A Cooperative Weather Observer is currently needed within 5 miles of the following location:

• Harlan, Iowa (Shelby county)

What is the job of a Co-Op observer?

Being a volunteer National Weather Service (NWS) Co-Operative observer can be an interesting job. To provide accurate and complete weather data, an observation is taken once per day. This does not mean that someone has to be monitoring the "weather" all the time; instruments are provided to monitor temperature and precipitation. The daily observation includes the daily maximum and minimum  temperature, the precipitation, and snowfall. This generally is done between 6:30 and 8:30am, but observation times can be shifted to fit the observer’s schedule. This information is entered daily via a NWS web site or by using a toll free phone line.

What equipment do I use?

The placement and type of Cooperative Weather Observers is determined by the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) and the local NWS office. Generally cooperative stations are evenly spaced in relatively flat terrain (more than 30 miles apart) but may be closer together in hilly terrain or under special circumstances.

Personnel from the NWS will deliver, set up and maintain the necessary equipment. Typically, the Co-Op station consists of an electronic Temperature System and an 8 inch stainless steel rain gauge.

What kind of training is involved?

Training consists of on site, hands on instruction with the designated Co-Op Observer. This usually is done the same day as the equipment is installed and takes less than one hour. If necessary, additional training may be provided upon request. Basic equipment maintenance is discussed and the Co-Op observer is provided with a name ("point of contact") and a number should additional questions or problems arise.

If you have additional questions, please call (or e-mail) Joni Brand 402-359-5166 ext 606 or e-mail to:    w-oax.webmaster@noaa.gov .