Founded in 2016 by award-winning journalist John Adams, MTFP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public-powered news organization dedicated to serving the information needs of all Montanans. In November 2024, Mountain Journal (est. 2017) became part of MTFP, uniting around a mission of deeply reported journalism on water, wildlife, energy, climate and land use in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. This reporter will also be writing stories for national climate news outlet Grist, as part of the partnership with Mountain Journal.
Montana Free Press/Mountain Journal/Grist
Open Position
Location: Helena or Bozeman, Montana, or other locations within Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. If located outside Helena, will require regular travel to MTFP headquarters in Helena.
Beat: Climate reporting on Montana and the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Position:
The climate reporter covers the complex intersections of climate change, land, water, energy, agriculture, and rural life across Montana, with attention to how these issues connect to regional and national climate trends.
Through a partnership with Grist, the reporter produces in-depth, contextual stories on how climate change is reshaping ecosystems, economies, infrastructure and governance, and what those shifts mean for communities across the state. As part of an innovative climate and environmental reporting team, the reporter pursues local and statewide reporting, while contributing to collaborative projects that deepen understanding of climate science, climate policy, adaptation, mitigation and solutions.
Experience with newsletter writing, data or visual journalism, and social media reporting is valued, though not essential. Along with writing articles, the reporter will contribute to a new environmental newsletter produced by Montana Free Press and participate in social and audience-facing reporting. The successful candidate will be able to develop a wide range of sources — including scientists, policymakers, land managers, energy experts and community leaders — and is prepared to investigate and explain how climate-driven pressures on water, wildfire, energy systems, agriculture and infrastructure are transforming Montana’s communities and landscapes.
Salary and Benefits: Entry level: Reporter 1 Payscale: $46,000 - $52,000
6+ years: Reporter 3 Payscale: $58,000 - $65,000
MTFP has employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans. We pay 80% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums. You are eligible the first of the month following your official start date, and your portion of medical premiums will not be withheld until then. MTFP offers unlimited PTO after 60 days, 12 paid holidays, and an additional week off over the 4th of July and Christmas. Other benefits include up to $50 monthly phone reimbursement and MTFP-provided equipment (laptop, etc.).
Moving Stipend: MTFP provides moving stipends of up to $ 1,000.
Skills: Writing, Data Reporting, Social Media Reporting, Video/Multimedia Reporting
Apply →