EcoNews Journalist

Job Title: EcoNews Journalist

About Us:
The Northcoast Environmental Center is a mission-driven organization founded in 1971 dedicated to protecting the environment and advancing environmental justice through research, advocacy, and public education. We believe strong, accessible, accurate journalism is essential to informing communities, influencing policy, and holding decision-makers accountable.

Position Summary:
The Northcoast Environmental Center is looking for a journalist for our monthly newspaper who is passionate about environmental journalism, skilled in AP Style, and committed to reporting with accuracy, fairness, and creativity while telling the stories of our community.
The EcoNews Journalist will research, report, and produce compelling stories that explain environmental issues, amplify impacted communities, and support our mission. This role combines investigative reporting, storytelling, and public-interest journalism across digital platforms. The ideal candidate is curious, ethical, and committed to accuracy, equity, and making an impact in our local community.

Under the direct supervision and guidance of the Editor & working with the EcoNews Committee, the EcoNews Journalist will write timely and accurate news stories on current environmental issues in Northwest California and Southern Oregon. This position is responsible for providing content to the EcoNews digital newspaper. We are located in Arcata, CA. Ideally, we are seeking someone in person. But this position could be remote for the right candidate.

This position is 15 hours a week at $25 an hour.


Key Responsibilities:

Journalist Responsibilities includes but is not limited to writing content for the EcoNews Newspaper. This includes:

Agree to a monthly deadline schedule with the Editor regarding articles with sufficient time for revisions.
Work closely with the Editor and EcoNews Committee to identify topics to be covered and, where language or subject matter is in question, to determine appropriate article content.
Collect, verify and analyze thoroughly newsworthy information.
Know libel and plagiarism and how to prevent it, and journalism writing style rules.
Write news stories with the reader’s perspective in mind and how they can possibly be involved.
Contact, interview and research sources.
Conduct research and stay up to date with the latest current environmental issues in the “beat” by studying papers, websites, attending events etc.
Make sure that all the content provided for the EcoNews follows the NEC mission statement.
Submit completed articles to Editor and EcoNews Committee for final edit and proofing of submitted articles.
Potentially attend, in person or online, meetings and events as deemed appropriate.
Attend EcoNews Committee meetings.
Work with a journalism intern.
Work with layout people in a cooperative and good communication style.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, environmental studies, communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Demonstrated experience in journalism, reporting, or environmental writing

Strong research, interviewing, and writing skills

Ability to explain complex environmental issues in accessible language

Commitment to environmental protection and public-interest journalism

Proficiency with google suites and Microsoft programs

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience reporting on environmental or climate-related issues

Familiarity with current environmental policy, science, or data

Multimedia storytelling experience (photo, audio, video, or data visualization)

Experience working with or reporting on frontline or marginalized communities

Skills & Attributes:
Excellent written and verbal communication

Strong attention to detail and fact-checking

Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects

Collaborative, adaptable, and self-motivated

Cultural sensitivity and a commitment to equity and inclusion

Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Statement:
The Northcoast Environmental Center is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all people feel valued and supported. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including people of color, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from historically underrepresented or marginalized communities.
We recognize that not all candidates meet every listed qualification. If you are excited about this role and believe your skills and lived experience would contribute to our mission, we encourage you to apply.
We strive to create publications that are accessible to broad audiences and value journalists who are thoughtful about accessibility, clarity, and inclusive communication

How to apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, references with contact information, as well as 1-2 examples of your writing to Laurel McKay by January 15, 2026.