Climate Change Reporter

The Augusta Chronicle/augustachronicle.com part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for an experienced climate change/environment reporter to join our team and cover climate change and environmental issues. All eyes may be on Georgia because of its critical position within the national political landscape, but its location along the southeastern coast makes Georgia ground zero for climate change conversations.

Despite having few incentives for green businesses, electric vehicle and solar manufacturers are moving into the state. The influx of residents from colder, northern climates is transforming rural communities and spurring growth in historic areas. Our state - known for its Vidalia onions, cotton, peaches and peanuts - faces an uncertain future for its farmers and their cash crops as seasons change and rainfall/water levels become less predictable over time. Political climate deniers fail to proactively address changing weather patterns that affect all manner of Georgia life, from the delayed springtime start of the Masters Tournament to high school football two-a-day workouts, canceled by an increase in the number of 100-degree days.

In this position, we will examine policy changes at the national, state and local levels and how those changes could impact the current environment and its future. Coverage will be fueled by data analysis that will clearly help readers develop an understanding of how environmental issues, laws and policies affect their daily lives.

The climate change reporter will cover and write about all aspects of climate change and its effects on the environment, economy, quality of life and trends. This beat calls for a storyteller who writes about how the lives of Augusta-area residents and communities are affected by climate change. Our goal is to foster an understanding of the complexities of climate change in order to empower readers. We value solutions journalism and accountability and infuse our reporting with those elements to provide our readers with the critical information they can use when making decisions about their lives. Content that has an even broader interest will be shared with the USA TODAY Network. This position is funded through 1Earth Fund, The Kendeda Fund and The Ray C. Anderson Foundation, private, nonprofits that support efforts to inform communities about climate change causes, impacts and solutions. This position would report to our CCJ Coastal South Group Editor.

Responsibilities:

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics. Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.

• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.

• Collaborates with the content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.

• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.

• Explores and reports on the widest range of news and trends, connecting with our audience’s passion.

• Content strategies include print, branded digital platforms, traditional and emerging social media, events, apps and curation of contributed and expert content.

• Places a high priority on data analysis to identify trends that would otherwise go unreported.

• Demonstrates clear concise writing skills with strong nut graphs and “why this is important to me” content.

• Requires outstanding research skills and extensive contacts that can break news.

• Requires the ability to create trust within their niche community. The primary channel will be our digital products first, but the content will also make its way into printed publications.

• Identifies, cultivates and curates contributed, authoritative content and reporting that expands the footprint of the beat.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 2 or more years’ reporting/newsroom experience.

• Strong command of AP grammar and style.

• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."

• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.

• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.

• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.

• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.

• Must be willing to travel on short notice, to cover breaking news events.

• Work weekends and nights when there is major breaking news.

• 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 and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen.

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:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work or online portfolio. 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.
 
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