Buffalo News seeks an energy reporter

The Buffalo News seeks a reporter to cover how climate change and green energy reshape the future of Buffalo Niagara.

Climate change is one of the big economic stories of the next half century. With a state-funded Tesla plant, Buffalo has a big stake in solar energy. We are the country’s third largest generator of hydropower. The possibility of huge windmills in the Great Lakes is already causing conflict. And as rising sea levels and extreme weather threaten much of the country, can Buffalo position itself as a climate refuge?

This reporter will cover the big questions tied to those changes: What impact will climate change have on the region’s economy and will its access to fresh water turn into new business?

This is an enterprise beat that relies on deep reporting, good sources and public documents to generate ideas. The ability to use open records laws to build compelling stories is a must. Data skills and experience are a plus. Must have a proven ability to break news, turn around in-depth and quick-hit stories on tight deadlines and juggle the demands of reaching a digital audience. This reporter should have clips that show a knack for explaining why it all matters and providing the bigger context.

The Buffalo News is an award-winning news organization with the largest staff of journalists in the region. We have a history of breaking the area’s big stories and investing in the stories that matter.

Why Buffalo? The region is a lot more than chicken wings and the Buffalo Bills. The city has seen a resurgence that makes it an exciting time to work and live here. Aside from professional sports teams, the city has a philharmonic, a growing waterfront, a burgeoning medical campus and plenty of attitude. Not to mention Niagara Falls, beautiful hikes and ski slopes all within a short drive.

Send cover letter, resume and clips to recruiter@buffnews.com.