Climate & Environmental Policy Reporter
About The Position
The Washington Post is seeking an aggressive and insightful reporter to cover climate and environmental policy at a pivotal moment for the nation and the planet. This reporter will play a central role in covering how federal agencies are writing rules that affect the climate, environmental protection and natural resources. The beat spans the Environmental Protection Agency, the Interior Department – including the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service – along with NOAA and other key institutions This position will focus on breaking news, driving accountability and delivering high-impact enterprise on how policy decisions affect businesses, ecosystems and communities. We’re looking for a journalist who can move seamlessly between scoops, analysis and enterprise reporting — someone who can track complex regulatory shifts, uncover the forces driving them and illuminate their real-world consequences. The ideal candidate will bring sharp reporting instincts, strong source development and a clear understanding of how environmental policy intersects with politics, economics and science. This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom.
Requirements
- A track record of breaking news and producing impactful reporting on a competitive beat.
- Experience covering environmental policy, energy, science, politics or related fields.
- Strong source-building skills and the ability to navigate complex government institutions.
- Ability to understand and explain regulatory and scientific issues to a broad audience.
- Clear, engaging writing style and the ability to work quickly under deadline pressure.
- A collaborative mindset and a commitment to rigorous, fair-minded journalism.
Responsibilities
- Break news on major developments in climate and environmental policy across key federal agencies.
- Cover the Environmental Protection Agency, Interior Department, NOAA and related institutions.
- Track and explain regulatory decisions on issues such as greenhouse gas emissions, toxic chemicals, renewable energy, offshore drilling and public lands management.
- Identify and drive enterprise stories that examine how policy changes affect businesses, ecosystems and communities.
- Investigate and report on the political, economic and scientific forces shaping environmental policy.
- Produce clear, authoritative reporting under tight deadlines while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and fairness.
- Collaborate with reporters, data journalists, visual teams and editors across the newsroom to deliver impactful storytelling.
Benefits
- Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
- Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
- Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
- Nine paid holidays and two personal days
- 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
- Robust mental health resources
- Backup care and caregiver concierge services
- Gender affirming services
- Pet insurance
- Free Post digital subscription
- Leadership and career development programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
