Want to relocate to one of the most scenic, up-and-coming areas of British Columbia while doing what you love?

The Goat, the primary news publication for east-central BC, is hiring a full-time reporter based in Valemount to report on civic issues under the Local Journalism Initiative program. We hope to continue the position after the contract expires on March 31st, 2027, but this is dependent on The Goat receiving further LJI funding.

Valemount is in a tourism-rich area and boasts a bike park, dozens of hiking trails, and incredible views. It is the closest town to Mt. Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies, and nestled between Jasper National Park, Mt. Robson Provincial Park, and Wells Grey Provincial Park.

The area is at the nexus of issues important not just to locals but BC residents and all Canadians: forestry policy, the Trans Mountain pipeline, railway transport & safety, Boom & Bust resource economies, agriculture and agricultural policy, the potential development of geothermal power, glacier loss, forest fires, the Columbia River Treaty, wildlife conservation, rural health care, and highways to name a few. The journalist will also cover institutions such as our local villages, regional districts, Northern Health, School District 57, provincial government, federal government and others.

This position would provide a great launching pad to a larger publication in that the job involves covering topics of provincial and national interest.

The Goat delivers local and regional hard news and community news to a population of about 4,000 people. It's independent, locally-owned and the primary source of civic journalism for the Robson Valley and upper North Thompson Valley. It also has a large online readership in the Robson and North Thompson Valleys, Prince George, Lower Mainland, Kamloops and Alberta.

The journalist will be responsible for:

• Covering civic institutions such as municipal councils, regional districts, school boards, and keeping on top of changes to provincial and national legislation and finding local stories pertaining to those laws.
• Reporting clearly and accurately with a desire to dig into more in-depth stories
• Minimum three to five stories/week

*Qualifications*

• Degree or diploma in journalism, or related experience
• Excellent language, writing and editing skills, with knowledge of Canadian Press style standards
• Strong photography skills
• Able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
• A track record of success in cultivating sources and fostering community contacts and relationships
• Familiarity with the region is an asset, though not mandatory
• A valid driver?s license and reliable vehicle
• Must be willing to reside in the vicinity of Valemount, B.C.

The monthly salary for this position is $4,000. To apply, send resume and clippings showing samples of recent civic journalism to Spencer at goatnewspaper@gmail.com

Pay: $4,000.00 per month

Benefits

• Paid time off

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Work Location: In person