Environment Reporter at Gannett in Fort Pierce, Florida

Job Description:

TCPalm/Treasure Coast Newspapers, tcpalm.com , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an environment reporter.

The beat focuses on:

• Endangered species, environmental degradation and clean-water issues caused by overdevelopment, agricultural pollution and Florida's manmade plumbing system
• Local issues, with the opportunity to elevate those subjects to the state and national level
• Enterprise, analysis and investigations (e xposing problems and analyzing the pros and cons of possible solutions)
• Holding the government and elected officials accountable for those problems and solutions

This reporter must:

• Quickly learn our complex and protracted environmental issues, especially Lake Okeechobee discharges, toxic algae, manatee deaths, etc.
• Quickly, thoroughly and confidently learn and execute the heavy math, science and data reporting/visualization essential for this beat
• Win the trust of sources in the sugar industry, Army Corps of Engineers, South Florida Water Management District, governor's office, etc.
• Be an organized and adept time manager who can juggle dailies, short-term enterprise/analyses and longer-term investigations

The ideal candidate is an:

• Independent self-starter who can quickly learn our publishing platform, SEO, data visualization, etc.
• Curious and analytical person who's always asking questions beyond the 5Ws
• Determined and persistent bulldog who gets answers despite uncooperative sources
• Meticulous fact-checker who verifies claims through public records
• Solid journalist who quickly produces stories that are well-reported, written and organized

Requirements:

• A bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or a related field
• 3 years' experience in a daily, digital-first newsroom
• Strong skills in spelling, grammar, punctuation, AP style, communication, news judgment, headline writing
• Ability to produce photos and videos on a smartphone, and graphics such as Infogram
• Proficiency on social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, etc.
• Being comfortable branding yourself and promoting your content
• Ability to multitask under deadline pressure and work efficiently and collaboratively

• An acceptance and understanding of how digital analytics inform our coverage, and a willingness to evaluate how content is resonating with our audience and to change what's not

• Working nights, weekends and holidays as needed
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required liability insurance
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check

When you apply, attach a single document file that includes:

1-page resume

1- page cover letter

Links to your best 3-5 stories

Here's what we have to offer:

We offer a competitive base salary and career growth opportunities. We also offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, Paid Time Off, Company Paid Holidays, employee discount program and domestic partner benefits. Our 401(k) is topnotch and the contributions you make, up to the first 5% are eligible for a 100% Company match!

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