We're looking for a Pittsburgh-based intern
Interested in solutions-based, community reporting and environmental justice? Are you a research and public records nerd? Come work with us!
Environmental Health News— a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service dedicated to driving science into public discussion and policy on environmental health issues—is looking for an intern interested in research, storytelling, community and change to join our Pittsburgh bureau.
EHN.org is an independent, reader- and foundation-funded news site that reports, publishes and curates journalism on environmental topics. We bring national attention and expertise to regional environmental health issues, raising awareness, spurring public literacy, and moving the needle locally on key issues involving our health and environment. Pittsburgh is our first local bureau.
We seek a Pittsburgh-area university student with a demonstrated passion for and aptitude in primary research, public information research and/or open-source intelligence, data analyzing, graphics creation and basic reporting skills to work with our Pittsburgh reporter to conduct local investigations on environmental health issues.
The ideal candidate: Someone relentlessly curious who enjoys research, fact-finding and problem solving. A reporter passionate about their Southwestern Pennsylvania community who wants to help tell neighbors' stories and make positive change.
Successful candidates will possess an entrepreneurial spirit, an ability to work efficiently and collaborate in a high-tempo environment, and a passion for action and justice.
This is a paid internship that will last for approximately three months and will start as soon as possible. It includes a stipend of $1,500, and will require approximately 10-15 hours of work per week. The internship will be remote, however, they may meet occasionally with our Pittsburgh reporter.
We are open to all majors but require a demonstrated ability to write and communicate effectively; find, analyze and present data; and impeccable attention to both detail and accuracy.
Key responsibilities:
- Assist our Pittsburgh reporter in searching through large volumes of public records documents and systematically cataloging key items of interest;
- Identify potential stories via public records and open sources;
- Work with the EHN team to identify and produce potential data-reporting projects or graphics;
- Work with our Pittsburgh reporter to fact-check, transcribe, identify potential sources for stories;
- Engage in the Pittsburgh community both in-person and via social media to identify environmental health stories and get the word out on reporting we've done on local issues.
Who we're looking for:
- Interest in solutions journalism and holding people in power accountable.
- Interest and ability in public records research and familiarity with scientific literature.
- Ability to scan large volumes of research documents for items of interest efficiently.
- Ability to synthesize and distill data so a layperson can understand it.
- Interest and belief in the power of storytelling to shape and better local communities.
- Hunger to have an impact and change lives.
- Fresh ideas on reaching and building an audience for your work.
- An ability to work well with others. We're a small but tight group.
We are dedicated to pushing good science and reporting into public policy and public discussion. We are committed to diversity and to building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.
How to apply:
Send the following information to Brian Bienkowski at bbienkowski@ehn.org by February 11, 2019:
- A brief cover letter indicating why this position interests you and why you think you're a good fit
- Your CV or resume
- Links to any websites or social media profiles you'd like us to see
- 3-5 relevant clips (if applicable/available)
