6 free templates by type: standard, broadcast, operational, forensic, research, and entry-level, with the type disambiguation and FLSA guidance the generic templates skip. Download as DOCX.
Meteorologist is one title for several different jobs. The same word names the person who presents the weather on air at a TV station, the forecaster who drives real-time decisions for an airline or a utility, the forensic expert who reconstructs past weather for a lawsuit, and the research scientist who builds the models behind the forecast. A search for a meteorologist job description returns templates blended across all of them, which fits none of them well.
This page separates the types. The six templates below cover a standard meteorologist, broadcast and TV, operational and forecasting, forensic and consulting, research and atmospheric science, and entry-level, each with the real duties and the right degree and classification notes. Name your type, use the matching template, and the posting reaches the right person. For the fundamentals behind any posting, the guide to writing a job description is a useful companion.
TL;DR
Meteorologist is one title for several jobs: broadcast, operational forecasting, forensic and consulting, and research. All fall under the federal occupation 19-2021 (Atmospheric and Space Scientists). The role needs a meteorology or atmospheric science degree (master's or PhD for research), is salaried and exempt, and is not licensed, though AMS credentials (CBM, CCM) help in some segments. Median pay is about $97,450 a year (May 2024), and the profession is small (about 9,400 jobs), concentrated at government, media, and universities. Download six templates as DOCX, by type.
What a Meteorologist Does
A meteorologist studies the atmosphere, interprets weather data, and produces forecasts and reports. The work is analyzing data from satellites, radar, and weather stations, running and reading forecasting models, issuing forecasts and severe-weather warnings, and communicating the results to the people who depend on them.
The federal occupation is 19-2021 Atmospheric and Space Scientists, which describes the role as investigating atmospheric phenomena and interpreting meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts, including weather analysts and forecasters. One occupation covers a wide range of very different day-to-day jobs.
The Types of Meteorologist
Before you write the posting, identify which type you need, because they do genuinely different work under one title and one federal occupation.
Type
What they do
Typical employer
Broadcast
Forecast and present weather on air
TV and radio stations, media groups
Operational / forecaster
Real-time forecasts that drive decisions
Government, large operators, weather services
Forensic / consulting
Reconstruct past weather for cases
Private weather firms (often small business)
Research / atmospheric scientist
Develop models, study weather and climate
Universities, government labs, R&D
Climatologist
Study long-term climate, not daily weather
Universities, research, government
The practical takeaway: a broadcast meteorologist and a forensic meteorologist are not interchangeable, so name the type plainly in the title and use the matching template. The one type a small business realistically hires is the forensic or consulting meteorologist at a private weather firm.
Meteorologist Duties and Responsibilities
Across the types, meteorologist duties cluster into four areas: data and analysis, forecasting and alerts, reporting and communication, and the specialty work that defines the role. The emphasis shifts by type, but the categories hold.
Data and analysis
Interpret satellite, radar, and station data
Run and read forecasting models
Analyze conditions and trends
Forecasting and alerts
Produce short- and long-range forecasts
Issue warnings for severe weather
Verify and improve forecast accuracy
Reporting and communication
Prepare reports, briefings, and products
Explain weather to non-experts
Document forecasts and methods
Specialty work
Present on air or brief operations
Reconstruct past weather for cases
Develop models or apply research
A broadcast meteorologist leans on presenting and graphics; an operational forecaster on real-time warnings; a forensic meteorologist on reconstruction and reports. For a structured way to scope the role before posting, the guide to defining job responsibilities walks through the process.
Which Template Should You Use?
Pick the template by the type of meteorologist you need. The core structure is the same across all six, but each emphasizes the duties, credentials, and employer context that fit a specific kind of role. Use this guide to choose.
Standard Meteorologist
General forecasting
The universal version: analyze data, produce forecasts, and communicate weather. Start here and adapt to your setting, with the do-you-need-one scope note built in.
Broadcast / TV
On-air, media
For an on-air weather presenter at a station: daily forecasts, graphics, severe-weather coverage, and audience brand. Usually a media-group employer, not a small business.
Operational / Forecaster
Decision-critical
For real-time forecasting that drives operations in aviation, energy, or transportation, with shift work and decision-support briefings.
