Idaho daily seeks economic development reporter

South-central Idaho’s largest news provider is seeking an economic-development reporter ready to jump into a booming eight-county region.

The Magic Valley is experiencing unprecedented economic growth and was recently designated a federal “food manufacturing hub.” Home to the world’s largest yogurt factory and some of the country’s most productive dairy farms, there’s no shortage of stories to cover.

This position is the perfect job for new writers working to become solid beat reporters or veterans who simply want to tell great stories. We have an experienced editing staff, and the Times-News can be a training ground and stepping stone for ambitious journalists.

Former Times-News reporters have been promoted within Lee Enterprise papers and have also gone on to the Chicago Tribune, Seattle Times and the Associated Press, to name a few.

We’re a small paper that punches above its weight, covering some of the biggest stories in the state.

The Magic Valley has a total population of about 185,000. We are an ag-centric area that includes dairies, sugar beets and, yes, potatoes. Chobani built the world’s largest yogurt factory here two years ago, and Clif Bar is set to open a new bakery next year. We are a family friendly and affordable community with access to world-class skiing a little more than an hour away and the best trout stream in the West an hour drive from your front door, not to mention access to kayaking, hiking, biking, rock climbing and hunting in all directions.

Twin Falls is growing with new restaurants, retailers and shops opening all the time. We are two hours from Boise and three hours from Salt Lake City.

A year or more of reporting experience at a daily or weekly is preferred, but exceptional students should also apply.

Photography and video experience is a plus.

Must be comfortable using social media to tweet and share stories.

Must be self-motivated, innovative and creative.

Must be able to manage multiple daily deadlines and multiple priorities while maintaining professionalism in the workplace.

Possess a bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field or equivalent experience.

The Times-News is a 17,500-circulation daily newspaper (21,500 on Sundays) owned by Lee Enterprises. It offers a competitive salary, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, vacation, sick, holiday pay and 401K-retirement plan.

To apply, log on to http://magicvalley.com/workhere/. Attach a cover letter, resume and three or four work samples that demonstrate a track record of success.