Environment/Outdoors Reporter
The Reno Gazette Journal /RGJ.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for an experienced reporter to cover the environment, outdoors and climate-related breaking news.
This reporter should have the quick-twitch muscles to cover breaking news from wildfires, blizzards and floods for a local and national audience, the instincts to find fresh angles on slower-moving disasters such as drought and extreme heat or cold, and the analytical skills for data-driven deep dives into the climatic forces behind these events and their impact on the communities of Nevada and beyond.
Collaboration with other USA TODAY Network sites in the West can result in stories with a national impact. This position often produces work that leads the home page of USA TODAY.
Outdoor recreation is a big part of the lifestyle of Northern Nevada, where Sierra Nevada ski resorts, Lake Tahoe and the Great Basin desert provide a near-endless supply of issues, events and people to cover. Nevada is also seeing the effects of development and industry on habitats that are environmentally and culturally sensitive, as mining and housing growth encroach on threatened species and traditional Native lands. Developing sources from both mega-corporations and underserved communities is essential.
The Reno newsroom is known for punching above its weight, with a culture of watchdog and investigative reporting and holding those in power to account. The RGJ has taken first place for public service in multiple Best of Gannett and Nevada Press Association contests, won a Murrow award for a documentary on sex trafficking, and was a Knight Public Service Award finalist in addition to winning a Pulitzer for commentary.
Reno sits at the confluence of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin, providing a huge variety in recreational opportunities – with more than a dozen ski resorts; hundreds of cross-country skiing, hiking and mountain bike trails; rivers; the Black Rock Desert; Lake Tahoe; and the Tahoe Rim and Pacific Crest trails all within easy reach. Skiers and mountain bikers can easily get a few runs in before or after work just minutes from our downtown office.
The RGJ newsroom overlooks the Truckee River in the heart of Reno, with restaurants, bars (both with and without axe-throwing), escape rooms, boutiques, casinos, parks and museums within walking distance. The summer season is full of activities – a monthlong arts festival; food truck Fridays; hot-air balloon, motorcycle and vintage car festivals; rodeo; concerts and more.
RGJ parent company Gannett has been recognized as one of Forbes 2023 Best Employers for Diversity. This honor reflects Gannett’s continued commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equity. Gannett also was awarded a 2023 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America (MHA) for its commitment to employee mental health and well-being.
Responsibilities
Create storytelling that informs and engages audiences as a leading voice in your areas of expertise.
Use metrics to inform story choices and maximize impact.
Think creatively about how to tell stories in a unique way, utilizing a variety of storytelling structures.
Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues, representing multiple viewpoints.
Collaborate with the editing team to provide assets for stories, including basic photos and video, in addition to working with the staff photographer/videographer.
Explore and report on a range of subjects, connecting with our audience’s passion.
Be adept at data analysis to identify issues that would otherwise go unreported.
Demonstrate clear concise writing skills with strong nut graphs and “why this is important to me” content.
Possess outstanding research skills and develop extensive contacts that can break news.
Requirements
Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 3-5 years of writing/journalism/newsroom experience.
Must have required skills including social media, advanced storytelling, analytical ability, interpersonal skills, time management.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, drug screen and motor vehicle record check.
Application Instructions
About
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume. Show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
Your resume – one page.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job, with 2-3 pitches for stories or series you’d like to write if hired.
Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.