Classification Title:
Meteorologist
Job Description:
Bring Your Talent to a Unique and Exciting Team
The College of Journalism and Communications at the University of Florida, ranked as the No. 1 public university by the Wall Street Journal, seeks an innovative, experienced, and driven meteorologist to join our weather team. This position will prepare and deliver weather content through the College’s Division of Media Properties as well as the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network. This skilled professional will be expected to effectively communicate and connect to the diverse multi-market and multi-state population we serve.
This position also requires a strong desire to motivate and mentor the next generation of weather broadcasters. This will be accomplished by assisting with the oversight of our Meteorologists-In-Training Program. The Multimedia Meteorologist will have the privilege of developing students into the best weathercasters they can be and setting them up for success in today’s industry.
About the Opportunity
The Multimedia Meteorologist will prepare and present daily forecast products to be distributed on radio and TV in addition to our digital, social, and mobile platforms. These products will also include any element necessary to ensure high-quality weather content is always updated to maintain relevancy in our markets across the state of Florida.
The Multimedia Meteorologist will be required to independently interpret weather data, reports, maps, and models to create reliable forecasts. Most importantly, these skills will be used to provide timely public safety information during severe weather, tropical cyclones, and other emergency events throughout the state.
This position will also play a key role mentoring broadcast students in their development and progress. The Multimedia Meteorologist will coach and train students how to produce and deliver a weather forecast for television, radio, and social media. Through our comprehensive Meteorologists-In-Training Program, students will be taught how to interpret weather data for analysis, distribution, and application in all forms of communication. Skills in building graphics, newsroom operations, and team building will also be emphasized.
At the University of Florida, you will not only find competitive salaries, but you will enjoy elevated benefits and leave options, tuition assistance programs, and stability and support with opportunities for advancement and career growth that only UF can offer.
See yourself on the Meteorology team: https://vimeo.com/754922770/6fe5d75604?share=copy
About FPREN
As a nationally recognized leader in emergency communications, the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network (FPREN) is a collective of 14 public media stations that are locally staffed and equipped to stay on the air even during massive power outages. From our state-of-the art Storm Center at UF, we broadcast live weather safety, evacuation and emergency information on all public radio/TV stations as well as the Florida Storms app.
Surrounding high impact events, we promote preparation as well as response and recovery initiatives in close partnership with Emergency Management officials across Florida. In cooperation with our many government partners, we also provide year-round safety education, along with the information necessary to help residents make critical decisions to protect their life and property.
FPREN meteorologists work closely with the professionals and students at the College’s Division of Media Properties to provide multiplatform, local weather content on a daily basis.
About the Division of Media Properties
The College of Journalism’s Division of Media Properties, includes seven broadcast stations, allowing students from throughout the College to gain experience in a competitive broadcast and multimedia environment. More than 200 students work in news, sports, production, management positions, web design, promotions and advertising for the radio and television stations each semester.
Division of Media Properties: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/home/main-immersion/mediaproperties/
Innovation News Center: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/home/main-immersion/inc/
FPREN: https://www.wuft.org/weather/?station=wuft
About the University of Florida
The University of Florida, ranked as the No. 1 public university by the Wall Street Journal, is Florida’s land-grant institution. The University is a member of the Association of American Universities and is categorized in the Carnegie Commission’s top tier of research universities. UF, which has a student body of over 55,000 from all 50 states, is committed to fostering a welcoming community of students, faculty and staff and an environment where all feel welcomed and have the ability to grow and thrive. The University and greater Gainesville communities enjoy a diversity of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities. For more information, visit www.ufl.edu/about/.
About the College of Journalism and Communications (CJC)
CJC, consider by its peers as a premier institution, is one of the largest programs in the county with more than 2,500 undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students, on campus and online, studying advertising, journalism, public relations, and media production and management. A recognized national leader in the field, the College is accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications. A hallmark of the College is its real-world immersion venues and its Centers focused on STEM translational communication, public interest communications, media and technology trust, First Amendment and freedom of information. To learn more, visit jou.ufl.edu.
About Gainesville, Florida
As home to Florida’s largest and oldest university, Gainesville ( http://cityofgainesville.org ) is one of the state’s centers of education, medicine, cultural events, and athletics. Gainesville and the surrounding area are home to about 250,000 people, a robust arts community, several museums, a world-class health care system anchored at UF, a downtown core known for its restaurants and brew pubs, excellent public and private schools, and abundant nature exemplified by clear, natural springs. Additionally, within 2 hours are attractions such as Disney World, University Studios, Busch Gardens, and historic St. Augustine. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.
If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-4621 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).
For additional questions or more information, please contact search panel chair Jeff George at jeffrey.george@ufl.edu .
The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in also aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits and training.
Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws require that all documents relating to the search process, including letters of application, nomination, and reference, be available for public inspection.
Expected Salary:
$65,000 annually
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and two years of relevant experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in meteorology OR,
Bachelor’s degree in journalism/communications with a strong understanding of weather forecasting/meteorology
2+ years of broadcasting experience
Must haves:
Proficiency in Baron graphics systems (Accuweather and WSI experience will also be considered.)
Experience working with students and/or intern employees in a newsroom setting.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
Ability to multitask and work on multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Have a degree in meteorology and 2+ years of experience OR a degree in journalism/communications with a strong understanding of weather forecasting/meteorology and 2+ years in environment related reporting.
Nice to have but not essential:
2+ years in science/environmental-related reporting
National Weather Association (NWA) or American Meteorological Society (AMS) Seals
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Must upload a resume, cover letter, and list of 3 references for consideration.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:
No
Advertised: 26 Oct 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 08 Nov 2023 Eastern Standard Time