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Weather Observer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Vaccumer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$12 - $14.75/hr

Must be observant and able to spot potential problem vehicles. Involves use of electronic equipment ... Requirements: • Able to work outdoors in variable weather conditions • Able to stand for 4 ...

... all weather conditions Able to work overtime, nights, and weekends as required by the workload Observe and comply with all safety and project rules. Performs other duties as required. Equal ...

Laborer

Dry Fork, VA · On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... all weather conditions Able to work overtime, nights, and weekends as required by the workload Observe and comply with all safety and project rules. Performs other duties as required. Equal ...

Laborer - H1MS

Dry Fork, VA

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

... all weather conditions Able to work overtime, nights, and weekends as required by the workload Observe and comply with all safety and project rules. Performs other duties as required. Equal ...

... coaching while parents observe close-by. This role requires strong communication: clear ... Weather-related changes * Facility or field updates * Practice plan adjustments * Any time/location ...

... coaching while parents observe close-by. This role requires strong communication: clear ... Weather-related changes * Facility or field updates * Practice plan adjustments * Any time/location ...

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Showing results 1-20

Weather Observer information

See Virginia salary details

$20.4K

$52.3K

$106K

How much do weather observer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for weather observer in Virginia is $52,320.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,846.00 and $60,783.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Weather Observer vs Meteorological Technician?

AspectWeather ObserverMeteorological Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may require certifications in weather observationAssociate's or bachelor's degree in meteorology or related field; certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, often in remote or weather-sensitive locationsIndoor and outdoor; may involve equipment maintenance and data analysis
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies, weather stations, airportsNational Weather Service, research facilities, government agencies
Common Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Weather Observers primarily focus on collecting weather data through direct observation, often outdoors in various conditions. Meteorological Technicians typically have more advanced education and handle equipment maintenance, data processing, and analysis. Both roles are essential in weather forecasting and often work together within the same organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by Weather Observers during severe weather events?

Weather Observers often encounter significant challenges during severe weather, such as storms or extreme temperatures. These conditions may require extended hours of observation, quick and accurate data recording, and close attention to safety protocols. Additionally, Weather Observers must communicate rapidly with meteorologists and emergency services to ensure timely dissemination of critical weather information. Adaptability and a calm demeanor are essential to perform effectively under pressure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Weather Observer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Weather Observer, you need a solid understanding of meteorological principles, observational techniques, and typically a background in atmospheric sciences or related training. Familiarity with meteorological instruments, data collection systems, and weather reporting software is essential, and certification from organizations like the National Weather Service can be valuable. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for accurately recording and reporting weather data. These skills ensure reliable weather observations that are critical for forecasting, safety, and operational decision-making.

What does a Weather Observer do?

A Weather Observer is responsible for monitoring and recording atmospheric conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation. They use specialized instruments and equipment to collect accurate weather data, which is then reported to meteorological agencies or used for forecasting purposes. Weather Observers may work at airports, weather stations, or other field locations, and their observations are crucial for aviation safety, public warnings, and climate research.

What Does a Weather Observer Do?

As a weather observer, your responsibilities are to collect, record, and analyze weather conditions. In this role, you may research information about your observations, predict changes in prevailing conditions, and help decide whether or not to recommend sending out weather warnings. Many weather observers specialize in particular areas, such as supporting the military or local news stations, and specialization can affect your future career options. Weather observation usually requires monitoring conditions at all times, so employers may ask you to work nights, weekends, or holidays as necessary. You may be asked to go out into poor weather to gather information, so the ability to work in the heat, cold, rain, wind, or other environmental conditions as necessary is essential to this job.

