Environmental Reporter

Job Description

Open date: July 1, 2026

Review start date: July 13, 2026

Description: This is a full-time position with the Chesapeake Bay Journal focused on environmental reporting in the Chesapeake Bay region, mostly in Maryland. The ideal candidate will have 5 to 7 years of journalism experience, including coverage of environmental issues. The successful candidate should demonstrate the ability to grasp complex issues, understand nuances and represent all sides of issues. If selected, you will be part of a small, highly collaborative team that delves into the challenges of providing clean water, clean air and healthy outdoor spaces for humans and wildlife alike. Get ready for deep dives and a variety of field experiences. You might find yourself in the city, on a boat, on a farm, on trails, in laboratories or in suburban neighborhoods. You will interact with a wide range of people, from environmental advocates, businesses and farmers to community members, scientists and government officials. The topics we tackle include but are not limited to water pollution, climate change, environmental justice, the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers, land use, sustainable agriculture, air pollution, forest health, plant life, wildlife and fisheries. This position will involve written journalism, as well as video and audio packages to engage our growing audience.

Location: Bay Journal staff members work remotely in priority areas of Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia. This position will be in the Baltimore/Annapolis/Frederick area of Maryland.

About the Chesapeake Bay Journal: The Bay Journal is a long-standing and well-respected newsroom, now in its 36th year. It is the only media outlet dedicated to environmental issues in the Chesapeake watershed and is one of the oldest nonprofit news organizations in the nation. As well as publishing to our website, we produce a printed, 36-page monthly newspaper and a weekly email newsletter, along with photography, films, videos and podcasts. We reach an average of approximately 200,000 people each month. The Bay Journal has received many awards from regional press associations and is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News.

Salary & Benefits: This is a full-time, salaried position. The salary is commensurate with experience and negotiable based on the total compensation package. Standard benefits include employer-subsidized health insurance and retirement savings plans. The position has four weeks of paid annual leave in addition to federal holidays.

How to Apply: Send a cover letter, your resume, three writing samples (as attachments or via links), up to three multimedia links if applicable, and two references to admin@bayjournal.com. Please use the word “Application” in the subject line. Review of applications begins July 13. Open until filled.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Experience in journalism resulting in published work
• Experience writing about environmental issues
• Excellent skills in writing, reporting and research, with attention to detail, accuracy and context
• Commitment to reporting conscientiously on complicated topics
• Respect for a diversity of sources, thorough fact checking and careful wording
• Communication and organizational skills that support productivity in an independent work environment
• Ability to collaborate and meet deadlines
• Willingness to travel as needed for reporting assignments and staff meetings
• Willingness to report stories in varied settings, such as towns and cities, farms, forests, industrial sites, schools, research labs, and on boats

Other Desired Qualifications:

• Five to seven years of experience as a journalist, preferably with environmental topics
• Knowledge of environmental issues in the Chesapeake Bay region
• Skills in producing video, audio packages, podcasts, photos or social media for a newsroom

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