Climate and Environment Reporter (Temporary)

New York Focus is seeking a temporary, full-time climate and environment reporter for five months to fill in for a staff reporter on parental leave.

New York state has tasked itself with one of the most aggressive climate plans in the country. Meeting its targets will transform every sector of the state’s economy and shape New Yorkers’ everyday lives — overhauling the buildings they live in, the transportation they use, and what they do with their trash. But whether and how these plans will be put into practice is a trillion-dollar open question. The green transition is filled with countless political minefields, as monied interests, advocacy groups, and labor unions jockey for influence in this pivotal moment.

We’re looking for an experienced reporter to chronicle these battles and interpret the debates underlying them. We want someone who can cut through the policy weeds to convey the real life stakes of arcane fights; build relationships with a wide range of government, industry, labor, and advocate sources; file revealing public records requests; and sniff out a story in a mountain of data.

The reporter will produce a mix of scoop-driven news stories and investigations on issues related to climate, energy, and environmental justice in New York state. A willingness to dig deep is a must, as is clear, compelling copy.

This position can be based anywhere in New York state. Please submit a résumé, cover letter, three clips, and the names and contact information for three references to hires@nysfocus.com. Please submit an application by Tuesday, September 5. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early.

COMPENSATION

$5,000 to $5,833 per month for five months, equivalent to $60,000 to $70,000 annualized salary, commensurate with experience.

ABOUT YOU

The ideal candidate will have:

At least three years of experience as a reporter, ideally covering climate, environment, or related policy areas

Demonstrated investigative skills

Ability to write clearly and engagingly

Motivation to come up with original ideas and enthusiasm for collaborative projects

Proficiency with spreadsheets and data analysis; familiarity with Flourish, Datawrapper, or other graphics software is a plus

ABOUT NEW YORK FOCUS

New York Focus is an independent newsroom investigating how power works in the Empire State. In less than three years, our stories have spurred legislation, shaped regulation, and driven national news cycles. The newsroom is small and collaborative, and this job is a chance to be creative and enterprising in a workplace that encourages ambitious and in-depth storytelling.

We are committed to an inclusive workspace, and we strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, lgbtq people, and people with disabilities. Consistent with federal, state, and local law, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.