Forensic / Consulting
Private firm (SMB)
For a private forensic or consulting weather firm, the one segment where a small business actually hires a meteorologist. Adds reports, the CCM credential, and expert work.
Research / Atmospheric Scientist
Universities, labs
For research roles that develop models and publish findings, typically requiring a master's or PhD at a university or research organization.
Entry-Level
First role
For a degreed but new meteorologist supporting senior staff while building forecasting experience, with realistic scope for the small candidate pool.
Name the Type in the Title
On air at a station: Broadcast. Real-time forecasting for operations: Operational / Forecaster. Past-weather analysis for legal or insurance cases at a private firm: Forensic / Consulting. Models and research at a university or lab: Research. A new degreed hire supporting senior staff: Entry-Level. General forecasting work: Standard. A posting that says only Meteorologist draws mismatched applicants across very different fields.
6 Free Meteorologist Job Description Templates
Download all six as a single Word document or copy individual templates. Each follows the same structure: employer overview, position summary, key responsibilities, qualifications, a scope or employer note, and how to apply, with an EEO statement. Fill in the brackets and post.
Download All 6 Job Description Templates
Standard, broadcast, operational, forensic, research, and entry-level meteorologist. All in one DOCX.
Template 1: Standard Meteorologist
The universal version: analyze data, produce forecasts, and communicate weather. Start here and adapt to your setting, with the do-you-need-one scope note built in.
Meteorologist Job Description (Standard)
METEOROLOGIST JOB DESCRIPTION
Employer: __
Location: [City, State / Remote / Hybrid]
Reports to: [Chief Meteorologist / Operations Lead / Owner]
[One or two sentences about your organization, the kind of weather work you do,
and the team this meteorologist will join.]
POSITION SUMMARY
[Employer Name] is hiring a Meteorologist to analyze atmospheric data, produce
forecasts, and communicate weather information to [the public / clients /
operations]. You will interpret data from surface and air stations, satellites,
and radar, prepare reports and forecasts, and support decisions that depend on
the weather.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Analyze meteorological data from satellites, radar, and weather stations
•Prepare and issue short- and long-range forecasts
•Monitor conditions and issue alerts for severe or changing weather
•Produce reports, briefings, and weather products for your audience
•Use forecasting models and meteorological software
•Communicate weather information clearly to non-experts
•Maintain accurate records of forecasts and verification
•Stay current on meteorological methods and tools
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science
•Strong knowledge of forecasting methods and meteorological software
•Ability to interpret models, radar, and satellite data
•Clear written and verbal communication
•Comfortable working shifts where 24-hour coverage is needed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Experience in the relevant setting (broadcast, operational, or consulting)
•AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) or Certified Consulting
Meteorologist (CCM), where relevant
•Master's degree for research or analytical roles
•Experience with the specific tools your team uses
NOTE ON SCOPE (read before posting)
A meteorologist is a degreed scientific role found mostly at government agencies
(NWS/NOAA), universities, broadcast networks, and research organizations. Make
sure the work genuinely requires a meteorologist rather than a weather-aware
operations or data role before posting at this level.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Compensation: $_____ per year [+ benefits]
To apply, send your resume to __ with relevant work samples.
[Employer Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 2: Broadcast Meteorologist (TV / Media)
For an on-air weather presenter at a station: daily forecasts, graphics, severe-weather coverage, and audience brand. Usually a media-group employer, not a small business.
Reports to: [Lead Forecaster / Operations Manager]
Employment type: Full-time, W-2
FLSA status: Exempt (salaried)
Compensation: $_____ per year
POSITION SUMMARY
[Employer Name] is hiring an Operational Meteorologist to produce forecasts that
drive real-time decisions for [aviation / energy / agriculture / transportation /
public safety]. You will monitor conditions around the clock, issue forecasts and
warnings, and brief the teams and clients who depend on the weather.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
•Monitor weather conditions and models continuously
•Issue forecasts, warnings, and tailored weather products
•Brief operations teams or clients on weather impacts
•Support time-critical decisions affected by weather
•Maintain forecast verification and quality
•Operate forecasting tools and decision-support systems
•Work shifts to ensure 24-hour or extended coverage
•Document forecasts and communications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science
•Strong operational forecasting skills under time pressure
•Ability to translate forecasts into clear decision guidance
•Familiarity with forecasting models and software
•Availability for shift work including nights and weekends
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Experience in the relevant industry (aviation, energy, etc.)
