The Seattle Times, a family-owned news organization and one of the nation’s premier regional news sources, is hiring a Traffic Lab Reporter. This key reporter will lead coverage on Washington’s ferry system during a time of significant upheaval; the politics of transportation in a state where megaprojects are underway; and mobility, a look at how people get around with a focus on equity.

We seek a skilled reporter who will develop deep sourcing, break news and analyze trends as part of a two-person reporting team. We’re looking for someone who can juggle spot news, enterprise and news features, political analysis and accountability stories. As needed, this reporter may be asked to assist with other coverage priorities.

Work Schedule: This is a hybrid role requiring some work in the office. This is a Monday-Friday position that may require some night and weekend work.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop diverse and knowledgeable sources who will help break news and add context and perspective to our coverage. 
• Write breaking news stories quickly followed by updates that add detail and context. 
• Identify stories that will drive readership, in part by using social media, reader callouts and audience analytics. 
• Write clear, focused stories with a variety of approaches, including alternative story formats. 
• Work with the Traffic Lab team led by an Assistant Metro Editor and collaborate with reporters on other teams, such as government.
• Work with colleagues in Photo, Graphics/Interactives and the Digital Audience Team to coordinate visuals and digital assets for stories.  
• The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic colleague and a champion of our core values of accuracy, journalistic ethics and inclusiveness. 

Qualifications: 

We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive newsroom, and we encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. If your profile doesn’t match this job description exactly, you may still be a candidate for this position. Please let us know how your skills and experience relate to the role and its objectives in your cover letter.  

• Experience: At least one year of work as a reporter for a newsgathering organization. 
• Education: Bachelor’s degree or relevant equivalent experience. 
• Experience breaking news and writing quick, accurate posts that are followed by more complete stories that provide necessary context and perspective. 
• Ability to file public-record requests and search databases. 
• Experience in watchdog and accountability journalism. 
• Experience in traditional, shoe-leather reporting, as well as using social media and online tools to find and source stories. 
• Collaborative spirit; diplomacy when communicating up, down and across teams. 
• Cultural competence and awareness of best practices related to inclusive journalism. 
• Strong command of standards, ethics and the mission of journalism at The Seattle Times. 

Compensation: The full salary range for this position is $60,000 to $101,500. We typically pay between $60,000 to $85,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability insurance 
• Employee assistance program 
• Optional life and AD&D insurance and long-term care insurance 
• 401(k) plan with employer match \
• 10 days of annual vacation accrual, increasing with tenure up to 20 days 
• 10 days of annual sick accrual; unused sick pay accrues to an extended illness bank  
• 9 paid holidays  
• Internet stipend for predominately remote employees  
• Subsidized transit cards 
• Complimentary Seattle Times subscription 
• Wellness program 
• Parental leave options 

Please Note: This position requires both a pre-employment drug screen (excluding cannabis) and a criminal background check once an offer has been made. As a union-represented position, you will also be required to join a union and pay regular membership dues. 

Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. We serve the Pacific Northwest with thoughtful, independent journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, we combine cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media… with an established audience of 1.9 million. At The Seattle Times, you'll find work that matters.

If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact Human Resources at careers@seattletimes.com and provide a description of the reasonable accommodation(s) needed.