Part-Time Storm Chaser

Hearst Television, Inc.; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 21,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

KOCO-TV, part of Hearst Television, is seeking a Part-Time Storm Chaser to support on-air meteorologists during severe weather. One team member drives while the other monitors radar, data, and communications.

Residents of Oklahoma are preferred; in-person attendance is required. Responsibilities include live video capture, real-time reporting, and relaying storm details to meteorologists with strict adherence to ethics and safety policies.

Qualifications

• Must have a clean driving record.
• Remain calm under pressure in fast-moving situations.
• Commitment to journalistic ethics and accuracy.
• Ability to follow directions and communicate clearly.
• Willingness to work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

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

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.