NPR's Science Desk is seeking a seasoned journalist to help cover climate change and how it is reshaping our lives. Climate science is evolving fast and the data it provides is helping governments, citizens and businesses react and adapt as they struggle to cope with the warming climate.
The ideal candidate will have expertise in climate science and be able to find the narratives that make it relevant to people. We're looking for someone who loves storytelling and is curious about the social and economic changes driven by shifts in climate and weather.
This position will follow research on attribution of extreme events, environmental, biological and health effects of global warming and new developments in global weather. The reporter will serve as a climate science policy watchdog, and - along with our broader climate team - help hold federal and state agencies and Congress accountable. The reporter will also follow major international science policy, such as IPCC reports and multilateral agreements, and occasionally attend international meetings.
- Report and write original and consequential stories about climate change that live up to NPR’s standards for accuracy, fairness and newsworthiness.
- Write text-focused stories with the same ambition, creativity and high editorial standards as NPR’s audio projects.
- Record, gather or identify sound elements to turn each story into a rich and memorable audio experience.
- Include other digital and visual media, social networks and various audio platforms, with the goal of reaching the largest audience with the biggest impact.
- Assist other NPR desks and staff in assessing the validity of media stories about climate science.
- Cultivate sources and make use of reporting tools like FOIA, financial filings, database acquisition and analysis and data mining to uncover stories.
- Work on short, medium and long-term projects, often simultaneously.
- Work with other NPR employees, member station reporters and editors and external editorial partners in developing reporting projects.
- Prioritize and manage time well; meet deadlines; remain responsive and flexible in the face of the demands of programming and the news cycle.
- Takes the necessary steps to update, gain and sharpen the skills and knowledge required by a fast-evolving topic area and by evolving storytelling platforms.
- Fulfill administrative obligations arising from assignments, such as filing prompt and accurate expense records and program information/summaries; maintaining contact with editors and appropriate producers; keeping editors and appropriate producers informed about assignments.
- Ensure that all content complies with NPR’s editorial standards.
- Represent NPR in public forums and gatherings as needed.
- Assume other duties as assigned by the Senior Supervising Science Editor.
- At least 5 years’ experience as a reporter covering the environment and climate change.
- At least 5 years’ experience in a daily or weekly news organization.
- A deep familiarity with the scientific literature, journals and the history of climate science and policy
- Strong sourcing with leading environment and climate change experts
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state climate policies and actions
- Thorough knowledge of the scientific literature regarding climate change
- Demonstrated track record in writing for the Web and use of social media
- Producing original, distinctive stories that break news and advance coverage
- Anticipating, recognizing and responding swiftly to news;
- Producing original and compelling features;
- Analyzing scientific studies quickly and rapidly presenting clear and compelling explanations in written and oral reports;
- Thorough knowledge of news, feature and investigative reporting techniques.
- Ability to handle multiple and complex projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes and changing priorities/conditions.
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
- Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.
- Ability to relocate. In the future, NPR may choose to transfer employees to other geographic locations. Severance provisions of the AFTRA collective bargaining agreement may apply should you choose not to accept a transfer.
NPR offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health and wellness benefits, retirement, and work/life balance programs, as well as opportunities for career growth and development.