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Climate Journalism Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We value solutions-oriented journalism and accountability and infuse our reporting with those ... Our need to cover climate and environment has statewide interest. Content that has an even broader ...

We value solutions-oriented journalism and accountability and infuse our reporting with those ... Our need to cover climate and environment has statewide interest. Content that has an even broader ...

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Climate Journalism information

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$23.5K

$51.2K

$65K

How much do climate journalism jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate journalism in the United States is $51,214.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Climate Journalism position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Climate Journalism, you need strong research, investigative reporting, and science communication skills, often supported by a degree in journalism, environmental studies, or a related field. Familiarity with digital publishing tools, multimedia storytelling platforms, and data visualization software is highly beneficial. Outstanding interpersonal skills, curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to explain complex scientific issues in accessible terms set top candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate, compelling stories that inform the public and drive meaningful discussion on climate issues.

What is a Climate Journalism job?

A Climate Journalism job involves reporting on climate change, environmental policies, and sustainability issues. Journalists in this field research scientific data, interview experts, and investigate the impact of climate-related events on communities and ecosystems. Their work helps inform the public about urgent environmental challenges and potential solutions. Climate journalists may write for newspapers, magazines, digital media, or work in broadcast journalism.

What are some common challenges faced by climate journalists in their daily work?

Climate journalists often encounter the challenge of translating complex scientific data into clear, engaging stories for a broad audience. They may need to verify facts from diverse sources, coordinate with scientific experts, and often work under tight deadlines to cover fast-evolving climate developments. Navigating the balance between urgency and accuracy, as well as addressing misconceptions or misinformation, is a routine part of the job. Additionally, climate journalists frequently collaborate with editors, photographers, and multimedia producers to deliver impactful reporting. Staying updated on both climate science and journalism best practices also requires ongoing professional development.

More about Climate Journalism jobs
What cities are hiring for Climate Journalism jobs? Cities with the most Climate Journalism job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Climate Journalism jobs? The most popular types of Climate Journalism jobs are:
What states have the most Climate Journalism jobs? States with the most job openings for Climate Journalism jobs include:
Infographic showing various Climate Journalism job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,214 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Project Specialist

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


University Of Southern California rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

To grow your career at USC, consider open positions across our campuses.
For your application to be considered, please attach a cover letter and resume to your employment application.
Established in 2022, the USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication (CCJC) empowers journalists, students, and communication professionals to tell impactful, accurate, and engaging stories about climate change. The center advances its mission by amplifying science, elevating community voices, and equipping communicators with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively engage diverse audiences. Leveraging USC's expertise in academic scholarship, research, and professional training, the center develops customized educational programs and resources for news organizations and communication professionals, with a distinct focus on strengthening climate communication through evidence-based training and practical application.
Position Description
The USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication (CCJC) seeks a Project Specialist to play a key role in supporting the Center's programs, research initiatives, events, partnerships, and community engagement efforts. The Project Specialist will lead the planning, management, and expansion of the Center's professional training portfolio, including oversight of the Climate Communication Certificate Program and a range of workshops, strategic partnerships, and customized training offerings.
The Project Specialist will serve as an integral member of a deadline-driven, mission-focused team. Successful candidates must demonstrate flexibility in job responsibilities and a willingness to assist with new tasks as needed. The role requires independent judgment, discretion, and strong organizational skills to manage sensitive policy, financial, and stakeholder-related information.
This full-time, benefits-eligible position reports to the Director of the USC Annenberg Center for Climate Journalism and Communication and works closely with the Program Administrator to support the Center's strategic priorities, daily operations, and continued growth. This role requires a collaborative approach to advancing the Center's mission while contributing to a strong, team-oriented work environment.
Required Competencies/Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Demonstrated experience developing, documenting, and maintaining standard operating procedures and administrative workflows.
  • Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also exercising sound judgment and initiative independently.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects of varying complexity simultaneously with exceptional attention to detail, accuracy, and professionalism.
  • Flexibility, adaptability, and comfort working in a dynamic environment with evolving priorities and ambiguity.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and Canva.
  • Strong research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities
Training and Project Support
  • Lead the coordination and administrative management of the Center's professional training initiatives, including the Certificate in Sustainability Communication program and Climate Stories Lab. Oversee and manage participant recruitment and onboarding, scheduling, guest lecturer coordination, program logistics, participant communications, post-program activities, publication of participant projects, development of program materials, and evaluation of participant feedback to ensure high-quality program delivery and continuous improvement.
  • Coordinate and schedule customized media training programs for USC and external partners, including scheduling trainer, reserving Media Center facilities, coordinating with Media Center staff, and ensuring participants receive training materials and session recordings.
  • Support staff and research assistants in developing research projects and guides for the Center, especially the annual Temperature Check report, by leading the development of the report, assisting data collection and outreach, and getting content ready for publication.
  • Conduct research and analysis to inform Center initiatives, and develop briefings, memoranda, and talking points for senior staff.
  • Monitor, track, and coordinate project deliverables and timelines across internal teams and external partners, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and timely execution of key initiatives.
  • Support the financial and administrative operations of the Center's training programs and projects in accordance with USC policies and procedures, including processing invoices and reimbursements, monitoring program budgets, facilitating procurement, onboarding and processing payments for external vendors, and serving as a liaison to university administrative offices.

Perform other related duties as assigned or requested in support of the Center's operations, including participation in Center-wide events, programs, and special initiatives.
Compensation
The hourly rate range for this position is $29.00 - $31.03. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Additional Information:
Job openings are posted for a minimum of (5) five business days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended, so please apply on the same business day if interested.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

Minimum Education:
Bachelor's Degree
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience:
2 years
Preferred Education:
Master's Degree
Preferred Experience:
3 years
Preferred Expertise:
Experience or coursework in communication, journalism, environmental studies, public policy, education, social sciences, or a related field required.
Experience or demonstrated interest in climate communication, environmental issues or public engagement is preferred.
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:
https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$149520.htmld

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About University of Southern California

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Southern California (USC) is not a conventional company, but a private research university established in the heart of Los Angeles, CA, US. Founded in 1880, it's one of the oldest private research universities in California. USC operates in the education industry providing primary services of higher education, research, and community development. This prestigious institution offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across various disciplines, including the humanities, social sciences, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). The University is guided by its commitment to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and discovery through academic excellence.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles , CA, US

Year founded

1880