Environmental Reporting Intern

Description: Montana Free Press (MTFP), the state's premier digital-first newsroom, is now accepting applications for a summer 2025 Environmental Reporting Internship. As Montana's go-to source for in-depth coverage of critical topics, our mission is to provide Montanans with information they can trust and use. We seek a driven and dependable Environmental Reporting Intern to help expand our coverage of the state’s 2025 fire season and related news. The Environmental Reporting Intern reports to MTFP’s Bozeman-based Environmental Reporter under the supervision of MTFP’s Helena-based State Editor.
Description

MTFP is headquartered in Helena, and the primary internship supervisor is based in Bozeman, but the intern may live and work remotely within Montana.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Cover the state’s fire season and related topics
Produce bylined stories
Conduct data-driven research
Assist with coverage strategy and execution in collaboration with MTFP reporters and editors
Shift focus to broader environmental coverage if the fire season is slow, under the direction of MTFP’s State Editor and Environmental Reporter
Some reporting travel required

Minimum Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

At least two years of student journalism experience
Excellent writing, research, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and manage tasks and time professionally
Preferred skills that will make an application stand out:
Photography
Data reporting and visualization
Audio or video broadcasting experience

Compensation:The temporary internship pays $18/hour, and is envisioned as a contiguous full-time 12-week internship, depending on candidate availability, with some flexibility regarding exact start and end dates. MTFP does not offer temporary relocation or housing assistance.

How to Apply: Please use MTFP’s online hiring portal Gusto to upload a resume with two professional references, no more than three of your best published clips, and a cover letter detailing your interest and qualifications for this role. The application deadline is Monday, April 7, 2025.

Commitment to Diversity: MTFP values a strong, dynamic newsroom and is committed to offering competitive salaries and benefits. We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds who bring curiosity, dedication, and a drive to succeed. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. We’re looking for people who are eager to grow, contribute, and make an impact — there’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. If this opportunity excites you and aligns with your skills and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.

Statement of Ethics: For more information about Montana Free Press and our mission, visit our website at montanafreepress.org. To read our ethics policy, visit https://montanafreepress.org/best-practices/#code-of-ethics.

MTFP is an E-verify Employer.

Salary

$18 - $18 per hour