General Assignment Reporter

The Longview Daily news in Southwest Washington is seeking a curious, multitasking reporter who is also a storyteller for a housing and business reporting position that may include some general assignment stories.

The position is part of an upbeat, collaborative newsroom and offers the opportunity to produce content for print and online on a wide variety of topics at a paper that values enterprise and watchdog reporting as well as narrative storytelling.

We’re located about 45 minutes north of Portland, Oregon and two hours south of Seattle. Love nature? The Columbia River gorge is about an hour south of Longview, the Pacific Ocean is a one-hour drive to the west and Mount St. Helens and surrounding lakes and mountains are an hour east.

When Mount St. Helens blew its top 40 years ago, The Daily News was there, and was honored with a Pulitzer Prize and other awards for our coverage.

Position Responsibilities

Receives assignments and evaluates leads or tips to develop story ideas
Gathers information for news stories through interviews, coverage of meetings and events, reading documents and other independent research
Updates stories as news develops
Writes a wide range of news stories for print and digital publication
Analyzes information obtained for news sources
Establishes and maintains relationships with trusted sources and members of the community
Takes pictures and video of events as assigned
Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Skill in active listening to understand what other people are saying, to gather accurate information, to understand points being made and asking questions as appropriate
Skill in critical thinking by using logic and reasoning to identify pertinent information needed to develop stories and judgement to determine newsworthy stories for intended audience
Skill in writing AP style and in attention to detail
Skill in developing compelling ledes and clear organization of stories
Knowledge of structure of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar
Knowledge of communication and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform via written, oral and visual media
Ability to take initiative
Ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing
Ability to communicate information in writing and speaking so that others will understand you
Ability to work independently and as a team; ability to work under deadlines

Education & Experience

Prior reporting experience is preferred, but a top-notch recent graduate could also qualify

Pay: $19.00-$20.00/HR