NWS & Freelance

[The Dutchman]

Geez... I haven't posted here in ages!

Anyway, just hoping to get some quick info if anyone who is still around here knows. I was called (unsolicited and out of the blue) about some possible fill-in opportunities at a station I used to work at. I now work for the NWS and know that there are some 'rules' that make it pretty tough to also do freelance work. I thought I remembered that there used to be one or two on this board who were actually doing both, and was hoping you might have some insight on whether its even worth looking into more formally or not. Feel free to PM me!

Thanks!

[Wx Chick]

Originally Posted by The Dutchman

Geez... I haven't posted here in ages!

Anyway, just hoping to get some quick info if anyone who is still around here knows. I was called (unsolicited and out of the blue) about some possible fill-in opportunities at a station I used to work at. I now work for the NWS and know that there are some 'rules' that make it pretty tough to also do freelance work. I thought I remembered that there used to be one or two on this board who were actually doing both, and was hoping you might have some insight on whether its even worth looking into more formally or not. Feel free to PM me!

Thanks!

From the NWS side of the coin, I have a feeling this would be highly frowned upon...especially if it's in a market your office covers. Not only because of the "favorites" thing, but I dont think you can have another weather job at the same time you're working for the NWS. I know there are a couple of people who do some selling of program/apps on their own, but I wasn't even comfortable doing something like that.

[Keyeser]

The only thing I remember seeing in writing is that you are not allowed to do TV because of the public/private sector stuff. Whether or not that is fair is another thread. They claim your taking jobs and pay from those in the private sector by doing it. If a station approached me directly (especially one I used to work for) it is obvious you aren't taking the opportunity away from anyone because they want YOU to do it. It is what it is, so the answer is no. I am not sure about non-weather related jobs. As long as you don't use your gov't standing for personal gain, I am to understand that it shouldn't be an issue. I think they try to be extremely conservative and really don't want you to do it because of any faint notion you are representing the gov't.