Reporter, Asphalt

Argus Media•Houston, TX

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Argus is seeking a driven and resourceful individual to join its Americas Asphalt team, contributing to a weekly market report that features asphalt pricing, market news, and analysis. This role involves close collaboration with the Americas Asphalt Editor and global asphalt teams to produce high-quality editorial content. The successful candidate will cover weekly asphalt price assessments, write analytical market commentaries, and provide in-depth news coverage for online publication and the weekly report. Key responsibilities also include data collection, databasing, and publication of trade data, as well as maintaining and expanding a network of industry contacts across North and South America by attending and covering conferences. This position offers an exciting opportunity to cover a complex oil market and deliver high-profile industry news, frequently collaborating with other editorial, data, production, and commercial teams at Argus. The role is part of a small, highly valued report specializing in asphalt markets in the Americas, including related industry, regulatory, and policy issues, providing crucial pricing information and insightful analysis on how crude demand, refining trends, and government policies impact asphalt markets.

Requirements

A minimum of a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, economics, business, geography or relevant field.
Proven ability to identify and write industry-relevant news/analysis in a timely manner.
Excellent writing, grammar and quantitative skills (these will be tested as part of the interview process).
Excellent communication skills with the ability to develop new contacts and build/maintain rapport among existing contacts.
Strong time management skills with the ability to work well on a small team.
Must have legal authorization to work in the US.

Nice To Haves

Ability to use data in generating stories and analysis is preferred, while a willingness to learn is essential.
Background or prior experience in oil markets, energy journalism, and/or government policy is useful but not essential.
A minimum of two years of prior experience with commodity markets is preferred but not required.
Spanish proficiency preferred but not required.
Public speaking and presentation skills are helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Monitor and assess asphalt markets in the US, Latin America and Canada to produce weekly price assessments, news, insightful analysis and reports.
Curate data and maintain and analyse existing data series to inform coverage. Develop graphs and charts within Excel to illustrate trends and analysis.
Adhere to rigorous compliance standards.
Coordinate regular interaction and meetings with key industry participants, including traders, brokers, refiners and other market leaders to build relationships and gather news.
Develop an understanding of relevant commodity markets, working with other Argus teams to produce joint content.
Assist with weekly production tasks for Argus Americas Asphalt report and provide backup for teammates when they are out.
Attend meetings, conferences and industry events to build contacts and represent Argus in the industry.
Contribute to external presentations and/or special projects as needed.