Freelance Researcher Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

About the opportunity

St. George Direct is a growing local news and community media brand serving St. George and Southern Utah. We’re looking for a local freelance writer and contributor who notices the stories other people walk past—and can turn them into articles locals genuinely want to read.

This is a freelance contract role, not a generic content-writing position. The work is flexible and primarily independent, but you must know the area and be available to gather local information, photos, or interviews when a story calls for it.

What you’ll do

• Pitch and write your own approved local story ideas

• Complete topics assigned by the St. George Direct team

• Conduct light research and verify key information

• Interview local sources or gather comments when needed

• Write clear, engaging articles of approximately 500–800 words

• Provide sourced or original photos when available

• Meet agreed deadlines and communicate reliably

Possible story topics

You might cover local business openings and closures, community events, public safety, local history, neighborhood issues, unusual stories, current conversations, thoughtful opinion pieces, or creative angles on serious subjects.

We’re especially interested in writers who can spot the question behind the obvious headline: Why is this happening? Who does it affect? What detail will make a local reader stop scrolling and keep reading?

Who would be a great fit

You live in or closely understand St. George and Southern Utah. You’re curious, dependable, comfortable asking questions, and able to write with both accuracy and personality. You can find an original angle instead of simply repeating information.

Journalism or professional writing experience is helpful, but it is not the only thing we value. Strong writing samples, local knowledge, sound judgment, responsiveness, and a genuine interest in the community matter just as much.

Compensation

• $50 per approved article that you research and develop independently

• $30 per assigned article

• An additional $50 performance bonus for any article that reaches 2,500 or more website visits

This is a per-article freelance arrangement rather than a salaried or hourly position.

What St. George Direct handles

We take care of formatting, WordPress publishing, and distribution. Published stories may be promoted through social media, community groups, and other channels, allowing you to focus on reporting and writing.

For the right contributor, this could become an ongoing relationship with a consistent rhythm of story assignments. There may also be opportunities to develop recurring columns, themed features, or creative local series.

St. George Direct is preparing to launch a local app featuring news and deals, so this is an exciting time to help shape what our growing audience reads next.

How to apply

Apply through LinkedIn with a brief introduction, relevant writing samples, and two or three local story ideas you would be excited to pursue. We’d love to hear what you notice about Southern Utah that deserves a closer look.