Columbia Basin Herald
| Date Posted | January 06, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Newspapers |
| Specialty | Local News |
| Job Status | Full-time |
| Salary | $35,000 to $40,000 |
Description:
The Columbia Basin Herald is looking for a general assignment reporter to join the editorial team at our daily newspaper. We print the paper daily, Monday through Friday, and have a variety of special publications such as magazines, a monthly business journal and sports season previews.
This position allows the reporter to cover a wide variety of topics including local government at the city and county levels, outdoor recreation, education, agriculture, the tech industry, economic development, lifestyle and sports.
This position serves Grant and Adams counties in Central Washington’s shrub-steppe area from Grand Coulee Dam to Moses Lake, Othello and Ritzville. The region is one of the largest agricultural producers in the United States, but it isn’t all farm and ranch. Moses Lake has a long-standing history of innovation in the aeronautics industry with ongoing research happening locally in reusable rocket development, electric flight research and other cutting-edge tech alongside manufacturing a variety of products.
In addition to traditional news, candidates should enjoy covering high school and college sports. Our coverage area boasts 12 high schools and fans of Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga athletics, University of Washington sports, Central Washington University Wildcats athletics and the Big Bend Community College Vikings.
At the high school level, the Columbia Basin’s Royal High School Knights have won eight of the last nine state football championships. Moses Lake boasts a strong wrestling program with more than a dozen state championships in its history. Softball, basketball, volleyball, baseball, golf and swimming are all heavily supported by members of the community.
Coverage on a day-to-day basis will include both sports and news based on the events happening in the Columbia Basin Herald’s coverage area.
Successful candidates must be familiar with AP style and be excellent verbal and written communicators. They must also have strong journalism ethics and news judgment. A positive attitude is preferred. Other preferences include:
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Those who look for opportunities to cover topics that are new to them.
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A believer in community journalism and its contributions to democracy.
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An interest in covering agriculture alongside advancing technologies.
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Basic knowledge of sports and a passion for supporting local athletes.
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Photography skills using Nikon and Cannon DSLRs.
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The ability to participate in podcasts and online broadcasts.
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An understanding of the importance of data journalism and visual storytelling.
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Social media savvy.
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Skill in layout and design using the Adobe Suite, including InDesign or a willingness to learn design from an experienced peer.
You’ll be joining a staff that includes a full-time sports editor who recently won Sports Writer of the Year for Washington state, three full-time staff writers and a managing editor.
Benefits:
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Working with a collaborative team that will support you and your career goals.
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Health insurance
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Dental & vision insurance
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Health savings account
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401(k) w/match
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Employee assistance program
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Paid time off
Schedule:
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The schedule for this position varies depending on events that need to be covered but is generally Monday through Friday starting at 9 a.m. each day with the ability to flex the schedule as needed to make deadlines. Overtime opportunities may be provided on a case-by-case basis, but generally, the reporter will work a 40-hour workweek.
More about the Columbia Basin Herald:
For nearly nine decades we’ve been publishing a local paper that keeps the community informed about hyperlocal issues relevant to them and their interests. We focus on local news that impacts our readers directly in their daily lives.
We print several additional publications throughout the year in addition to the paper, including:
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The Basin Business Journal – This publication focuses on agriculture and industry in the Columbia Basin which includes the state of Washington, east of the Cascades, the Idaho panhandle and northern Oregon.
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Sports previews – Each season we print a preview of the most prominent sports happening in our area. These previews include the Gridiron Guide, fall sports preview and winter and spring sports previews. Plans for a summer preview are in development as well.
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Strength – Once each year, we sit down and review the stories we’ve done in the paper and look at who is working to solve the challenges facing the Columbia Basin. We then reach out and write features about the people that are making a difference for the communities they live in.
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Annual Tourism guide – We print this glossy magazine once each year with content reflecting opportunities for recreation in Grant County. This includes features on local hobbies, must-see locations and the history of the area.
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Grant County Magazine – This glossy magazine focuses on Grant County and the opportunities it provides to residents and visitors.
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Best of the Basin – This reader-driven publication puts local businesses up for nomination as the best business in their respective categories in our service area. Stories are then written about businesses of note that have a positive impact on the community.
We also put out the STUDIO BASIN Podcast which focuses on local news and sports with guests from throughout the area stepping in to give us and our readers insight into local events and issues.
More about the area:
Central Washington has plenty of recreational opportunities for anyone interested in an outdoor, active lifestyle. It includes several communities with a diverse population and a load of opportunities for fun. Located between the Rocky Mountains and the Cascades, hiking opportunities and natural parks are an easy drive away.
Ephrata – The county seat for Grant County. Ephrata offers great food opportunities with a variety of Mexican restaurants, great American cuisine, a small local water park and a bookstore.
Moses Lake – The largest city in Grant County, Moses Lake has a long history of aviation development and is an economic hub in Eastern Washington.
Othello – A small town, but big in personality, Othello – like its neighbors – has car culture galore, several festive events throughout the year and hosts a bird-watching event each March. It also hosts the Adams County Rodeo.
Royal City – Home to state championship football, great fishing, delicious food and agricultural heritage, Royal City welcomes visitors and makes them feel at home from the start.
Soap Lake – Sitting at the bottom of the Grand Coulee, Soap Lake sits on the shore of its namesake water body and has a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and art. The Masquers Theater Company provides entertainment year-round.
Ritzville – The county seat for Adams County. Featuring one of the few standing Carnegie libraries, Ritzville is home to farmers and ranchers and an annual rodeo.
Quincy – A fast-growing town, like most of the area, Quincy boasts a strong agricultural tradition while also stepping into the 21st century with data centers in operation and in development. The town features a variety of restaurants, bakeries, art galleries and parks.
Regardless of the city you visit, the Columbia Basin is one of the friendliest communities in the United States and very welcoming.
To apply, please email your resume, cover letter and three examples of published work to [email protected]. The subject line of the email should read: CBH General Assignment Reporter 2025.
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