General Assignment Reporter

General Assignment Reporter

Reporter & Farmer

Webster, SD 57274

$35,000 - $40,000 a year

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Full-time

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Job details

$35,000 - $40,000 a year

Professional development assistance, Paid parental leave, Parental leave, 401(k) matching, Paid time off, Employee discount, Vision insurance, Flexible schedule

Full-time

Weekends as needed, Evenings as needed

Webster, SD 57274

Full job description

News Reporter – Community Journalism

Reporter & Farmer | Webster, South Dakota

Full-time, in-person | $35,000–$40,000 DOE | $1,000 hiring bonus

Looking for a place where your reporting matters?

Reporter & Farmer, an award-winning, locally owned weekly newspaper serving Webster and Day County in northeastern South Dakota, is looking for a curious, motivated and dependable general assignment reporter to join our team.

For generations, Reporter & Farmer has documented the history of our communities, celebrated the people who make them special and held local government accountable. We're looking for someone who shares that commitment to meaningful community journalism – and who enjoys finding the stories that matter.

This is a hands-on position where you'll cover a little bit of everything, develop your own story ideas and see the direct impact of your reporting on the community you serve.

The job

Our reporters cover everything from county commission and city council meetings to high school sports, local businesses, community events and personality features. One day you might be digging into a government budget decision; the next, interviewing a longtime resident with a remarkable story to tell.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Independently research, report and write accurate, engaging stories on deadline.

• Recognize newsworthy issues, pursue leads and follow stories through to completion.

• Manage multiple assignments, communicate proactively and take ownership of their work.

• Photograph their own assignments using newspaper-provided equipment.

• Assist with newspaper pagination and layout using Adobe InDesign.

• Work collaboratively with a small team and occasionally pitch in with other office responsibilities when needed.

Strong writing skills, curiosity, sound judgment and attention to detail are essential. Previous newsroom experience is preferred, but we're also interested in candidates with demonstrated writing ability, initiative and a willingness to learn.

Photography experience and familiarity with Adobe InDesign are valuable assets. Training is available for the right candidate.

Above all, we're looking for someone who takes pride in doing the job well, can work independently without constant supervision and is receptive to constructive editorial feedback.

Working at Reporter & Farmer

We're a small, locally owned newspaper and our staff works together to produce a quality publication every week. Reporters have independence in pursuing stories while working closely with the publisher and fellow staff members in a collaborative, public-facing office environment.

Our schedule is flexible around the news cycle. Some evening and occasional weekend coverage is required for public meetings, sports and community events, with adjustments to regular work hours to accommodate those assignments. Occasional availability for breaking news is also part of community journalism.

We value good reporting, teamwork and getting the job done right.

Life in Webster and Day County

Located in the heart of northeastern South Dakota's Glacial Lakes region, Webster offers the opportunity to enjoy small-town living while doing journalism that makes a genuine difference.

This is a community where people know their neighbors, local events bring people together and reporters have the opportunity to become part of the places and stories they cover.

For those who enjoy outdoor recreation, the region offers fishing, hunting, lakes and wide-open spaces. Webster also offers the practical advantages of economical housing and South Dakota's lack of a state individual income tax.

Small-town life isn't for everyone. But for someone looking for a close-knit community, room to put down roots and meaningful work, Webster has a great deal to offer.

Compensation and benefits

• Starting salary: $35,000–$40,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

• $1,000 hiring bonus, paid in two installments: $500 with the first paycheck and $500 after three months of employment.

• Relocation support: We can help connect relocating employees with local rental opportunities through community contacts, including housing that may not be publicly advertised.

• Rental deposit assistance: Up to $1,000 may be available toward a rental security deposit, paid directly to the landlord and subject to a separate agreement.

• 401(k) matching and retirement benefits.

• Paid time off and parental leave.

• Flexible scheduling around reporting assignments.

• Vision insurance.

• Employee discounts and professional development assistance.

• Opportunity for compensation growth based on demonstrated performance.

Full benefits eligibility begins after three months of employment. Employer-sponsored health insurance is not currently offered.

How to apply

Please submit your résumé, a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and samples of your writing to amanda[at]reporterandfarmer[dot]com.

We welcome applications from experienced journalists as well as promising candidates from other backgrounds who can demonstrate strong writing skills, curiosity and the ability to work independently.

This position requires working in person in Webster, South Dakota. It is not a remote or hybrid position. Applicants from outside the area must be willing to relocate.

We look forward to hearing from people who want to do good journalism – and become part of the community they serve.

Pay: $35,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching

• Employee discount

• Flexible schedule

• Paid parental leave

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

• Professional development assistance

• Vision insurance

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Webster, SD 57274: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person