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Weather Observer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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

Minimum two years training/experience as a meteorologist, meteorologisttechnicianor weather observer in the operation of upper air sounding equipment and making meteorological observations is ...

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

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Unarmed Security Guard

Maywood, IL · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Strong communication and observation skills * Ability to stay calm in a busy event * Comfortable working outdoors in various weather * Able to stand/walk for extended periods of time Ideal Candidates:

Crossing Guard

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$15.25 - $17.50/hr

Observe vehicles and pedestrians in the area of school crosswalks to report suspicious vehicles or ... Physically able to perform the duties of a crossing guard during any weather conditions. Ability to ...

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Weather Observer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21.6K

$55.2K

$111.9K

How much do weather observer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for weather observer in Chicago, IL is $55,219.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,109.00 and $64,151.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Weather Observer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Weather Observer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Weather Observer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Weather Observer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Weather Observer job openings:

Infographic showing various Weather Observer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,219 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 17 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