Local News Reporter & Editor in Training

Clay Today; Olympia, Northern (WA, KY); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance stipend

Job summary

The JOLT News Organization in Thurston County is seeking a Reporter / Assistant Editor who will work in person and with local sources to cover our community daily. The role includes reporting and some editing as a transition path toward lead Editor.

You will attend public meetings, interview officials and community members, and collaborate with contract reporters while shaping coverage with AP style and newsroom standards.

Qualifications

• At least three years of professional reporting experience.
• At least one year of editing responsibilities, including staff or freelance work.
• Strong reporting, interviewing, writing, editing and fact-checking skills.
• Strong command of grammar, spelling and AP style.
• Sound news judgment and understanding of journalistic ethics, fairness, attribution and source protection.

Responsibilities

• Report daily and breaking news, community stories, enterprise pieces and investigative stories.
• Edit and fact-check stories for accuracy, clarity, and AP style; plan and assign coverage.
• Collaborate with local team and contract reporters; ensure accurate headlines and social media copy.
• Transition into lead Editor role within approximately six to nine months and oversee newsroom workflow.

Skills

Reporting experience

Editing

AP style

Ethics

Tools

AP style guide

Job description

The JOLT News Organization in Thurston County is seeking a Reporter / Assistant Editor who will work in person and with local sources to cover our community daily. The role includes reporting and some editing as a transition path toward lead Editor.

You will attend public meetings, interview officials and community members, and collaborate with contract reporters while shaping coverage with AP style and newsroom standards.