General Assignment Reporter-Watertown, SD

Lee Enterprises•Watertown, SD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Watertown Public Opinion, part of Lee Enterprises, seeks a driven, digital-first general assignment reporter to cover Watertown, South Dakota, and contribute to statewide reporting. Breaking news and public safety will be central responsibilities, alongside coverage of local government, education and community life. This reporter will take a leading role in covering crime, courts, law enforcement, emergency response and other public safety issues. The job requires urgency when news breaks, sound judgment as events unfold and a commitment to verifying information before publishing. Developing trusted sources across public safety agencies and the broader community will be essential. Strong coverage goes beyond the initial incident. This reporter will pursue follow-up stories, examine public records and hold institutions accountable, helping readers understand the causes, consequences and community impact of public safety issues. We want reporting that treats victims, families and others affected by traumatic events with care and fairness. The broader general assignment beat offers room to explore how Watertown works and the people shaping its future. The ideal candidate is curious, persistent and eager to uncover both the issues everyone is discussing and those that deserve more attention. You should be comfortable working calmly under tight deadlines, making calls, reporting from the scene, delivering scoops and turning complex information into clear, conversational stories. This role requires balancing developing news with daily coverage and enterprise reporting, while keeping readers informed through timely, verified updates. Digital storytelling is central to the job. We want someone who writes sharp, accurate headlines, understands search optimization and uses audience insights to identify useful coverage. You should be willing to experiment with live updates, explainers, Q&As, video and other formats that help readers understand the news. Collaboration is equally important. This reporter will work closely with editors and colleagues, welcome feedback and participate in peer editing to strengthen our local and statewide coverage.

Requirements

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong reporting, writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce accurate, clear work under tight deadlines.
Sound news judgment and an understanding of journalism ethics, sourcing and verification.
The initiative to develop sources, ask difficult questions and pursue stories beyond official statements.
Ability to respond to breaking news and adapt coverage priorities as events unfold.
Familiarity with digital publishing, social media and search optimization; experience using social platforms to identify and report stories is a plus.
Experience with public records, public safety or courts reporting is a plus.
Ability to produce photos and video; experience creating graphics for digital and social audiences is a plus.
A collaborative approach and willingness to learn new tools and skills.
A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check and drug screen.

Nice To Haves

Experience using social platforms to identify and report stories is a plus.
Experience with public records, public safety or courts reporting is a plus.
Experience creating graphics for digital and social audiences is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead breaking news and public safety coverage, responding quickly to significant incidents and providing accurate, timely updates as stories develop.
Build and maintain sources among law enforcement, fire and emergency services, courts, local officials and community members.
Cover crime and court proceedings with accuracy, fairness and context, clearly distinguishing allegations from established facts.
Pursue public records and data to produce enterprise stories, accountability reporting and meaningful follow-ups to breaking news.
Report on local government, education, community issues and other general assignment topics.
Monitor developing news, community conversations and audience trends to identify consequential stories and emerging issues.
Produce clear, engaging coverage through articles, photography, video, newsletters, social media and alternative story formats.
Use audience metrics and search trends to inform story selection, strengthen headlines and help readers find our journalism.
Balance urgent assignments with planned coverage, managing multiple deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Collaborate with editors and colleagues on coverage plans, peer editing and new approaches to serving audiences.