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Documentary Editor Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Cascade PBS

Temporary Senior Video Producer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$37.83/hr

Pitch, research and develop short-form scripted video series, documentaries and other video content ... Collaborate with internal/external video editors to complete projects * Review and provide feedback ...

All JobsDocumentary Editor JobsDocumentary Editor Jobs in Seattle, WA

Documentary Editor information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$35

$65

How much do documentary editor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for documentary editor in Seattle, WA is $35.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $45.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a documentary editor?

A Documentary Editor is responsible for assembling raw footage, shaping the narrative, and refining the visual and audio elements of a documentary film. They work closely with directors and producers to ensure the story is compelling, cohesive, and aligns with the project's vision. This role involves selecting the best takes, cutting scenes for pacing, adding effects, and integrating music or sound design. Documentary editors must have strong storytelling skills, technical proficiency with editing software, and the ability to craft engaging narratives from real-life footage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a documentary editor?

To thrive as a Documentary Editor, you need expertise in video editing, storytelling, and narrative structure, typically supported by a background in film, media, or communications. Proficiency in editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Media Composer is essential, and certification in these programs is often preferred. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with directors and producers are critical soft skills in this role. These qualities ensure the ability to craft compelling stories that align with the documentary's vision and engage viewers.

What are some typical challenges a documentary editor faces during a project?

Documentary Editors often encounter challenges such as working with large volumes of raw footage, managing tight deadlines, and balancing creative input from multiple collaborators. You may need to shape a compelling narrative from unscripted content, which requires both technical skill and creative problem-solving. Additionally, editors must adapt to changes in story direction as new material emerges or feedback is provided by the production team. Successfully navigating these challenges is key to delivering a polished final product that tells an engaging and coherent story.

How much does a documentary editor make?

The average salary for a documentary editor ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Experienced editors with skills in editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid Media Composer tend to earn higher wages, especially when working on high-profile or long-form documentaries.

What are the most commonly searched types of Documentary Editor jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Documentary Editor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Documentary Editor jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Documentary Editor jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Documentary Editor jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Documentary Editor jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Documentary Editor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Documentary Editor job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,800 per year, or $36 per hour.

Temporary Senior Video Producer

Cascade PBS

Seattle, WA • On-site

$37.83/hr

Full-time, Contractor, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description

The Cascade PBS's mission is to inform and inspire our community to make the world a better place.


Our vision is to be the most essential and relevant media organization in the region.


The Senior Video Producer works as part of a video production team to pitch, develop and produce multiple short-form scripted video series per year, potentially long-form documentary projects for broadcast and a series of mini-docs for broadcast and online platforms. They are an established video storyteller with significant experience in broadcast and digital content production and possess demonstrated high-level skills in journalistic writing, reporting and video production. They are a leader in the industry and bring vast experience to the table while demonstrating Cascade PBS's values of integrity, community, innovation and diversity.


Pay rate: $37.83/hr

Status: Temporary, full-time, benefits eligible

Duration: October 12, 2026 - February 19, 2027

Location: Seattle, hybrid schedule available

Benefits include: 

  • Sick time
  • Company-matched 401(k) Retirement Plan that is fully-vested immediately
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

  • Pitch, research and develop short-form scripted video series, documentaries and other video content for distribution across broadcast and online platforms.
  • Work in collaboration with Director of Original Productions and Production Manager to determine the content and focus of projects  
  • Manage pre-production planning and logistics 
  • Engage in ongoing survey of the digital and broadcast video landscape to inspire innovation 
  • Coordinate with manager on project budgets and track spending for productions as needed 
  • Assists production teams to complete short-form and long-form video and multimedia projects 
  • On occasion serve as secondary photographer in the field  
  • On occasion serve as on-camera reporter/host 
  • Collect and manage media assets for video/multimedia projects 
  • Write video scripts and supporting material as needed. 
  • Work in collaboration with Director of Original Productions and Production Manager to review and hone scripts written by other internal/external producers 
  • Book crew as needed for productions 
  • Record voice-over narration and coach other producers/narrators on voicing 
  • Collaborate with internal/external video editors to complete projects 
  • Review and provide feedback on cuts of videos from other internal/external producers  
  • Ensure delivery of all relevant assets from independent contractors 
  • Assist web editors with development additional web assets and publishing 
  • Mentor, train and partner with other producers as needed
  • Source media assets for edits and coordinate cost with manager
  • Organize and deliver relevant materials to Marketing & Communications and Corporate Sponsorship departments as well as Traffic
  • Collaborate with graphic design department to build animations and other assets 
  • Secure releases and perform fact-checking on scripts and supporting materials 
  • Assist in media management and maintaining media asset archives 
  • Assist manager in preparation and tracking of budgets 
  • Collaborate with other team members to foster a positive and productive culture and contribute toward the overall growth of the Cascade PBS.
  • Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

  • Demonstrate excellent content judgment and knowledge of digital content trends; possess journalistic reporting skills and facility with multimedia storytelling tools and techniques 
  • Knowledgeable about user experience principles with respect to presenting digital content 
  • Production experience using social media tools such as Facebook and Twitter  
  • Demonstrated ability to produce broadcast-quality video on multiple platforms  
  • Demonstrated ability to uphold high ethical standards of journalism
  • Be able to both self-generate journalistic projects and work with restrictions to meet very specific project/initiative needs 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • BA/BS in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience required 
  • At least 5 years of video producing/multimedia/journalism experience 
  • Experience with Canon C100, C300, Canon 5D dSLR, Adobe Creative Suite
  • Experience assembling and managing video/multimedia production teams 
  • Experience with stacking and packaging segments into sequences for television broadcast  
  • Experience with producing short-form series for web and broadcast 
  • Experience with writing project budgets and managing content acquisitions 
  • Experience with managing asset delivery for video content
  • Experience with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and investigative reporting techniques preferred 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to view data on a computer screen for long periods of time 
  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods 
  • Ability to regularly type on a keyboard  
  • Must have a valid driver's license or reliable means of transportation to meet requirements of the job
  • Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds unassisted 
  • Ability to work some evenings, weekends, holidays and in inclement weather 

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