Los Angeles Times seeks an energy reporter

The Los Angeles Times has an opening in the Environment, Health and Science Department for a reporter to cover energy.

The ideal candidate will have a broad and deep understanding of the different ways we generate power for heat, electricity and transportation, including solar, wind, geothermal, natural gas, nuclear, hydro, geothermal and coal. They should understand major climate challenges and solutions, and the pathways to zero emissions.

We’re seeking someone with sound news judgment and an ability to identify stories that will resonate with readers, someone who thinks beyond a tired dichotomy of business vs. environment and understands the energy transition. This reporter needs to be able to write with sweep about energy changes.

The reporter will be responsible for reporting breaking news, enterprise stories and features on such varied topics as breakthroughs in energy efficiency or battery chemistry, the next Elon Musk, new technologies that are surging, how households are changing their habits and the effects on them. We are looking for on-the-ground stories about how a society shifts.

The successful candidate should have a background as a climate and energy reporter and be comfortable making science and technology compelling to a general audience. Ability to work with numbers and translate academic jargon into plain English is a must. They should always have the reader in mind when identifying and writing stories.

Their reporting could take them throughout the state of California and beyond, and they must be able to work from the field and coordinate successfully with The Times’ photo and data visualization departments.

Responsibilities:

• Report and write stories across a variety of subject areas, with an ability to turn around breaking news, step-backs, explainers, news features, analysis and, when appropriate, investigations
• Imagine stories visually for photos, videos, social video and data graphics
• Demonstrate flexibility in providing what is asked as the news industry adapts to financial challenges
• Have a willingness to take on new subject matter and operate outside one’s comfort zone
• Identify unique angles that will advance a news story beyond what other outlets have already reported
• Contribute to multiplatform offerings as needed, including podcasts, newsletters and live events
• Work collaboratively across departments to plan digital publication strategies
• Write engaging headlines and adjust to how we work with AI

Requirements:

• Previous energy reporting experience
• A minimum of four years of journalism experience
• Exceptional and versatile writing skills, including the ability to produce fair, accurate and elegant copy on tight deadlines
• Superior news judgment and knowledge of taste and legal considerations
• An ethical and inclusive approach in the workplace that promotes positive collaboration
• An understanding of the importance of accuracy and precision
• Comfortable appearing on video, TV, radio and podcasts on behalf of the L.A. Times
• A track record of exemplary journalism
• Ability to work closely with all members of the environment team
• Excellent communication with peers, supervisors and the newsroom

Pluses:

• Fluency in one of the major non-English languages spoken in the greater Los Angeles area
• Knowledge of video and/or audio storytelling

This position is listed as Reporter in the Los Angeles Times Guild and will be based in El Segundo, Calif., with a requirement of four days per week in the office. Reporters must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle in good working condition, with suitable auto insurance coverage. Occasional night and weekend work is required.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter and portfolio to Environment, Health and Science Editor Elijah Wolfson at the apply link.

To apply, go here.