Food & Agriculture Reporter Grist · USD 65k-72k/yr Workplace 3 hours ago

Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to reporting on climate change. Since 1999, we have used the power of journalism to engage the public about the perils of one of the most existential threats we face. We seek to document the often unequal impacts of climate change on communities in the United States and globally — as well as to show the promise of equitable climate solutions. Over the past eight years, we have scaled from a largely Seattle-based team of 25-30 to a nationally distributed organization of ~50. Our vision is to ignite public urgency and action on climate change for a thriving planet that benefits everyone. We work toward our vision by creating thought-provoking journalism and multimedia storytelling that drive the climate change conversation. Grist’s journalism has been recognized with dozens of awards and nominations in recent years, including for general excellence from the National Magazine Award, the Edward R Murrow Awards, and the Online Journalism Awards. According to a fall 2025 survey, 100% of staff would recommend Grist to a friend. Grist is seeking a reporter to cover the intersection of climate change and food & agriculture for a temporary, 6-month position. We're looking for someone who can move quickly and thoughtfully on the biggest food & ag stories of the day, delivering sharp analysis, fresh angles, and clear context for readers trying to understand what just happened — and why it matters. In this role, you’ll work directly with Grist’s team of editors, reporters, and visual artists to produce weekly coverage on the ways that the U.S.’s food and agriculture industries are both impacted by climate change and contribute to global warming. Grist is looking for someone with a proven record of producing timely, thoughtful, and fresh beat coverage. We would also hope this person brings a developed pool of sources in relevant government agencies, corporations, and community organizations. Because of the time-bound nature of the position (filling in for a reporter who’s on leave), we will be looking for someone capable of producing sharp and well-sourced news coverage on a weekly basis — not someone interested in pitching longform features or prolonged investigations. You’ll generally write 4-5 stories per month, ranging from 600-1,500 words. This person’s reporting will focus around three main beats: You’ll have the opportunity to track the agriculture industry’s emissions, and hold those companies to account; explain how climate change is affecting what and how we eat; and examine major developments in food and agricultural policy by the USDA and state agencies. And you’ll also be interested in reporting on relevant scientific breakthroughs and approaching the beat from a solutions lens. How are researchers and/or farmers working to address the outsize emissions of the global food system? Can those solutions be scaled up to statewide or national levels? What are the drawbacks? Additionally, you’ll be mindful of the equity issues that are often at the root of human-based climate stories. The base pay for this six-month temporary position is $65,000-$72,000 annualized, depending on experience. Grist is based in Seattle, but the job doesn’t have to be. We have staff around the country. This position is represented by Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild Local 37082 (“Grist NewsGuild”).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Conceive of, report, write, and produce stories of varying lengths on topics at the intersection of climate change and food and agriculture Produce 4-5 stories per month, ranging from 600-1,500 words Translate important trends and news in your beats so readers can understand a warming planet’s impact on everyday lives Contribute to Grist’s newsletters, special packages, and other projects, as requested Be excited about sharing your methods and talents with your colleagues and learning about theirs Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

At least two years of relevant experience, preferably focused on climate, food, and agriculture Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience Professional reporting experience, knowledge, and interest in climate A track record of covering stories of national importance and impact Experience finding sharp, provocative angles on the news of the day Comfort with magazine-style journalism Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities and deadlines Comfort with technology, social media, and digital tools for journalism Proficiency with desktop writing tools and web technologies for news gathering and publishing Superior organizational skills and obsessive attention to details Ability to work independently, demonstrate good personal judgment, and exercise a commitment to ethical conduct toward sources, story subjects, and readers Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills Demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization And it sure would be nice if you also had: Excitement about exploring innovative and creative ways to tell stories in a fast-moving news environment A passion for helping Grist reach new audiences with climate news and information The ability to identify stories that will resonate with readers and demonstrate the intersectionality of climate change A keen sense of what people are talking about, and ability to monitor a wide variety of sources to stay on top of the zeitgeist Interest in, and ideas for, delivering news on non-Grist platforms like newsletters and social media

BENEFITS

Medical, dental and vision coverage paid 100% for Employee premiums and 85% for Dependent premiums Employer paid Basic Life, ADD, Travel Assistance, STD/LTD, EAPs Voluntary Insurance include Health, Dependent and Transit FSA, Life/ADD, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance Traditional and Roth 401k with matching (vested immediately) New Employee Remote Office Set-up reimbursement Monthly WiFi Stipend Alternative Transportation Reimbursement Temporary employees will receive the paid holidays that fall during their period of employment, plus 2.5 floating holidays. Temporary employees who are employed during the summer months will receive one summer day for each month they are employed during the summer. Generous paid leave including medical and family leave, parental leave, abortion leave, sabbatical leave and many other paid and unpaid leave programs Annual in-person all-staff retreat (subject to pandemic conditions) Grist Magazine, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment, where our staff can be their authentic selves. All of our employment decisions are based on business needs, without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by laws where we operate. #J-18808-Ljbffr Content Creators