Meteorologist Brian Smith is leaving WTVC News Channel 9 and has taken a job as director of marketing and communications with the city of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department.
Smith left his job at WDEF News 12 Now in 2011 to take a similar position with the city before he started working part-time at NewsChannel 9 filling in for vacationing weather people.
"The new job will be similar to what I was doing before with the city," he said in a telephone interview.
He said that city officials reached out to see if he was interested in the position.
"This go around, there will be a lot more emphasis on connecting people to the parks and the outdoor opportunities," he said.
Smith said that Mayor Tim Kelly and city officials view Chattanooga as a national park city, with more than 100 parks and miles of trails for hiking and biking, and plenty of trees and green spaces.
"I will focus on things to do, as well as education and connecting people with the outdoors," Smith said.
Smith is scheduled to start his new gig on Aug. 15 and said he is open to doing the part-time weatherman fill-in role again, if the new job allows for it down the line.
"It's still my passion and what I love what to do," he said. "I love being a weatherman, but this is a great opportunity."
Smith posted on his Facebook that his page there will remain.
"I will still provide some weather updates, crack a few jokes, and we will still have fun," he posted. "You will still see me and (daughter) Addie getting into crazy things togetherand (wife) Becca off to the side making sure we stay in line."
NewsChannel 9 on-air personality Kim Chapman said she and Smith work different schedules, but did know him to be a pleasure to be around.
"He's a nice guy with a good sense of humor who I know will be missed," she said.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354. Follow him on Twitter @BarryJC.