•AMS certification where relevant
•Experience with decision-support meteorology
•Knowledge of the tools and data your operation uses
NOTE ON SCOPE
Operational forecasting roles exist at government agencies, large operators, and
private weather services. Confirm you have a genuine 24-hour or decision-critical
forecasting need before hiring a dedicated meteorologist rather than buying a
weather-data service.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Compensation: $_____ per year
To apply, send your resume to __ with relevant experience.
[Employer Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Template 4: Forensic / Consulting Meteorologist
For a private forensic or consulting weather firm, the one segment where a small business actually hires a meteorologist. Adds reports, the CCM credential, and expert work.
•Bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science
•Solid foundation in forecasting principles
•Willingness to work shifts and learn on the job
•Strong attention to detail and communication
•Comfort with meteorological software and data
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•Internship or academic forecasting experience
•Programming or data analysis skills
•Familiarity with the tools your team uses
NOTE ON SCOPE
Entry-level meteorologist roles still require a meteorology or atmospheric science
degree. The pool is small and concentrated at agencies, media, and weather
services, so set realistic expectations for your market.
COMPENSATION AND HOW TO APPLY
Compensation: $_____ per year
To apply, send your resume and transcript to __.
[Employer Name] is an equal opportunity employer.
Degree, Certification, and FLSA
The defining requirement is education, not a license, and the role is salaried and exempt. Match the requirements to the type you are hiring.
Requirement
What to know
Degree
Bachelor's in meteorology or atmospheric science; master's or PhD for research
License
None; meteorology is not a licensed profession in the US
Certification
AMS CBM for broadcast, CCM for consulting, both optional and preferred
Skills
Forecasting models, data interpretation, clear communication
Schedule
Shift work common where 24-hour coverage is needed
Classification
Exempt, salaried (learned professional)
Keep the posting neutral and inclusive: the EEOC prohibits job advertisements that show a preference based on a protected characteristic, and the SHRM guide covers the standard sections of a job description. For more on the salaried, exempt classification, the exempt versus non-exempt guide explains the learned professional test.
Meteorologist Pay
Meteorologists are salaried, with pay varying widely by sector, so benchmark to the specific type and employer rather than a single number.
Median About $97,450 a Year (BLS)
Atmospheric and space scientists, which includes meteorologists, had a median wage of $97,450 a year as of the May 2024 data, with the lowest 10 percent under $49,990 and the highest 10 percent over $160,710 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). Employment is about 9,400, projected to grow about 1 percent through 2034, with roughly 700 openings a year.
Pay differs sharply by employer: the federal government and scientific research pay above the median, while broadcasting and small consulting firms run lower, and entry-level broadcast roles in small markets can start well below it. For a posting, benchmark to your specific sector and region, and include a good-faith range where your state or city requires pay transparency.
Who Actually Hires Meteorologists
The meteorologist hire turns on three honest questions the generic templates skip: which type you need, whether your business actually hires meteorologists at all, and how the degree and classification work. Here is what matters.
Name the type first: meteorologist is one title for several different jobs
Before you write a word, decide which meteorologist you need, because the title spans genuinely different work. A broadcast meteorologist presents the weather on air at a TV station; an operational meteorologist or forecaster issues real-time forecasts that drive decisions in aviation, energy, or public safety; a forensic or consulting meteorologist reconstructs past weather for legal and insurance cases at a private firm; and a research meteorologist or atmospheric scientist develops models and publishes findings at a university or lab. The federal occupation, 19-2021 Atmospheric and Space Scientists, groups all of them together, which is why a single search for a meteorologist job description returns templates aimed at very different roles. Pick the matching template and name the setting plainly in the title and summary so the right candidates apply.
Be honest about whether your business actually hires meteorologists
Meteorology is a small, mostly non-small-business profession, and being realistic about that saves a misfit search. There are only about 9,400 atmospheric scientists in the US, with roughly 700 openings a year, and the work concentrates at the federal government (about 31 percent of employment, mainly the National Weather Service and NOAA), universities, national broadcast groups, and research organizations. Most companies with five to fifty employees do not hire a meteorologist; they buy a weather-data service or use a weather-aware operations or data role instead. The one realistic small-business case is a private forensic or consulting weather firm, which is itself a small business hiring a narrow specialist. If that is you, the forensic and consulting template on this page is written for exactly that situation. If it is not, consider whether the work truly needs a degreed meteorologist.
