Climate, Energy, and Environment Reporter

CLIMATE, ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENT REPORTER

KERA and Grist are seeking a reporter to cover North and West Texas. The role involves daily and in-depth reporting for radio, video, social media and digital platforms, with stories regularly featured on NTX Now.

This reporter will cover a wide range of energy, climate and environmental issues across West and North Texas, intersecting business, agriculture, land use, government policy, environmental justice, health, technology, wildlife and natural resource management. The position is based at a KERA newsroom in Dallas/Fort Worth and includes regular travel across the region.

• Write, voice and produce engaging stories for radio, video, social media and digital platforms about complex environmental, energy and climate issues
• Translate important trends and news in climate change so audiences can understand the impact on everyday lives
• Balance daily news and in-depth feature reporting with regular appearances on NTX Now
• Work collaboratively with colleagues at KERA, Grist, and partner organizations
• Develop stories with deep substance, nuance and impact expected of public media
• Work with Grist editor to periodically adapt Texas stories for national audiences on Grist.org and related platforms
• Cover breaking news, sometimes outside the scope and region of the beat and outside standard business hours as needed
• Participate in KERA and Grist editorial meetings
• Participate in KERA News’ rotating on‑call schedule
• Participate in training opportunities with KERA News, KERA and The Texas Newsroom
• Actively participate in KERA fundraising campaigns

• Five or more years of professional journalism experience, preferably focused on climate, energy and the environment
• Sound news judgment and ability to apply the highest editorial and ethical standards with dedication to accuracy, fairness and attention to detail
• Passion for journalism, ability to understand complex issues and respond constructively to feedback
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, knowledge of Associated Press style
• Undergraduate degree in journalism or a related field
• Ability to tell a deeply reported, well‑written story that includes data and narrative elements
• Track record of collaboration with colleagues from various perspectives and experiences
• Strong sourcing, research, writing and reporting skills and eagerness to build deep connections to West and North Texas audiences
• Strong organizational skills with agility to shift quickly from deadline reporting to developing explainers and deep investigative work
• Solutions lens to report on scalable strategies for environmental challenges
• Commitment to community representation in sourcing and reporting
• Reliable transportation required for assignments/activities

• Knowledge of the FOIA process, computer‑assisted reporting and data‑driven reporting, and familiarity with legal issues related to investigative news reporting
• Strong audio reporting and production skills, and comfort behind a microphone
• Public radio experience
• Digital journalism experience
• Prior experience in collaborative journalism
• Passion for helping KERA and Grist reach new audiences with climate news and information
• Deep knowledge of the people, cultures, issues, and geography of West and North Texas
• Multimedia production, particularly photography or video; content management systems; other relevant technical expertise
• Working knowledge of Spanish and/or other languages common in Texas

$70,000 – $78,000 annually, depending on experience

• Generous vacation (3 weeks), sick (8 days), personal time (2 days) and holidays (11)
• Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance
• KERA‑paid short and long‑term disability, basic life insurance and AD&D insurance
• Flexible scheduling and hybrid work environment
• 401(k) plan with KERA contribution after 6 months
• Robust employee assistance program available to the employee and all members of their household
• Strong company culture focused on connection, belonging and professional growth

The position will be based out of the Dallas office at least 40 % of the time (equivalent to 16 hours per week). Time in office requirements may change based on the needs of KERA and the position.

KERA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KERA believes that diversity is important to our success. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.