The Seattle Times, a family-owned news organization and one of the nation’s premier regional news sources, is hiring a temporary Environment Reporter. As a member of our Pulitzer Prize-winning newsroom, you will help lead coverage that focuses on environmental issues that affect people and ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. This beat reporter will contribute to the Times sweeping environment coverage and pursue stories that engage our growing digital audience. Ideally, you are a skilled reporter who can craft sharp explainers, decipher cutting-edge research and connect with the diverse communities of our region.

We’re looking for someone who can pivot from spot news and enterprise to news features. 

The Environment reporter will:

• Understand key environmental issues affecting the people and ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. 
• Generate story ideas that explore those issues and inspire wonder of the natural world 
• Understand the differing effects of environmental harms, such as climate change, on communities of people with varying social, economic, racial and ethnic backgrounds. 
• Write clear stories that are locally focused and also have national and international appeal. 
• Be immersed in research about the world’s climate crisis and the Pacific Northwest’s unique position in affecting government policy. 
• Yield diverse and knowledgeable sources who will help break news, track emerging research and add perspective to coverage. 
• Work with a team led by an Assistant Metro Editor/Environment Editor, and collaborate with beat reporters on other teams. 
• Work with colleagues in Photo, Graphics/Interactives and the Digital Audience Team to coordinate visuals and digital assets for stories. 
• Contribute to our general news coverage during breaking news events and work occasional nights and weekends.
• The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic colleague and a champion of our core values of accuracy, journalistic ethics and inclusiveness. 

Qualifications

We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive newsroom and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. If your profile doesn’t match this job description exactly, you may still be a candidate for this position. Please let us know how your skills and experience relate to the role and its objectives in your cover letter.

• Experience: At least two years’ work as a reporter for a newsgathering organization.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or relevant equivalent experience.
• Experience covering breaking news and filing from the field, including writing quick, accurate posts that are followed by more complete stories that provide necessary context and perspective.
• Collaborative spirit; diplomacy when communicating up, down and across teams.
• Strong command of standards, ethics and mission of journalism at The Seattle Times.
• Ability to analyze facts and make judgments about relevance, newsworthiness, fairness, etc., under pressure and on deadline.
• Cultural competence and awareness of best practices related to inclusive journalism.
• Experience in traditional, shoe-leather reporting, as well as using social media to find and source stories. Familiarity with digital news production, live blogging, and using analytics to inform story choices are also a necessity. 
• Ability to write clearly, accurately and creatively on multiple platforms and social networks.

This union position requires you to pay dues each month. You will also be required to take a pre-employment drug screen for controlled substances (excludes marijuana) and a criminal background check.

Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. We serve the Pacific Northwest with thoughtful, independent journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, we combine cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media… with an established audience of 2.1 million. At The Seattle Times, you'll find work that matters.

If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact Human Resources at careers@seattletimes.com and provide a description of the reasonable accommodation(s) needed.