Part-Time Storm Chaser

Hearst; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 21,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Hearst KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City seeks a Part-Time Storm Chaser to join a two-person chase team. The role supports on-air meteorologists with real-time observations, video, and data from the field. In-person presence is required and assignments hinge on weather conditions.

The position emphasizes safety, ethical reporting, and precise communication under pressure, with potential variations between driving and radar duties.

Qualifications

• Clean driving record and ability to operate under pressure.
• Strong situational awareness and calm judgment during storms.
• Commitment to journalistic ethics and accuracy.
• Ability to follow direction and communicate clearly in fast-moving situations.
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Safely drive a vehicle or monitor radar and data during severe weather.
• Capture live and recorded video for on-air and digital platforms.
• Report live on-air observations when directed.
• Relay real-time storm details to meteorologists, including movement and severity.
• Monitor weather conditions before and during deployments.
• Follow journalistic ethics, safety protocols, and station policies.

Skills

Clean driving record

Situational awareness

Ethics and accuracy

Clear communication

Weather readiness

Job description

Part-Time Storm Chaser (Field Weather Coverage)

KOCO-TV is looking for a part-time Storm Chaser to join one of our many two-person severe weather chase teams. This is high-pressure, real-time work supporting on-air meteorologists during rapidly changing conditions. One team member drives. The other monitors radar, data, and communications. Precision, calm judgment, and ethical decision-making are non-negotiable. This role reports to the News Director. Applicants must reside in Oklahoma.

Role Overview

Storm Chasers provide critical, ground-level reports during severe weather events. This position may serve as either the driver or the radar/data operator, depending on assignment.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate a vehicle or monitor radar, weather data, and communications from the passenger seat during severe weather.
• Capture live and recorded video using station-authorized equipment for on-air and digital platforms.
• Report live on-air observations when directed.
• Relay accurate, timely storm details to station meteorologists, including severity, movement, and real-time conditions from the field.
• Monitor weather conditions before and during deployments to anticipate storm development.
• Adhere strictly to journalistic ethics, safety protocols, and station policies at all times.

Work Schedule

• No fixed schedule. Hours are dictated by weather conditions.
• Availability required on short notice when severe weather is forecast.
• Assignments are made at the direction of station meteorologists or news management.
• In-person attendance is required.

Important Note

This is not a casual field position. Severe weather coverage is intense, unpredictable, and safety critical. Teamwork, judgment, and professionalism are essential.

Required Qualifications

• Clean driving record (required for all team members).
• Strong situational awareness and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Understanding of and commitment to journalistic ethics and accuracy.
• Ability to follow direction precisely and communicate clearly in fast-moving situations.
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions.

Values in Action

At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities.That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.