Thurston County Local News Reporter & Editor Path

Agupdate; 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 seeks a Reporter/Assistant Editor to cover local news in person, attend meetings, and develop community sources. The role is designed to transition to lead Editor within six to nine months, overseeing coverage, editing and newsroom coordination.

This is an in‑person, non‑remote position with collaboration across local staff and contractors; compensation starts as an hourly role with an eventual promotion, health benefits stipend, and ongoing

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 occasional in‑depth or investigative stories.
• Edit and fact‑check stories for accuracy, fairness, clarity and AP style; plan and assign coverage.
• Transition into lead Editor role, setting priorities and supervising reporters.
• Attend local meetings and events, develop sources, and collaborate with local and remote reporters.

Skills

Reporting

Editing

AP style

Ethics & attribution

Interviewing

Job description

The JOLT News Organization in Thurston County seeks a Reporter/Assistant Editor to cover local news in person, attend meetings, and develop community sources. The role is designed to transition to lead Editor within six to nine months, overseeing coverage, editing and newsroom coordination.

This is an in‑person, non‑remote position with collaboration across local staff and contractors; compensation starts as an hourly role with an eventual promotion, health benefits stipend, and ongoing