Chief Meteorologist - MPR News

American Public Media Group • Saint Paul, MN

8d • Onsite

About The Position

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”).

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level