Disaster Recovery Reporter
Disaster recovery reporter
Full time eight month appointment
In 2021, Plumas County was devastated by the 2021 Dixie Fire — the largest single wildfire in California’s history. The Plumas Sun is seeking a dedicated full-time reporter to cover the rebuilding of four destroyed communities, Greenville, Canyondam, Indian Falls and Warner Valley, and related disaster recovery stories countywide. These stories span issues from physical reconstruction, to human interest, the Indigenous community, rural economy, climate, environment, education, healthcare and governance.
This position provides a unique opportunity for a journalist to gain experience and chronicle the rebuilding of a rural community in a flexible, holistic way.
Responsibilities:
- Deliver on average three stories per week, including at least one in-depth investigative piece per month
- With editors, collaboratively identify and develop stories for coverage
- Conduct interviews, take photographs and report on everything from quick topical stories to in-depth long-term investigative pieces and deliver drafts according to journalistic standards
- Manage multiple stories on different deadlines, delivering drafts complete and on time
- Work with editors to refine and polish pieces prior to publication, taking feedback on board and applying lessons learned in future stories
- Use The Plumas Sun’s WordPress system for layout and publication
- Develop familiarity with the Plumas County region and community, build relationships and cultivate relevant contacts
- Travel extensively within Plumas County for interviews and research; occasional travel outside Plumas County, e.g. to Sacramento or Reno may be necessary
- Special duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Passion for hyper-local rural news coverage
- Two to four years previous reporting experience; four-year degree in journalism or equivalent experience
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Self-starter with ability to identify and initiate stories; ability to take initiative, think creatively, and problem solve
- Research skills; familiarity with public information requests
- Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple stories simultaneously
- Strong understanding of and adherence to journalistic ethics
- Current drivers license and access to vehicle
- Resident of Plumas County, California or willingness to relocate; previous familiarity with region a plus
Hours & compensation:
- Full-time $4,775-$5,375 per month
- Healthcare stipend of up to $600 per month, sick leave accrual, one week paid vacation, and paid leave on major holidays
- This is an eight-month grant-funded position with the potential for extension. Must be authorized to work in the United States.
About The Plumas Sun:
Founded in 2023, The Plumas Sun is a nonprofit news website providing unbiased coverage of government, news and events for all of Plumas County.
About Plumas County:
Plumas County is located in the Sierra Nevada north of Lake Tahoe and south of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Its 2,600 square miles are home to 19,000 residents and more than 1,900 square miles of forested public land that include granite cirques and bubbling mud pots.
To apply:
Please send resume, cover letter and writing samples to editor@plumassun.org using the subject line “disaster recovery reporter.”