Chief Meteorologist

TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA) is an innovative media company that serves the greater good of our communities. Across platforms, TEGNA tells empowering stories, conducts impactful investigations and delivers innovative marketing solutions. With 64 television stations in 51 U.S. markets, TEGNA is the largest owner of top 4 network affiliates in the top 25 markets among independent station groups, reaching approximately 39 percent of all television households nationwide. TEGNA also owns leading multicast networks True Crime Network and Quest. TEGNA Marketing Solutions (TMS) offers innovative solutions to help businesses reach consumers across television, digital and over-the-top (OTT) platforms, including Premion, TEGNA’s OTT advertising service. For more information, visit www.TEGNA.com.

WZZM 13 ON YOUR SIDE, the TEGNA-owned ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Michigan is looking for a dynamic and engaging Chief Meteorologist to lead our passionate team. The ideal candidate thrives in sustained severe weather coverage during major events, while still being able to tell a relevant audience-focused forecast daily. The key responsibility is to oversee our weather team and be responsible for ensuring the quality and reliability of weather information. The role requires expertise in meteorology, strong leadership skills and the ability to communicate complex weather information in a clear and concise manner. We are looking for a team player who can lead with every aspect of meteorology, from forecasting, to preparing graphics, to reporting in the field.  You will be an integral part of severe weather coverage, and reaching our consumers not only on TV, but online and on social media. The ideal candidate embraces new technology and is willing to explore new ways to present the weather story. As a central member of the weather department, the ideal candidate is a team player who works alongside the News Director to plan and shape future shows, important weather events and explainers.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead and manage a team of meteorologists providing guidance, support and training to ensure accurate and consistent weather forecasts


• Provide accurate and compelling weather forecasts in a multi-platform environment


• Prepare and deliver severe weather updates on all platforms, interrupting regular programming as necessary


• Produce clean, creative and informative graphics to tell the weather story


• Fill in on other shifts when necessary


• Oversee the operation and maintenance of meteorological equipment and software, ensuring proper calibration and functionality


• Update digital platforms and interact with viewers on social media platforms daily


• Perform special projects and other duties as assigned


• Make public appearances


• Coordinate with external agencies, such as the National Weather Service or emergency management organizations, to exchange critical weather information and collaborate on emergency response plans

Requirements: 

• BA/BS degree in Meteorology, Geoscience or Atmospheric Science


• Minimum 5-7 YEARS on-air meteorology experience required with a demonstrated ability to provide accurate and reliable forecasts in a professional broadcasting environment


• Knowledge of WSI necessary


• Certification from recognized meteorological organizations is desired


• Be proficient at posting content to various websites and social media; computer literacy required, including weather and newsroom computer systems


• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays, and fill-in when necessary


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment

TEGNA offers comprehensive benefits designed to safeguard the physical, mental and financial health of our employees and their families. TEGNA offers two medical plan options for full and part-time employees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, as well as access to dental and eye care coverage; fertility, surrogacy and adoption assistance; disability and life insurance.

Our 401(k) program offers full, part-time and temporary employees the opportunity to contribute 1% - 80% of their pay on a pre-tax basis to TEGNA’s 401(k). Contributions made up to the first 4% of pay are eligible for a 100% match from the company and are 100% vested from day one.

Regardless of participation in TEGNA medical plans, ALL employees and their eligible family members receive nine free virtual doctor’s appointments with a physician through Teladoc, and 12 free annual therapy sessions with a licensed clinician through Spring Health.

TEGNA offers a generous Paid Time Off (PTO) benefit as well as nine paid holidays per year. 

* Some jobs are covered by a collective bargaining agreement and thus some or all of the benefits described herein may not apply. For example, some newsroom bargaining unit employees receive health and retirement benefits under plans administered by the union.

EEO statement:

TEGNA Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring and developing individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences to add to our collaborative culture. We value and consider applications from all qualified candidates without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, disability, medical condition, enrollment in college or vocational school, political affiliation, military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. TEGNA will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. If you are in need of an accommodation in order to submit your application, please email askhr@tegna.com 

Recruiting Fraud Alert:To all candidates: your personal information and online safety are important to us. Only TEGNA Recruiters or Hiring Managers will reach out to you regarding consideration of your application or background.  Communications with TEGNA employees will either come from a TEGNA email address with a domain of tegna.com or one of our affiliate station domains.  Recruiters or Hiring Managers will never request payments, ask for financial account information or sensitive information such as social security numbers. If you are unsure if a message is from TEGNA, please email askhr@tegna.com.