Disaster recovery reporter

Founded in 2023, The Plumas Sun is a nonprofit news website providing unbiased coverage of government, news and events for all of Plumas County. 

Plumas County is located in the Sierra Nevada north of Lake Tahoe and south of Lassen Volcanic National Park. Its 2,600 square miles are home to 19,000 residents and more than 1,900 square miles of forested public land that include granite cirques and bubbling mud pots. The region was devastated by the 2021 Dixie Fire — the largest single wildfire in California’s history. 

The Plumas Sun is seeking a dedicated full-time reporter to cover the rebuilding of the four destroyed communities of Greenville, Canyondam, Indian Falls and Warner Valley and related disaster recovery stories. The trauma the fire caused is felt countywide. Recovery stories span issues from physical reconstruction, to human interest, the Indigenous community, rural economy, climate, environment, education, healthcare and governance.

This position provides a unique opportunity for a journalist to gain experience and chronicle the rebuilding of a rural community in a way that is holistic and insists on great flexibility and independence.

Responsibilities:

• With editors, collaboratively identify and develop stories for coverage
• Conduct interviews, take photographs and report on everything from quick topical stories to in-depth long-term investigative pieces
• Develop familiarity with the Plumas County region and community, build relationships and cultivate relevant contacts
• Manage multiple stories on different deadlines, adjusting schedules on the fly as needed
• Work with editors to refine and polish pieces prior to publication
• Use The Plumas Sun’s WordPress system for layout and publication
• Travel extensively within Plumas County for interviews and research; occasional travel outside Plumas County, e.g. to Sacramento or Reno may be necessary
• Special duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Passion for hyper-local rural news coverage
• 2-4 years previous reporting experience
• Four-year degree in journalism or equivalent experience required; advanced journalism degree desirable
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Self-starter with ability to identify and initiate stories
• Research skills; familiarity with public information requests; curiosity, critical thinking and creative problem solving ability
• Strong understanding of and adherence to journalistic ethics
• Must have current drivers license and access to vehicle
• Resident of Plumas County, California or willingness to relocate; previous familiarity with region a plus

Hours & compensation:

• Full-time $50,000-$57,000 annual salary commensurate with experience
• Heathcare stipend travel subsidy
• This is a one year grant-funded position with the potential for extension. Must be authorized to work in the United States

To apply:

• Please send resume, cover letter and writing samples to editor@plumassun.org using the subject line “disaster-recovery reporter.”