Agriculture and Environment Reporter

Gannett is seeking an Agriculture and Environment Reporter based in Sioux Falls, SD, to cover significant agricultural and environmental issues in South Dakota. The role involves reporting on human-interest stories, investigations, and challenges faced by farmers, while curating content for the weekly Farm Forum. Candidates should have a bachelor's degree, at least three years of journalism experience, and strong writing skills. Video skills and knowledge of agricultural policies are preferred.
About the position

The Agriculture and Environment Reporter at Gannett will play a crucial role in covering South Dakota's most significant industry—agriculture. This position is based in Sioux Falls, the state's largest city, and is designed for a digital-first reporter who is passionate about agriculture and environmental issues. The reporter will focus on a wide range of topics, including human-interest stories, hard-hitting investigations, and the challenges faced by farmers and agribusinesses. Key areas of coverage will include agricultural fairs, profiles of industry leaders, water contamination issues, food-borne pathogen outbreaks, and the impact of government regulations on the farming community. The reporter will also address critical issues such as the mental and physical health challenges faced by farmers and the ongoing fight against eminent domain regulations related to carbon capture pipelines. In addition to reporting, the Agriculture and Environment Reporter will curate content for the weekly Farm Forum edition, ensuring that it reflects the most pressing agricultural and environmental issues. The role requires the reporter to consistently break exclusive news and frame stories that highlight their impact on farmers, consumers, and the state's economy. Building relationships with farmers, agribusiness leaders, academic experts, and other stakeholders is essential for successful source development. The reporter will also be expected to analyze data and public records to inform their storytelling, ensuring that diverse voices are included in their coverage. Video skills are considered a plus, as the role may involve multimedia storytelling.

Responsibilities
• Cover agriculture and environmental news in South Dakota, focusing on human-interest stories and investigations.
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• Report on agricultural fairs, profiles of industry leaders, and issues such as water contamination and food safety.
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• Curate content for the weekly Farm Forum publication, ensuring it serves the audience effectively.
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• Break exclusive news and frame stories around their impact on farmers and the economy.
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• Develop sources and cultivate relationships with farmers, agribusiness leaders, and other stakeholders.
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• Analyze data and public records to shape stories and provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
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• Utilize social media to promote personal and institutional brands, and engage with the community.
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• Collaborate with the editor to evaluate metrics and adapt content strategies accordingly.
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• Shoot basic photos and video as needed for stories and social media.
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• Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, or a related field.
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• At least three years of daily journalism experience.
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• Ability to write clear and compelling articles that engage the audience.
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• Understanding of social media and its applications in journalism.
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• Ability to analyze metrics and adapt content based on data.
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• Strong multitasking skills and ability to work under deadline pressure.
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• Experience collaborating in a cross-functional environment.
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• Demonstrated news judgment, ethical decision-making, and fair play.

Nice-to-haves
• Video production skills
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• Experience with data journalism
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• Familiarity with agricultural issues and policies

Benefits
• Competitive salary
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• Health insurance
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• 401(k) retirement plan
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• Paid time off
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• Professional development opportunities