What are the most commonly searched types of Weather Observer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Weather Observer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Weather Observer jobs in Virginia? For Weather Observer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Weather Observer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Weather Observer job openings:
Infographic showing various Weather Observer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,320 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Meteorological Operations Junior Technician

Meteorological Operations Junior Technician

ARES Corporation

Wallops Island, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

About ARES Corporation

ARES Corporation is an employee-owned aerospace and engineering services company supporting critical national programs across NASA, the Department of Defense, and other Federal agencies. For more than 30 years, ARES has provided engineering, mission operations, safety and mission assurance, information technology, and range support services for some of the nation's most complex aerospace missions. ARES is the prime contractor for the Wallops Range Contract supporting NASA Wallops Flight Facility. The contract provides mission-critical support for launch range operations, telemetry, radar, communications, meteorological services, engineering, maintenance, and sustainment activities supporting orbital and suborbital missions.

Position Overview:

ARES is seeking a Meteorological Operations Junior Technician to support the operation, maintenance, and deployment of meteorological instrumentation systems used in support of NASA launch operations, flight safety, weather monitoring, and mission planning activities. The successful candidate will support a variety of weather observation and atmospheric measurement systems while assisting senior technicians in ensuring reliable meteorological data collection and system performance in support of range operations and mission execution.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operate and maintain meteorological instrumentation systems supporting range and launch operations.
  • Support operation and maintenance of GPS sounding systems, aerostat sounding systems, wind tower systems, meteorological surface measurement systems, and laser ceilometers.
  • Perform troubleshooting, fault isolation, and corrective maintenance activities on meteorological equipment and associated support systems.
  • Assist with installation, calibration, testing, and deployment of weather instrumentation.
  • Interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
  • Utilize electronic test equipment including oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters, power meters, and signal generators.
  • Maintain operational logs, maintenance records, and preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Support meteorological data collection activities and system readiness efforts.
  • Ensure compliance with NASA, customer, and company operational, safety, and quality procedures.
  • Support field operations involving tower inspections, tower climbing, and equipment maintenance activities.
  • Travel to remote locations in support of meteorological and range operations as required.

Required Qualifications:

  • High Schooldiploma
  • Ability to troubleshoot electronic and instrumentation systems.
  • Ability to interpret schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical drawings.
  • Familiarity with electronic test equipment and instrumentation.
  • Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to travel approximately 25% of the year in support of mission requirements.
  • Ability to obtain National Weather Service certification within six months of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Two years of technical education in electronics, instrumentation, meteorology, or a related technical discipline.
  • Experience with meteorological instrumentation or meteorological ground station equipment may be substituted for technical education.
  • Experience with GPS ground station systems.
  • Experience with meteorological instrumentation and atmospheric measurement systems.
  • Experience supporting launch range, aerospace, communications, or technical field operations.
  • Tower climbing and tower maintenance experience.
  • Familiarity with preventive maintenance programs and technical documentation practices.
  • Experience working in a mission-critical operational environment.

Work Environment

This position is located at NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia. Work is primarily performed in operational and field environments supporting meteorological systems and range infrastructure. Shift work may be required based on mission schedules and operational requirements. Assignments may change or vary based on mission needs. Safety and quality awareness and compliance are required.

Security Requirements:

  • Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain required Government credentials and access approvals.

Key Candidate Attributes

  • Electronics and instrumentation fundamentals
  • Understanding of meteorological observation systems and weather instrumentation
  • Ability to troubleshoot and maintain technical systems
  • Mechanical aptitude and field maintenance experience
  • Ability to interpret schematics and technical documentation
  • Familiarity with electronic test equipment
  • Strong safety and procedural compliance mindset
  • Willingness to work outdoors and in operational environments
  • Ability to climb towers and perform physically demanding work
  • Strong teamwork, communication, and learning aptitude
  • Willingness to travel and support remote mission operations
  • Mission-focused attitude and commitment to operational excellence

ARES Benefits:

ARES offers a competitive compensation and benefit package. Full time employees may participate in:

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • HSA/FSA Accounts
  • Life & Disability Insurance
  • Critical Illness & Accident Insurance
  • ESOP
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off & Holidays

ARES is an equal opportunity employer and complies with E-Verify. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law. ARES shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a).