Overview

Founded in 1999, Mongabay is an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organization, which publishes original news on a daily basis in an objective (does not advocate), accurate (relies on facts and scientific information) and timely manner to a global audience of conservation scientists, private-sector decision-makers, government policymakers, civil society organizations, journalists in other media outlets, and interested members of the public. Mongabay’s readership on its Global, Latin American, Indonesian, Indian, and African news sites positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet.

WHAT DOES THE STAFF WRITER DO?

The full-time Staff Writer – California Biodiversity position is expected to produce regular stories on conservation and environmental issues in California, published in English. The writer’s reporting responsibilities include coverage of the status of high conservation value landscapes emphasizing biodiversity corridors, analysis relevant to wildlife ecology and behavior particularly in the context of climate change, issues around natural resource governance and development pressure, and the environmental conservation practices of Indigenous communities.

This staff writer will develop and produce articles working closely with colleagues within Mongabay editorial team to discuss story ideas and coverage plans. This position is expected to both generate story ideas aligned with Mongabay’s editorial priorities and deliver on assignments provided by staff editors. A qualified person should have strong analytical skills, an extensive source network, and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. Knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues and/or biodiversity conservation are strong positives. Must be based in California.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

RESEARCHING, REPORTING, WRITING, & PUBLISHING (90% of time)

• Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors to produce multiple news reports and/or features per week, consistently of high quality;
• Effectively research and generate story ideas;
• Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for the planning of stories and article series;
• Cultivate sources relevant to conservation science, land rights, extractive industries, commodity agriculture and subjects to be assigned;
• Travel for reporting assignments;
• Research, fact-check, and review articles prior to publication;
• Source and/or produce visual content including photos, videos, charts, and maps;
• Write, edit and post stories via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress).
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability.

STRATEGIC PLANNING & ADMINISTRATION (10% of time)

• Report regularly to Mongabay’s Executive Editor on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Support editorial planning to reach established goals in the set timeline;
• Collect data on impacts of stories including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• Must be able to work within deadlines, be responsive to Mongabay leadership and to other Mongabay staffers via email, video call, and text message;
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, Asana, Zoom, and messaging platforms.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Three or more years of experience working in journalism / editorial / writing required;
• Exceptionalfluency (writing and speaking) in English is required;
• Knowledge and familiarity with conservation, land rights, and environmental issues is essential;
• A portfolio of published enterprise reporting inclusive of multimedia-rich features and/or data journalism is preferred;
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills;
• Demonstrated editorial ability to work with a variety of content including formatting of feature articles, graphics, photo captions and HTML;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress (or similar), Google Drive, Social Media (Twitter / Facebook) and project management software;
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required;
• Must be willing to commit to full-time role (40 hours per week) and available during regular business hours;
• Must be willing and able to travel internationally on short notice, though the position is remote and can be based anywhere.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

This position will pay a critical role in the scale-up of Mongabay’s reporting efforts in the United States starting with the West. Due to our company culture and global work at-home staff, the most successful employees at Mongabay excel at working independently and producing consistent high-quality journalistic content by taking the initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, a staff writer:

• demonstrates talent in writing and photography;
• functions independently and produces high quality work with tight deadlines;
• makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
• integrates cross-cultural dynamics into their thinking;
• maintains a strong sense of professionalism and reliability;
• contributes to the Mongabay team by communicating and working cooperatively with staff, while following through on tasks and delivering results;
• fosters positive relationships with journalists and co-partnership media outlets;
• adjusts approaches according to feedback;
• demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

COMPENSATION & LOCATION 

Mongabay aims to offer competitive pay rates that will attract, retain, and motivate our full-time staff. This role requires being based in California. However, as a globally distributed organization, an ability to coordinate with colleagues working in a diversity of time zones is strongly preferred. All of our team members must be flexible and able to adapt shifts in their job duties. The salary range for this position is $54,000 to $75,000 USD.

TO APPLY

Apply online here. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, reference information (2), and to upload the following two documents:

1. Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1 page)
2. Resume – (1-2 pages)
3.Two references

Applications must be submitted in English. Please note that you do not need to provide letters of recommendation and we will not reach out to references before getting your permission to do so.

Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off

It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation including a flexible work schedule.

We observe 11 holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO)/affirmative action employer and provides EEO to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other status prohibited by law.

Questions

If you have questions about this role, please send an email to jobs at mongabay.com and mention the job title in the subject line. Please do not contact other members of staff with job queries as they are not likely involved in the hiring process for this role.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All staff are responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.