SJV Water seeks a reporter

SJV Water, a small, award-winning online publication covering water in the San Joaquin Valley, is hiring a reporter to cover water meetings in Tulare and possibly Kings counties.

Stories from meetings could include:

• Lawsuits the agency is involved in
• New projects (canals, recharge basins, levees, dams) the agency is building or repairing
• Grant funding the agency has received and what it will pay for
• Water supplies and groundwater levels the agency is tracking
• Community programs the agency is involved in such as providing clean water to communities or recharging water near vulnerable communities and whether those programs are considered adequate
• Personality profiles of longtime water managers or significant new hires

Some stories will likely need to be reported in greater depth following meetings in order to give readers more context.

The reporter is also welcome to pitch stories they see coming out of meetings, or hear about from sources.

SJV Water is a very collaborative newsroom, working with other valley media so this reporter would have the opportunity to work on team projects with other publications and possibly work in other mediums, such as video and radio.

Reporters also take photos and video and record audio as needed.

This is an ideal job for a starting reporter interested in learning the basics of journalism or a more experienced reporter wanting to learn about this topic.

Providing news out coming of water meetings is vital to helping residents understand the ins and outs of this sustaining resource.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Go over agendas weekly with Editor Lois Henry to determine which meetings to attend and which stories to follow.
• Attend a minimum of three meetings per week, potentially more if scheduling permits
• Write and publish a minimum of two articles per week
• Create and maintain an online, public facing calendar of meetings on the SJV Water website

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least one year of experience in journalism
• Good organizational and communication skills (keeping your editor apprised of your work and schedule is KEY)
• You’re a self-starter, work collaboratively and are eager to learn

Ideally, candidates will live in Tulare County. Must have transportation for daily trips as nearly all meetings have gone back to in-person only.

Salary range is $40,000 – $50,000 annually depending on experience, plus expenses for travel. No benefits.

To apply, send links to at least three – but no more than five – articles from a professional publication (no school work) plus resume and one-page cover letter to: lois.henry@sjvwater.org

Application period will remain open through Aug. 1, 2023.

For more information click here.