Washington state paper seeks ag reporter

The Yakima Herald-Republic, Central Washington’s leading news source, is looking for a reporter to cover our premier beat: the multibillion-dollar agriculture industry in the Yakima Valley.

We want an assertive, digitally-focused watchdog reporter, someone skilled at breaking news online, savvy with social media and who understands the importance of offering stories and other content for our audience in a variety of formats from compelling narratives to video stories, live stand-ups, photo essays and more.

This self-starter reporter also should have solid skills in research and be comfortable talking with growers, economists, farm workers, lawyers, scientists and consumers. Asking hard questions, not taking “no” for an answer and pulling back the layers to get to the heart of a story are key reporter attributes we value. The reporter we hire should be a good story teller who offers content in a compelling and non-technical fashion that the average reader will find both interesting and understandable.

The Yakima Valley is a leading producer of apples and other tree fruit, while vineyards here supply a wine industry that has gained worldwide attention. And the rise of the nation’s craft brewing industry has placed even greater demand on growers in the Valley, which is the nation’s No. 1 producer of hops.

This job also includes general assignment duties. Applicants must have daily newspaper reporting experience covering hard news, and be able to write quickly for the Web and juggle breaking news, developing stories and authoritative enterprise. Spanish-language skills are a plus.

The Herald-Republic is a 25,000-circulation daily that offers competitive benefits and wages — the pay range is $17.12 to $23.42 per hour for this position. Our low cost of living, true four-season weather and abundant sunshine make Yakima an ideal place to live and work. Recreational opportunities abound in a region stretching from the Cascade Mountains to the Columbia River, and the Seattle and Portland, Ore., metro areas are just a few hours away.

Applicants from the Western U.S. are preferred. Submit a formal letter explaining what you have to offer, a résumé, list of references and five to 10 stories that demonstrate beat development and initiative to City Editor Craig Troianello, ctroianello@yakimaherald.com. To check us out, visit www.yakimaherald.com.