How to hire a weather forecaster

How to hire a weather forecaster, step by step

Here's a step-by-step weather forecaster hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a weather forecaster job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new weather forecaster
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The weather forecaster hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect weather forecaster also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   Here's a comparison of weather forecaster salaries for various roles:

   Type of Weather Forecaster	Description	Hourly rate
   Weather Forecaster	Atmospheric scientists study the weather and climate, and how those conditions affect human activity and the earth in general.	$17-54
   Meteorologist	A meteorologist specializes in understanding and interpreting atmospheric data, usually from weather stations and satellites, and delivering weather forecasts to the public through radio or television. Their responsibilities revolve around liaising with different external agencies, developing models for weather prediction, monitoring sea and land patterns, performing research and analysis, and keeping abreast of the latest developments... Show more	$19-54

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • DOD
   • Weather Warnings
   • Computer System
   • Weather Data
   • Flight Safety
   • Combat
   • Military Operations
   • Military Installations
   • Weather Briefings
   • Flight Weather
   • Weather Observations
   • PowerPoint
   • USAF
   • Weather Impacts

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Obtain certification from NWS; disseminate hourly METAR's and SPECI's as needed.
   • Work regularly with the ASOS and various weather relate web sites such as JAAWIN, NOAA and NRL.
   • Disseminate METARs and SPECIs locally and longline to NOAA.
   • Analyze GFS models for changes in temperature, precipitation, and visibility.
   • Predict the next micro and macro trends in fashion and lifestyle before they emerge.
   • Observe and report current weather conditions at the airport for pilots and NOAA weather statistics.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your weather forecaster job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A weather forecaster salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, weather forecasters' average salary in wyoming is 50% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level weather forecasters earn 68% less than senior-level weather forecasters.
   • Certifications. A weather forecaster with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a weather forecaster's salary.

   Average weather forecaster salary

   $64,204yearly

   $30.87 hourly rate

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   Entry-level weather forecaster salary

   $36,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a weather forecaster job description

   A weather forecaster job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a weather forecaster job description:

   Weather forecaster job description example

   + Responsible to the Weather Manager for the safe and efficient operation of the Weather Facility. Takes, records and disseminates surface weather observations, issues weather warnings and advisories, prepares mission execution forecasts, prepares and briefs flight weather briefings, and responds to pilot-to-metro service radio calls.
   Responsibilities
   
   + Produces and disseminates all required surface weather observations to local customers, inputs them into the shared information database, and records them on Air Force weather observation forms.
   
   + Maintains all weather data and records, including required climatological records.
   
   + Issues weather watches, warnings, and advisories when required.
   
   + Disseminates weather watches, warnings, and advisories to customers and coordinates with the Operational Weather Squadron [OWS] as soon as possible.
   
   + Responds to and supports all Pilot-to-Metro-Service [PMSV] calls.
   
   + Transmits all required Pilot Reports [PIREPS], Air Reports [AIREPS], and other pilot obtained weather data collected via PMSV or other means (tower, debriefs, etc.) to local customers and inputs them into the shared database or equivalent.
   
   + Produces flight weather briefings and Mission Execution Forecasts [MEFs] as well as mission planning support to all local flying units and VIP transients using available weather products and data.
   
   + Debriefs customers returning from missions on aspects of the weather support provided to include accuracy of weather forecast information and actual weather conditions. Cross-feeds information solicited and obtained in support of OWS products.
   
   + Assumes responsibility for all Terminal Aerodrome Forecasts [TAF], watches, warnings, and advisories in the event of a short-term [24 hours or less] equipment or communications outage at the supporting OWS.
   
   + Provides the 42nd ABW Commander with all pertinent information.
   
   + Provides or arranges for all routine weather support requests as required by all agencies and units on base.
   
   + Participates in Cooperative Weather Watch [CWW] with the air traffic control agency, OWS, and all local weather agencies.
   
   + Operates all meteorological equipment including backup equipment.
   
   + Prepares daily weather forecasts for base populace and disseminates.
   
   + Performs other related duties in accordance with contractual, functional and mission requirements.
   
   Qualifications
   
   + HS Diploma or Equivalent
   
   + Security Clearance (or ability to obtain upon hire)
   
   + USAF Weather career field: Weather Observer and Forecaster
   
   + Graduate of USAF Meteorological Course at Keesler
   
   + Minimum of two years' military aviation forecasting experience
   
   + Minimum of two years' military aviation observing experience
   
   + Minimum of one year of experience using a weather processing or dissemination system such as: Air Force JET, Navy's MIDDS, or National Weather Service AWIPS.
   
   + Minimum of one year of experience in the operation and interpretation on NEXRAD/OPUP.
   
   + Experience must be recent (within the last 5 years); may be concurrent
   
   We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and supports the contributions of each individual. This commitment along with our common Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility, allows us to leverage differences, encourage innovation and expand our success in the global marketplace. Vectrus is an Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability. EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find weather forecasters for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your weather forecaster job on Zippia to find and recruit weather forecaster candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit weather forecasters, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new weather forecaster

   Once you have selected a candidate for the weather forecaster position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new weather forecaster. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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