Pierce County Reporter

The News Tribune in Tacoma, Washington, is looking for a smart, energetic reporter to cover Pierce County, the second largest in the state.

This reporter will cover news of Pierce County government, including, but not limited to, the County Council, the County Executive’s Office, county departments, budgets, policies and other items of interest to TNT readers.

This reporter also will be responsible for covering issues outside the core Tacoma area that are of interest to/important to our readers, with a special focus on housing, development and other topics that might cross jurisdictional boundaries.

Daily coverage is a must, and enterprise and accountability work is expected.

This reporter will be expected to collaborate with the East Pierce County reporter, city of Tacoma reporter and business reporter to share ideas and work on stories that cross beats.

We’re looking for a self-paced reporter who can spot and report stories without waiting for an assignment and who can cultivate reliable sources. We are also looking for a collaborative journalist who wants to contribute to a team. At least two years experience covering local government and some experience in data analysis preferred.

The expected schedule is Monday through Friday. You will work with the local news editor to produce both daily and enterprise stories.

Responsibilities:

• Find great stories that are highly readable and contribute to our mission 

• Use social media platforms to help distribute and highlight work

• Use SEO smartly and strategically; understand other audience growth processes

• Understand and use audience metrics to help increase readership

• Shoot photos and video when needed

• Skillfully use content management systems

• Use data and research to inform reporting

Requirements: 

• College degree preferred

• Solid news judgment and excellent journalism ethics

• An intuitive sense of what’s important and interesting to audiences on all platforms

• A deep curiosity and high energy

• A commitment to diverse coverage through community engagement and source building

• A collaborative work ethic and the ability to communicate easily with people on our team and across the company

• Proficient knowledge of technology, including content management systems and storytelling tools

• Ability to quickly and accurately research and verify the authenticity of information, sources, photos and video. 

• Must have reliable transportation. 

• Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).