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Weather Observer and Meteorologist (Night Shift)

Mount Washington Observatory
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Position: Night Weather Observer 

Basic Function 

This position plays a key role in maintaining the Observatory’s 24/7 presence atop Mount Washington and in ensuring the quality of its long-term meteorological record. The Night Observer works a 5 PM to 5 AM shift with a primary focus on hourly observation, forecasting, and nightly/weekly/monthly quality checks. This position requires strong attention to detail, exceptional time management, and aptitude to work as a team member. 

Assigned to one of two shifts, Observers operate the remote weather station by rotating an eight (8) day on six (6) day off schedule, changing shifts on Wednesdays. Working holidays and weekends over scheduled shifts is required. The Night Observer reports directly to the Summit Weather Operations Manager and Director of Weather Operations and additionally takes direction from the assigned Shift Leader. Additional responsibilities include helping to maintain the summit facility, providing hospitality to visitors and members, and the overall quality of our data gathering and dissemination. This position indirectly assists many other departments and positions on and off the summit within the Observatory. 

Basic Responsibilities 

The Night Observer is responsible for all night shift activities on the summit including, but not limited to:  

Data Collection & Quality 

  • Observe and record accurate hourly METAR (METeorological Aerodrome Report) weather observations to the National Weather Service 
  • Record weather data using written logs, digital databases, and paper charts, as appropriate 
  • Perform accurate and precise quality checks of all nightly, weekly, monthly, and yearly weather data on all relevant digital forms, charts, and databases 
  • Ensure data integrity through consistent quality control procedures  

Weather Forecasting & Communications 

  • Create and publish meteorologically informative and detailed daily (morning) forecasts for higher elevations and regional valleys 
  • Record and oversee several daily audio forecasts for broadcast on local and regional media platforms (e.g., TV and radio) 
  • Provide oversight of any additional daily forecasts 
  • Communicate current weather conditions in real-time through various means of communication to partners and customers.  

Instrumentation 

  • Perform routine maintenance on and calibration of meteorological instrumentation to ensure accurate data collection during all shifts 
  • Conduct basic troubleshooting of all meteorological instrumentation and associated data systems 
  • Monitor, track, and document any events related to meteorological instrumentation, ensuring maintenance of accurate logs  

Operations Support 

  • Contribute to building upkeep through seasonal preparation, snow removal, and monitoring 
  • Ensure a clean, neat, and orderly facility and living space 
  • Assist in the training of new interns and staff in all aspects of operations 
  • Troubleshoot basic IT issues (with support from IT staff) o Occasionally participate in tasks, events, activities outside of the night shift window o Support any additional partner projects under the auspices of Summit Operations as needed  

Outreach 

  • Write articles for the Observatory’s bulletin, Windswept o Produce and share MWOBS social media content 
  • Engage with summit visitors and assist with scheduled summit trips. 
  • Interact professionally with scientific, educational, and other expert communities 
  • Communicate with media, members, volunteers, and the public through written, verbal, and digital formats. 
  • Promote and partake in ongoing fundraising efforts 

Qualifications: 

Required  

  • Bachelor's degree in meteorology, atmospheric science, or related field  
  • METAR certification within three months of acceptance of position. Failure to achieve certification in this period will result in termination  
  • Must be able to self-evacuate in adverse weather conditions  
  • Have ability to lift more than 50 lbs., strength for shoveling, ability to climb stairs / ladders, and handle frequent exposure to combined high winds and low temperatures  
  • Serve as an Observatory ambassador in a professional and personable manner 

Qualifications Desired  

  • Master's degree in meteorology or atmospheric science  
  • Proficiency with Python and MySQL  
  • Understanding of how computers and networks operate to facilitate troubleshooting

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

  • Familiarity with social media communication and promotion  
  • Attention to detail in quality checks on observational data  
  • Strong written, verbal, and digital communication skills  
  • Computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft operating system and suite  Forecasting experience  
  • Experience delivering presentations to live audiences and in front of a camera  
  • Photo and video editing capabilities  
  • Comfortable in a group living environment  
  • First aid knowledge 

Evaluation 

Performance will be evaluated based on:  

  • Success of the overall summit’s role in accomplishing organizational goals and tasks outlined in the Observatory mission statement and strategic plan.  
  • Individual role in meeting or exceeding goals directly influenced by responsibilities  
  • Timely and accurate hourly weather observations and reports  
  • Courteous and professional representation of the Observatory to members, volunteers, guests, media, and other organizations  
  • Completion of daily and assigned tasks in a timely fashion  
  • Oversight of Observatory archives  
  • Upkeep and care of the summit facility, including work space, instrumentation, and living spaces  
  • Cooperation with other Observatory departments and staff  
  • Willingness to act as part of the summit and Observatory team as a whole  
  • Adherence to budgetary guidelines 

Time and Compensation 

This is an exempt salaried position.  

  • Observers work seven consecutive 12-hour night shifts (eight days), followed by six days off, with shift changes occurring on Wednesdays.  
  • A standard shift week consists of seven 12-hour worknights, with two hours of total breaks per shift/night.  
  • Flexibility is required for additional hours or schedule changes based on organizational needs, including events, transportation, emergencies, instrumentation issues, maintenance challenges, storm coverage, and personnel coverage, which may include swapping to the day shift (though rare).  
  • The Observer rotates on and off shift on Wednesdays throughout the year.  
  • Compensation includes a salary and the standard MWOBS benefits package. 

At-Will Employment: 

Employment with MWOBS is at-will under the laws of the State of New Hampshire. Employees are free to resign at any time, with or without cause, and MWOBS may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any lawful reason, with or without cause or advance notice. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.