The degree is the real barrier, and the role is salaried and exempt
A meteorologist needs a bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science, and research roles typically require a master's or PhD, so the education requirement, not a license, is what defines the candidate pool. Meteorology is not a licensed profession in the US; the AMS Certified Broadcast Meteorologist and Certified Consulting Meteorologist credentials are optional and matter mainly in broadcast and consulting, not legally required. On classification, the role almost always meets the FLSA learned professional exemption, because it requires advanced knowledge in a field of science acquired through prolonged specialized study, so a meteorologist is salaried and exempt rather than hourly. List the degree as required, list the AMS credentials as preferred where they fit, and set the role up as a salaried exempt position. This is general information, not legal advice.
From Hiring to Onboarding
The job description is step one. Once a candidate accepts, the same role becomes the basis for the offer and a structured onboarding, which matters most for the one realistic small-business case, a private weather firm hiring without an HR department. A smooth, repeatable process saves the owner time on every hire.
Send the offer
Confirm role, salary, and start date in writing, and have the offer letter and any NDA signed by e-signature before the first day.
Complete the basics
Form I-9, tax forms, and state new-hire reporting, plus any handbook acknowledgment, settled before day one.
Set up tools and access
Forecasting software, data feeds, and systems, with a clear map of what the meteorologist owns and how the team works.
Store the records
Keep signed forms, the offer, and any credential documentation organized in one place for easy reference.
Once your offer is ready, the offer letter template handles the terms, and an onboarding template gives the new hire a structured start. FirstHR connects the offer, paperwork, e-signatures, and onboarding workflow in one place so a small weather or consulting firm can run the full process from one system, with document management for signed forms and any credential records. FirstHR is an onboarding and HR platform, not a forecasting or weather-data tool, and it does not run payroll or administer benefits, so connect those separately. Applicant tracking is coming soon to FirstHR.
Key Takeaways
Meteorologist is one title for several different jobs: broadcast, operational, forensic, and research, all under federal occupation 19-2021.
Name the type plainly in the title and use the matching template, since a broadcast and a forensic meteorologist are not interchangeable.
The role needs a meteorology or atmospheric science degree (master's or PhD for research); meteorology is not a licensed profession.
AMS credentials (CBM for broadcast, CCM for consulting) are optional and preferred, not legally required.
The role is salaried and FLSA-exempt, with a median wage of about $97,450 a year (May 2024).
The profession is small and mostly non-small-business; the one realistic small-business hire is at a private forensic or consulting weather firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a meteorologist do?
A meteorologist studies the atmosphere, interprets weather data, and produces forecasts and reports. The federal occupation, 19-2021 Atmospheric and Space Scientists, describes the work as investigating atmospheric phenomena and interpreting meteorological data gathered by surface and air stations, satellites, and radar to prepare reports and forecasts. Day to day, that means analyzing data and models, issuing short- and long-range forecasts, monitoring and warning on severe weather, and communicating the results. The specifics depend heavily on the type of meteorologist: a broadcast meteorologist presents the weather on air, an operational forecaster drives real-time decisions, a forensic or consulting meteorologist reconstructs past weather for cases, and a research meteorologist develops models and publishes findings. Because the role varies so much, the first step in hiring is to name which type you need.
What are the main types of meteorologist?
There are several, and they do quite different work even though they share a title and a single federal occupation. Broadcast meteorologists forecast and present the weather on television, radio, and digital platforms. Operational meteorologists, also called forecasters, issue real-time forecasts and warnings that drive decisions in aviation, energy, transportation, and public safety. Forensic and consulting meteorologists, often at small private firms, reconstruct historical weather for legal, insurance, and engineering matters and may provide expert testimony. Research meteorologists and atmospheric scientists develop and improve models and study weather and climate, usually at universities, government labs, or research organizations. Climatologists focus on long-term climate rather than day-to-day weather. This page includes a separate template for the broadcast, operational, forensic, research, and entry-level versions, plus a standard baseline, so you can use the one that matches the role you actually need.
