Environmental Reporter & Community News Service Instructor

Job Description

VTDigger Environmental Reporter & UVM Community News Service Instructor

Are you interested in writing deeply reported, scientific-based climate and energy stories about Vermont — and mentoring the next generation of environmental journalists in one of the most cutting-edge local news initiatives? 

VTDigger and the University of Vermont’s Community News Service is searching for a versatile reporter & instructor to lead a new partnership to bolster environmental journalism in the state and to train and inspire the next generation of environmental reporters. 

This environmental journalism professional brings together two institutions dedicated to illuminating the challenges Vermont faces in a changing climate — and the opportunities it has to address the crisis and adapt to its impacts. They leverage VTDigger’s reporting resources and statewide reach, as well as the University of Vermont’s research and expertise, to bring a new level of understanding to readers and students alike. They use their academic and professional expertise to produce enterprising journalism that becomes essential reading for environmental and energy professionals, advocates, policymakers, community leaders, voters, and residents impacted by environmental policy and practices.

The Environmental Reporter & Instructor spends time reporting and writing for VTDigger, and advising Community News Service students on environmental journalism, as an instructor. At VTDigger, they’ll bring to bear scientific training and experience in their journalism. They serve as an interpreter of academic literature for a curious general audience, covering climate change, environmental policy, energy generation and transmission, land use and development, water quality, agriculture, forestry and wildlife management. 

At the Community News Service, they serve as a point person within the University of Vermont for environmental reporting. They mentor and advise student journalists and facilitate the publication of those students’ work in VTDigger and other publications around the state. This can include creating story assignments, providing guidance on source materials and experts, and generating new ideas for UVM’s environmental coverage. There will also be opportunities for multimedia collaboration with CCN’s public media reporting team, data visualization engineer, and social media efforts. 

This position is a perfect fit for those equally passionate about environmental journalism and teaching. 

Compensation & benefits: The salary range for this full-time role is $65,000 to $75,000 annually, commensurate with education and experience. We offer industry-leading benefits in a positive and flexible work culture. These include 5+ weeks of paid time off, plus holidays, parental leave, generous employer contribution to medical insurance, available group vision and dental insurance, and employer-provided EAP, life and disability insurance. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution.

Application process and deadline

• Interested candidates will submit a letter of interest and resume

• Three sample work packages/clips should be emailed to HR@vtdigger.org.

• Your letter of interest should explain what makes you uniquely qualified for this position and be no longer than one page.

• The deadline to apply is February 25, 2025, at 12p.m. E.T., or until the position is filled.

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