We’re hiring a public health reporter to examine food access in Essex County

The Jersey Bee is a local, nonprofit newsroom that works with the people it serves to provide news and reporting that meets local information needs, inspires civic participation, and improves the quality of life in our community.

Since 2020, The Jersey Bee has collaborated with food aid recipients, food aid providers, and local policymakers to improve food security in our service area, which now includes 12 municipalities in East Essex County, including Irvington, the Oranges, Maplewood, Newark, and the Greater Bloomfield area.

The Jersey Bee is looking for a local journalist with experience in public health, social justice, or food systems to work with us examining food access in Essex County as a Public Health Reporter.

This six-month, per-diem contract will give you the opportunity to work closely with our local newsroom to produce journalism that improves access to quality, affordable food for low-income residents. You’ll produce solutions-focused reporting informed by community engagement to address the information needs of food system stakeholders.

The deadline to apply here is Feb. 9.

You should consider applying if:

• You have experience reporting stories on public health, social justice, food systems, or other relevant subjects.
• You want to practice engaged, solutions-oriented journalism in a public service newsroom.
• You’re a good listener, detail-oriented, and self-driven.

What you’ll do

As The Jersey Bee’s Public Health Reporter, you will:

• Produce an enterprise story monthly.
• Conduct interviews and attend events to understand information needs and produce reporting.
• Conduct research to inform project development and reporting.
• Work with editors and engagement staff to ensure reporting addresses info needs and accountability gaps.

Who we’re looking for

Here are some things that make a good candidate:

• Understanding of and commitment to The Jersey Bee’s mission and values.
• Strong communication skills, with an ability to navigate relationships with different stakeholders, from food pantry guests to food bank executives.
• Relevant reporting experience or experience in engaged or solutions journalism.
• Excellent time-management skills and an ability to work on deadline.
• Clear communicator who seeks and gives feedback.

More about the role and compensation

Here’s more about the compensation:

• Hourly wage: $33.
• Hours per month: 15-20.
• Sick paid time-off: Begin with 10 hours.

Here’s more about the time commitment:

• This is a per-diem role for a six-month contract period.
• Reporters should be available to attend in-person interviews and events in Essex County weekly.
• Reporters work remotely and stay in touch with Slack, Google Meet, email, and phone and are welcome to attend weekly team in-office days in Montclair, N.J.

How to apply

Click here to apply for Public Health Reporter at The Jersey Bee by Feb. 9. Questions? Email connect@jerseybee.org.