Staff Writer – Ocean Desk

    Mongabay is no longer accepting applications for this position.

    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 – OCEAN DESK DO?

    The full-time staff writer position is expected to produce at least an average of eight news stories per month about the oceans, fisheries, and marine conservation published in English. The main job of this reporter is to provide frequent and accessible writing about the ocean. This staff writer will develop and produce articles working closely with colleagues in the Mongabay’s Global 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. This person should have strong analytical skills and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. Extensive knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues and/or marine conservation are strong positives.

    KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

    WRITING, REPORTING, EDITING, PUBLISHING (90% of the 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, in the mold of a beat reporter;
    • Occasional 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;
    • Occasional aggregation of news from third-party sources;
    • 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 Ocean Desk 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 tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, skype, phone and messaging platforms.

    EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

    • Three or more years of experience working in journalism / editorial / writing required;
    • Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English is required and working proficiency in a second language is ideal;
    • Knowledge and familiarity with ocean conservation, marine biology, the fishing industry, and marine governance is essential;
    • Professional experience writing about oceans in a journalism capacity is also preferred;
    • Exceptional written and verbal 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, and project management software;
    • Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required;
    • Must be willing to commit to a full-time role and available during regular business hours.

    PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

    Due to our organization’s culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful staff at Mongabay are adept at working independently and producing consistent, high-quality journalistic work by taking the initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, this person:

    • Is extremely self-directed, motivated, and reliable;
    • Demonstrates talent in writing and editing;
    • Functions independently and produces high quality work with tight deadlines;
    • Understands ethical and editorial journalistic standards;
    • Makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
    • Integrates cross-cultural dynamics into their thinking;
    • Maintains a strong sense of professionalism and communication;
    • Adjusts approaches according to feedback;
    • 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 and;
    • Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

    COMPENSATION & LOCATION

    The work of our organization changes as we continuously seek to have greater impact. All of our team members must be flexible and able to adapt to short and long-term shifts in their job duties. The ability to coordinate with colleagues working in a diversity of time zones is strongly preferred. Mongabay aims to offer competitive pay rates that will attract, retain, and motivate our full-time staff. Please submit a pay range when applying.

    TO APPLY

    As of 8/23/24 Mongabay is no longer accepting applications for this position.

    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, and 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

    Letters of recommendation are not required, and references will not be contacted without your permission.

    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 schedules.

    We observe 10 U.S Federal 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.