Is a meteorologist exempt or non-exempt from overtime?
A meteorologist is almost always exempt and salaried. The role generally meets the learned professional exemption under the Fair Labor Standards Act, because it requires advanced knowledge in a field of science (meteorology or atmospheric science) that is customarily acquired through a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction, which the required bachelor's degree provides. As a result, a meteorologist is typically paid an annual salary rather than an hourly wage and is not entitled to overtime, provided the salary meets the federal threshold and the duties genuinely involve that advanced knowledge. As always, classification depends on the actual duties and salary of the specific role, not the job title, so confirm close calls with a professional. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do you need a license or certification to be a meteorologist?
No state license is required to work as a meteorologist in the US, which sets the role apart from licensed professions like engineering or accounting. The real barrier is education: a bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science is effectively required, and research roles typically need a master's or PhD. Certification is optional and matters mainly in specific segments. The American Meteorological Society offers the Certified Broadcast Meteorologist (CBM) seal, common among on-air meteorologists, and the Certified Consulting Meteorologist (CCM) credential, valued in forensic and consulting work, which requires a degree, several years of experience, and passing written and oral exams. For most hires, list the degree as required and the relevant AMS credential as preferred rather than required. This is general information, not legal advice.
How much does a meteorologist make?
Meteorologists are salaried, with pay varying widely by sector. The federal occupation of atmospheric and space scientists, which includes meteorologists, had a median wage of $97,450 a year as of the May 2024 data, with the lowest 10 percent under $49,990 and the highest 10 percent over $160,710. Pay differs sharply by employer type: the federal government paid a median around $120,640 and scientific research and development around $106,300, while broadcasting and media ran lower, near $75,760, and other professional and technical services, where small consulting firms sit, was the lowest of the major industries. Entry-level broadcast roles in small markets can start well below the median. For a posting, benchmark to your specific sector and region, and include a good-faith pay range where your state or city requires pay transparency. This is general information, not legal advice.
Who actually hires meteorologists?
Mostly large organizations, not small businesses. About 31 percent of atmospheric scientists work for the federal government, primarily the National Weather Service and NOAA, and large shares work at universities, national broadcast media groups, and research organizations. The profession is small overall, with roughly 9,400 jobs and about 700 openings a year nationwide. Most companies with five to fifty employees never hire a meteorologist; they purchase a weather-data service or rely on a weather-aware operations or data role instead. The one genuine small-business exception is a private forensic or consulting weather firm, which is itself a small business hiring a narrow specialist, often with the CCM credential. If you are not a weather firm, it is worth asking honestly whether the work needs a degreed meteorologist or a weather-data subscription. This is general information, not legal advice.
What is the difference between a meteorologist and a weather forecaster?
In everyday use they overlap heavily, and a forecaster is usually a kind of meteorologist. A meteorologist is anyone who has studied the atmosphere scientifically, typically with a meteorology or atmospheric science degree, and the term covers broadcast, operational, forensic, and research work. A weather forecaster is a functional description for someone whose job is producing forecasts, which most operational and broadcast meteorologists do. The federal occupation explicitly includes weather analysts and forecasters whose work requires detailed knowledge of meteorology. In practice, if you want someone to produce forecasts, the operational meteorologist or forecaster template fits, and you should still require the degree. The titles weather forecaster, operational meteorologist, and meteorologist are largely interchangeable for forecasting roles. This is general information, not legal advice.
What should a meteorologist job description include?
A strong meteorologist job description first names the type of role, whether broadcast, operational, forensic, research, or entry-level, and says it plainly in the title and summary. It then lists the real duties grouped into data and analysis, forecasting and alerts, reporting and communication, and any specialty work such as on-air presenting or forensic reconstruction. State the bachelor's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science as required, with a master's or PhD for research roles, and list the relevant AMS credential (CBM for broadcast, CCM for consulting) as preferred rather than required. Note the salaried, FLSA-exempt classification and the schedule, including any shift work for 24-hour coverage. Close with an equal opportunity statement, a pay range where required, and clear instructions to apply, often with a work sample or demo reel. This is general information, not legal advice.
