About this role
Part-Time Storm Chaser (Field Weather Coverage)
KOCO-TV is looking for a part-time Storm Chaser to join one of our many two-person severe weather chase teams. This is high-pressure, real-time work supporting on-air meteorologists during rapidly changing conditions. One team member drives. The other monitors radar, data, and communications. Precision, calm judgment, and ethical decision-making are non-negotiable.
Role Overview
Storm Chasers provide critical, ground-level reports during severe weather events. This position may serve as either the driver or the radar/data operator, depending on assignment.
Key Responsibilities
- Safely operate a vehicle or monitor radar, weather data, and communications from the passenger seat during severe weather.
- Capture live and recorded video using station-authorized equipment for on-air and digital platforms.
- Report live on-air observations when directed.
- Relay accurate, timely storm details to station meteorologists, including severity, movement, and real-time conditions from the field.
- Monitor weather conditions before and during deployments to anticipate storm development.
- Adhere strictly to journalistic ethics, safety protocols, and station policies at all times.
Work Schedule
- No fixed schedule. Hours are dictated by weather conditions.
- Availability required on short notice when severe weather is forecast.
- Assignments are made at the direction of station meteorologists or news management.
Important Note
This is not a casual field position. Severe weather coverage is intense, unpredictable, and safety critical. Teamwork, judgment, and professionalism are essential.
Required Qualifications
- Clean driving record (required for all team members).
- Strong situational awareness and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Understanding of and commitment to journalistic ethics and accuracy.
- Ability to follow direction precisely and communicate clearly in fast-moving situations.
- Willingness to work in all weather conditions.
Values in Action
At Hearst Television we tell stories every day. Stories about people of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities. That’s why, behind the scenes, we believe in being an organization that fosters collaboration and open communication, ensuring that the content we create is authentic, accurate, and connected to the communities we serve.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. we do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national, origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Other facts
About Hearst
As one of the nation’s largest global, diversified information, services and media companies, Hearst has been leading with purpose and integrity and innovating for more than a century. With a mission to inform audiences and improve lives, the company’s portfolio includes global financial services leader Fitch Group; Hearst Health, a group of medical information and services businesses; Hearst Transportation, which includes CAMP Systems International, a major provider of software-as-a-service solutions for managing the maintenance of jets and helicopters; 35 television stations; 24 daily and 52 weekly newspapers; more than 200 magazine editions around the world and ownership in cable television networks A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime and ESPN.
Leading with purpose, Hearst is always moving forward. With a commitment to the highest quality in our products and services, we’re investing in healthcare solutions to help improve patient outcomes and technology that curbs emissions. Our brands are providing vital analysis, data and software to the global financial services industry; delivering important service and investigative journalism; and inspiring audiences with sports and entertainment programming. And we are dedicated to serving the communities it operates in, both civically and philanthropically.
What you'll do
- Storm Chasers provide critical reports during severe weather events, either driving or monitoring radar and data. They must capture video and relay storm details to meteorologists in real-time.
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