Chief Meteorologist - MPR News

Job Description

Position Summary:

MPR News is seeking a skilled, on-air, full-time broadcast meteorologist and reporter to lead our weather team across all our audio, video, and digital channels. The person in this position will describe weather conditions and explain the scientific principles underlying the weather systems in easy-to-understand language. They will also provide urgent and extended coverage when there is significant weather news. The ideal candidate will have passion for and experience with weather extremes, and the ability to calmly describe intense weather and climate developments with accuracy and clarity.  They will build trust with the audience and the news team for consistent, fact-based information our communities need and seek.  In concert with news managers, they will set the vision and planning of the weather team to better serve our audiences, including content across channels and team schedules.

This position will work 40 hours a week, including evening, weekend, and holiday work as needed.

This position sits in the collective bargaining agreement between MPR and Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (“SAG-AFTRA”).

Expected Compensation Range: $94,499 - $113,399 USD annualized. Exact rate determined by experience and education related to the role, organizational compensation structure, and internal equity.

Work Location: St. Paul, MN

Application Process: Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Application Deadline: Until filled.

Position Responsibilities:

• Prepare and deliver a daily live, on-air conversation with MPR News hosts and newscasters.
• Plan weather and climate coverage and team responsibilities. 
• Update the MPR News weather blog.
• Be prepared to deliver additional coverage on-air and online if there is significant weather news.
• Contribute to MPR News’ social media platforms.
• Write and produce news stories related to weather and climate change.
• Fill in on other shifts as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

APMG offers a comprehensive benefits package including Medical plans with HSA and FSA options, Dental, Vision, Life and AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Parental Leave and Paid Caregiver Leave after 1 year, Vacation (3 wks./per year, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Sick time (12 days, pro-rated, based on hours worked), Holiday Pay (10 holidays + 2 floating holidays each year), Volunteer Time (8 hours per year), Long-Term Care and Critical Illness insurance options, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan, and more.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

We are committed to hiring a breadth of diverse professionals and encourage members of diverse groups to apply.

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.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in meteorology, climate, or science related field.
• Adept in all tools of modern weather forecasting systems including weather forecast models and Doppler radar and graphics creation.
• Currently possesses AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) Seal.
• Minimum 7 years professional announcing/broadcast experience.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, and some experience with online publishing is a must.
• Experience writing for broadcast and web-based platforms.
• Familiarity with social media platforms.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Up to date knowledge of climate change science.
• Knowledge of Minnesota place names, regional weather trends and history.
• Friendly and welcoming voice, style and on-air personality – able to sound engaged, enthusiastic, intelligent and inquisitive.
• Excellent interviewing and writing skills and a demonstrated interest in, and knowledge of weather.
• Engaging on-air presence.
• Ability to create impactful visual weather explainers.
• Accurate pronunciation of names, towns, and terms.
• Ability to work with others, under stressful deadline conditions, in a goal oriented, team environment.
• Knowledge of public radio system including its stations and audience composition; a listener to public radio.

Reporting To This Position:     None

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and additional hours when necessary.
• Ability to work a schedule of 40 hours a week, including Saturday and Sunday.

• Physical Demands:
  • Required to move about in an office environment and sit for extended periods of time
  • Frequent use of hands for data entry/keystrokes and simple grasping
  • Ability to work in the field for remote broadcasts and coverage of breaking news and weather events
• Working Conditions:
  • Moderate noise level

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