Agriculture and Environment Reporter

The Argus Leader , argusleader.com , part of the
USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a digital-first ag and environment reporter to be part of our team, finding and reporting on the top news of the day regarding South Dakota's No. 1 industry.

The reporter's primary focus will be covering the people who are the lifeblood of making the industry successful, along with the challenges they face.

That includes a broad range of stories, from human-interest features to hard-hitting investigations: ag-related fairs and expos, profiles of industry leaders and up-and-comers, water contamination, disease and food-borne pathogen outbreaks and recalls, new research and technology in farming practices, weather-related and labor industry challenges, and government and public policy regulations. This coverage also includes two of the most important issues in the state's industry today: mental and physical health challenges that farmers face and the continued fight by South Dakota farmers against eminent domain regulations as large companies try to build carbon capture pipelines across the state.

This reporter also is responsible for choosing content from their own reporting, ag-related extension offices and columnists to fill our weekly Farm Forum edition, a regional publication focused on ag and environmental issues.

This reporter is expected to consistently break exclusive news and to frame stories around impact, to farmers, consumers and the state's economy. Source development is critical to the beat. This reporter will cultivate relationships with farmers, agribusiness leaders, academic experts, elected officials, lobbyists and consumer and environmental activists.

The reporter will be based in the state's largest city, Sioux Falls, which is the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest, and will help put context to issues in and outside of the city, which shares two counties. This role will also help supplement state coverage for two smaller Gannett publications in South Dakota, the Aberdeen American News and the Watertown Public Opinion.

The successful candidate will have experience with accessing public records, analyzing data and using that information to shape stories around the impact on people and communities.

The reporter must embrace our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and be relentless about including diverse voices in our storytelling. Video skills are a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in their area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on-camera interviews, forums, community leadership, etc.)
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues
• Works with the editor to evaluate metrics, what's working and what's not, and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborates to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, video and graphics. Shoots basic photos and video as needed.
• Uses social media to promote their personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Serves as content editor for the weekly Farm Forum publication, assembling the content needed to fill the available space and best serve its audience.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of daily journalism experience.
• Ability to write clear, compelling articles that engage our audience and to incorporate video and other digital storytelling tools as appropriate.
• Understanding of social media and its uses.
• Understanding of metrics and ability to adapt based on the data.
• Ability to multitask and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently in a 24-hour newsroom.
• Skill at collaborating in a cross-functional environment and adapting in a rapidly changing industry.
• Demonstrated track record for keen news judgment, ethical decision-making and fair play.
• This job includes some evening and weekend work.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3. Links to no more than six published stories, writing samples and/or audio samples.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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