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Certified Weather Observer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Weather Observer

Charleston, SC · On-site

$81K - $100K/yr

SUMMARY The Senior Weather Observer observes and records weather conditions that are used in ... CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION A valid USA passport is required and is reimbursable. Must be ...

FAA Weather Observer certification required. * Must have valid driver's license and acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years to be eligible under company vehicle insurance policy.

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Certified Weather Observer information

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How much do certified weather observer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified weather observer in the United States is $28.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a certified weather observer do?

A Certified Weather Observer is responsible for monitoring, recording, and reporting weather conditions such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure. They use specialized instruments and adhere to strict protocols to ensure the accuracy and consistency of weather data. Their observations are essential for aviation safety, weather forecasting, and climate research. Certified Weather Observers often work for government agencies, airports, or meteorological organizations and must complete specific training and certification requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a certified weather observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Weather Observer, you need a solid understanding of meteorological principles, data collection, and observation techniques, usually backed by relevant certifications such as those from the National Weather Service. Familiarity with specialized weather observation instruments, data entry systems, and reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for accurate observation and timely reporting. These competencies ensure precise weather data collection, which is critical for forecasting, public safety, and scientific research.

What are some common challenges faced by certified weather observers during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Certified Weather Observers often work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure continuous weather monitoring. This schedule can present challenges such as maintaining consistent sleep patterns and balancing work-life commitments. To manage these challenges, it's important to develop good sleep hygiene, stay organized with shift rotations, and communicate proactively with team members to coordinate coverage and share observational duties. Many organizations also provide resources or guidelines to help staff adapt to shift work and minimize fatigue.

What is the difference between Certified Weather Observer vs Weather Technician?

AspectCertified Weather ObserverWeather Technician
Required CertificationsYes, often includes certification from NOAA or similar agenciesSometimes requires certifications, but less standardized
Work EnvironmentField-based, observing weather conditions at specific locationsField or lab-based, maintaining and calibrating equipment
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government agencies, meteorological servicesWeather service providers, research institutions

The Certified Weather Observer primarily focuses on collecting weather data through direct observation, often requiring specific certifications. Weather Technicians may perform similar tasks but often include equipment maintenance and calibration. While both roles support meteorological data collection, the Certified Weather Observer emphasizes observation skills and certification requirements, making it the more specialized role for weather data collection in the field.

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What are popular job titles related to Certified Weather Observer jobs?

For Certified Weather Observer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Certified Weather Observer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,257 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Senior Weather Observer

Charleston, SC • On-site

Cni
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees

$81K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY

The Senior Weather Observer observes and records weather conditions that are used in forecasting and relayed to aircraft and other locations, as well as assist the forecast team in weather product preparation and dissemination, to include providing briefings.

This is a seasonal position which deploys to McMurdo Station, Antarctica to conduct work locally. The United States Antarctica Program requires all personnel deploying to Antarctica to pass a physical qualification.

Chickasaw Nation Industries, Inc.serves as a holding company with multiple subsidiaries engaged in several lines of business (Business Services, Health, Infrastructure and Engineering, Mission Optimization, Technology and Transportation) for the federal government and commercial enterprises. A portion of our profits is used to support Chickasaw citizens. We are proud to support the economic development and long-term viability of the Chickasaw Nation and its people.

As a federal contractor, CNI is a drug-free workplace and adheres to the Federal Controlled Substance Act.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Responsible for the integration of CNI Core Competencies into daily functions, including: commitment to integrity, knowledge/quality of work, supporting financial goals of the company, initiative/motivation, cooperation/relationships, problem analysis/discretion, accomplishing goals through organization, positive oral/written communication skills, leadership abilities, commitment to Affirmative Action, reliability/dependability, flexibility and ownership/accountability of actions taken.

Takes, records and disseminate surface weather observations, and complete necessary forms in accordance with Federal, Department of Defence (DoD), and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines.

Records, transmits and archives METAR/SPECI and synoptic observations in accordance with established procedures and in support of the Global Climate Observing System.

Prepares balloon, radiosonde, and ground tracking equipment for use in the upper-air program.

Performs the launch and tracking of the rawinsonde package. Evaluate and transmit atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind direction and speed encoded from the radiosonde flight data.

Assists the Weather Forecaster in forecast preparations which may include station forecasts, helicopter briefs, visual flight rules briefs, WEAX, and recreational safety weather briefs.

Responsible for aiding in own self-development by being available and receptive to all training made available by the company.

Plans daily activities within the guidelines of company policy, job description and supervisor's instruction in such a way as to maximize personal output.

Responsible for keeping own immediate work area in a neat and orderly condition to ensure safety of self and co-workers. Will report any unsafe conditions and/or practices to the appropriate supervisor and human resources. Will immediately correct any unsafe conditions as the best of own ability.

Promotes and encourages a culture of compliance with all applicable rules (federal, state, local, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, Prime Contract requirements, etc.) for themselves and the company as a whole. Fosters an environment in which they will report any violations or reasonably suspected violation of CNI policy, FAR, and/or CFR and are comfortable discussing the myriad compliance, conflict, FAR, CFR, etc. issues that arise during the performance of a government contract.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and minimum of four (4) years of experience as a qualified weather observer for surface observations including two (2) years at an aviation weather facility.

Specific Experience: a minimum of an additional one (1) year of observing experience in Antarctica is required.

Additional experience in personnel management, curriculum development, and case study generation, is preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

A valid USA passport is required and is reimbursable.

Must be able to obtain a T1 Clearance through the government customer.

Must pass internal background checks.

JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

Knowledgeable in all aspects of weather observing.

Must be able to perform job duties in extreme, cold, dark, work environments.

Must pass medical and dental examination prior to deployment; expenses are reimbursable.

Ability to follow directions and work independently or with a team.

Ability to be reliable in attendance/punctuality.

Ability to practice and promote required safety standards.

Skilled proficiency conducting audits and utilizing quality management systems.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to cooperate and negotiate with teammates and customers to find mutually acceptable solutions.

Ability to organize work, set priorities, and determine resource requirements.

Organization, problem-solving, resolution and critical thinking skills.

Customer service and relationship-building skills.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform successfully the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily performed in an office environment. Regularly required to sit. Regularly required use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms to handle objects and operate tools, computer, and/or controls. Required to speak and hear. Occasionally required to stand, walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. May occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Exposed to general office noise with computers printers and light traffic.

This position requires a physical qualification for deployment to Antarctica.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or other legally protected status.

Your application submission will be considered for all potential employment opportunities with Chickasaw Nation Industries (CNI).