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Operational Meteorologist Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Provides overall coordination for preventive maintenance, repair, and operation of the station meteorological systems with the Meteorologist, Senior andNIWCMeteorological Technician.

Provides overall coordination for preventive maintenance, repair, and operation of the station meteorological systems with the Meteorologist, Senior andNIWCMeteorological Technician.

The Meteorologist Senior will perform tasking under the supervision of the Meteorological Operations Manager. Position Responsibilities(not all inclusive): * Maintains a safe workplace program and ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

... meteorology, oceanography, hydrography, bathymetry, geophysics, and precise time and astrometry ... Serve as the one-of-one geophysical expert at an operational command. What to Expect Serve in a ...

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Operational Meteorologist information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$38.1K

$99.3K

$125.8K

How much do operational meteorologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for operational meteorologist in Chicago, IL is $99,256.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $101,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an operational meteorologist do?

An Operational Meteorologist analyzes weather data, creates forecasts, and provides real-time weather warnings to help industries and the public make informed decisions. They use radar, satellite imagery, and computer models to monitor atmospheric conditions. These professionals often work in government agencies, broadcasting, aviation, or private weather services, ensuring timely and accurate weather information.

What does a typical day look like for an operational meteorologist?

A typical day for an Operational Meteorologist includes analyzing weather data from satellites, radars, and observation stations to generate short-term and long-term forecasts. You'll be tasked with updating forecasts throughout your shift, delivering briefings to stakeholders such as emergency management teams or media outlets, and issuing alerts for severe weather conditions as necessary. The role often involves shift work, including nights and weekends, to provide 24/7 coverage. Collaboration with other meteorologists, IT specialists, and sometimes public safety officials is common, making teamwork and clear communication crucial parts of the job.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operational meteorologist?

To thrive as an Operational Meteorologist, you need a solid background in atmospheric sciences, data analysis, and weather forecasting, typically supported by a degree in meteorology or a related field. Familiarity with meteorological software, radar systems, and tools like AWIPS (Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System) is essential, and certifications from organizations such as the American Meteorological Society can be advantageous. Strong communication, teamwork, and decision-making skills are important for conveying complex weather data to varied audiences and collaborating effectively. These competencies enable operational meteorologists to provide accurate forecasts and timely warnings, ensuring public safety and supporting critical industries.

How much does an operational meteorologist make?

An operational meteorologist typically earns between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior or specialized roles with advanced certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in government agencies or private sectors with 24/7 operational needs.

What do you need to be an operational meteorologist?

To become an operational meteorologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or a related field. Strong skills in weather analysis, forecasting, and familiarity with meteorological tools and models are essential, along with good communication abilities. Some positions may require certification or experience with specific forecasting software and a flexible work schedule, including shift work.

What is an operational meteorologist?

An operational meteorologist is a professional who analyzes weather data and forecasts to provide real-time weather information for decision-making in sectors like aviation, emergency management, and transportation. They use tools such as weather models, radar, and satellite imagery and often work in shifts to ensure continuous coverage. Certification from organizations like the American Meteorological Society can enhance job prospects.

What type of operational meteorologist makes the most money?

In the field of operational meteorology, senior roles such as lead meteorologists or those working in specialized sectors like aviation, energy, or defense tend to have higher salaries. These positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in forecasting tools and models. Generally, meteorologists in management or consultancy roles also earn higher wages compared to entry-level positions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operational Meteorologist jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Operational Meteorologist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Operational Meteorologist jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Operational Meteorologist jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Operational Meteorologist job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,256 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science,securityand sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentlessambitionand boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety,collaborationand well-being are integral to success.

Summary:

Supports the National Science Foundation managed United States Antarctic Program as part of the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC). The Meteorologist will performall weathertasking under the supervision of the Senior Meteorologist.

Position Responsibilities(not all inclusive):

  • Maintains a safe workplace program and ensures that safety is the highest priority in the workplace.

  • Complies withall ASC Environmental, Safety and Health (ESH), Waste Management and Quality Assurance requirements, goals,policiesand procedures.

  • Supportsaircraftoperations, research groups and the surface, upperairand climatological programs.

  • Prepares,launchesandmonitorsupper air sounding equipment and evaluates, encodes,decodesand transmits the acquired data to organizations worldwidein a timely manner.

  • Observes,recordsand encodes surface weather in METAR and synoptic WMO coded format on an hourly basis during the austral summer, and on asix-hourlybasis during the winter.This timeline can flex due to aviation schedules.

  • Assistsin the preparation of the weekly,monthlyand annualclimatogicaland administrative reports. Activelyparticipatesin station quality control standards ensuring the accuracy of all distributed meteorological data and inmaintainingthe long-term climatological database. Monitors specific meteorological parameters for research group.

  • Provides overall coordination for preventive maintenance, repair, and operation of the station meteorological systems with the Meteorologist, Senior andNIWCMeteorological Technician.

  • Assistsinmaintaininginventory controls and logs for the department.

  • Conducts all operationsin accordance withthe ASC standard operating procedures.

  • As required, activelyparticipatesin other general station operations includingassistancein keeping buildings clean, re-supply, and inventorying of station supplies, galley support, and cargo handling.

  • Interacts with National Science Foundation,militaryand other agency officials.

  • Performs other duties asrequired.

Required Education, Experience, Certificates and Licenses:

  • Bachelor of Science degreerequired. Military Meteorology or equivalent experience accepted in lieu of a degree.

Expected Skills and Competencies:

  • Proficient in METARand synoptic WMO coding

Preferred:

  • Degree in Meteorology

  • Experience taking METARobservationsand familiarity with synoptic WMO coding

  • One year'verifiedtraining/experience as a meteorologist, meteorologisttechnicianor weather observer in the operation of upper air sounding equipment and making meteorological observations is preferred.

  • Experience with upper air sounding equipment

  • Previousexperience withremote operations/locationspreferred.

Physical and/or Other Requirements:

  • Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods

  • Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica

  • Successful completion of drug screening and background check required by employer

  • Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF

  • Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position.

  • Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position.

  • Mustparticipatein community programs, such as "house-mouse" (chores), "daisy-picking" (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safetyobjectives.

  • No clearance requirement but the contract and/or the site requires US Citizenship to be approved for access. (includes NACI / T1, MRPT, CAC): Must be able to obtain andmaintainfacility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship isrequiredfor facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Safety- Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing andmaintaininga safe work environment. Asappropriate, each employeeis responsible forcompleting all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddyaid responsibilities,participatingin emergency response tasks, and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality- Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations.Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance- Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policiespertaining tojob.

We are an equal opportunityemployerand all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Amentum is a drug free workplace.

Boots Required: YesXNo