Independent Contractor – Weather Media Scout
Position Type: Independent Contractor (1099)
Location: Remote (Regional Pennsylvania Coverage)
About PA Weather Action
PA Weather Action is one of Pennsylvania’s leading independent weather organizations, providing trusted forecasts, breaking weather updates, and coverage of severe weather, flooding, winter storms, fall foliage, and other notable weather events to hundreds of thousands of people across social media.
We’re seeking an independent contractor to help identify high-quality, original weather-related media from across Western Pennsylvania that informs, engages, and grows our audience.
Position Overview
The Weather Media Scout is responsible for locating timely, high-quality, original weather-related photos and videos from PA Weather Action’s Facebook page and public social media communities, obtaining permission from content creators when necessary, and submitting complete media packages for editorial review.
This position is ideal for someone who closely follows weather, seasonal events, and local social media, and has an eye for compelling visual content.
Responsibilities
- Monitor PA Weather Action’s Facebook page comments and relevant public Facebook groups for original weather-related photos and videos.
- Identify qualifying media within 8 hours of its original posting whenever possible.
- Prioritize high-quality vertical videos (Reels), followed by high-quality photographs.
- Search for content featuring weather and seasonal events including, but not limited to:
- Severe thunderstorms
- Tornadoes
- Flooding
- Winter storms
- Snowfall and ice
- Hail
- Lightning
- Rainbows
- Sunrises and sunsets
- Fog
- Fall foliage
- Unique cloud formations
- Weather damage
- Any other noteworthy weather or seasonal phenomenon
- Verify that submitted media:
- Is original content created by the author.
- Is not AI-generated or digitally manipulated.
- Is current and accurately depicts the weather or seasonal event.
- Has not previously been published by PA Weather Action.
- When media is found on a Facebook page, group, or other social media account not owned or operated by PA Weather Action, obtain permission from the content creator before submitting it by contacting them through a public comment or direct/private message.
- Include documentation of the creator’s permission (such as a screenshot of the conversation) whenever permission was required.
- Collect and submit the following with every media submission:
- Creator’s name
- Location where the media was captured
- Date and approximate time the media was captured (when available)
- Link to the original post
- Proof of permission (when applicable)
- Write a short, engaging caption suitable for Facebook.
- Submit all materials to PA Weather Action for editorial review and approval.
Editorial Standards
Submission of content does not guarantee publication.
PA Weather Action retains sole editorial discretion over whether submitted content is published. Publication decisions are based on factors including, but not limited to:
- Media quality
- Originality
- Timeliness
- Accuracy
- Audience engagement potential
- Viral potential
- Newsworthiness
- Overall fit with PA Weather Action’s editorial standards
Preference will generally be given to:
- High-quality original Reels and videos.
- High-quality original photographs.
Compensation
This is a 1099 independent contractor position.
For media submitted by the contractor that is approved and published on PA Weather Action’s Facebook page, the contractor will receive:
- 60% of the net Facebook content revenue generated by the specific Facebook post or Reel featuring the contractor’s submitted media.
For purposes of this agreement, “Facebook content revenue” means the net revenue actually received by PA Weather Action from Meta that is directly attributable to the specific Facebook post or Reel containing the contractor’s submitted media.
This does not include revenue from sponsorships, subscriptions, Stars, bonuses, merchandise sales, affiliate income, advertising unrelated to the specific post, or any other revenue sources not directly tied to that individual piece of content.
Revenue calculations will be based on the final earnings reported by Meta for the applicable post or Reel.
Compensation is earned only for content that is approved and published by PA Weather Action. Submission of content alone does not guarantee publication or payment.
Payments will be made after PA Weather Action receives the applicable revenue from Meta.
Preferred Qualifications
- Longtime follower of PA Weather Action or another established weather forecasting organization, with a strong understanding of weather coverage and familiarity with local Facebook community groups.
- Strong interest in meteorology, weather, and seasonal events.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to identify authentic, timely, high-quality content.
- Strong written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently.
- Ability to respond quickly during active weather events.
Independent Contractor Notice
This opportunity is offered as a 1099 independent contractor position. Contractors are responsible for determining how they perform the services described, providing their own equipment, maintaining any necessary internet and communication services, and complying with all applicable federal, state, and local tax obligations.
Nothing in this posting or any resulting agreement shall be construed as creating an employer-employee relationship between PA Weather Action and the contractor.
Regional Openings
This posting may be offered in the following coverage areas:
- Weather Media Scout – Western Pennsylvania
- Weather Media Scout – Central Pennsylvania
- Weather Media Scout – Eastern Pennsylvania
Each contractor will be responsible for sourcing content primarily within their assigned region while maintaining the same standards, responsibilities, and compensation structure.
Regional Map
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