather conditions often require the Lead Meteorologist to work hours longer than the usual shift, adding to mental and physical stress.