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Watchdog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$24.25 - $33/hr

Cloud Times , a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree and be ...

gannett

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$24.25 - $33/hr

Cloud Times , a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree and be ...

gannett

City Government Watchdog Reporter

Asheville, NC · On-site

We're seeking an aggressive, relentlessly curious and persistent watchdog reporter who isn't afraid to dig below the surface and the press releases, to reveal for readers what is really going on, and ...

gannett

City Government Watchdog Reporter

Asheville, NC · On-site

We're seeking an aggressive, relentlessly curious and persistent watchdog reporter who isn't afraid to dig below the surface and the press releases, to reveal for readers what is really going on, and ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Reporter

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

$28.33 - $32.74/hr

The watchdog element of this job involves tracking that public spending to help our readers understand the tax proposals on their ballots and the sharp tensions that underlie budget discussions about ...

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$41K

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How much do watchdog jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for watchdog in the United States is $62,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Watchdog in ensuring compliance and transparency within an organization?

Watchdogs often encounter challenges such as resistance to oversight, limited access to critical information, and balancing impartiality with organizational relationships. They must remain vigilant in identifying potential ethical breaches or regulatory non-compliance while building trust with stakeholders. Collaboration with legal, audit, and management teams is essential, and successful watchdogs develop strong communication and investigative skills to navigate these complexities effectively.

What is the difference between Watchdog vs Security Guard?

AspectWatchdogSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but some roles may require basic trainingTypically requires security license or certification
Work EnvironmentPrimarily monitors premises, often in a passive roleActive patrols, access control, and incident response
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries, including manufacturing and retailCommon in security firms, retail, events, and corporate settings

While both Watchdogs and Security Guards focus on safety, Watchdogs often perform passive monitoring without active patrols, whereas Security Guards actively patrol and manage access. The roles overlap in security monitoring, but Security Guards typically require formal licensing and perform more hands-on security tasks.

What are watchdogs?

Watchdogs are individuals, groups, or organizations that monitor the activities of companies, governments, or other institutions to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with laws and ethical standards. They often investigate and report on issues such as corruption, fraud, or abuse of power. Watchdogs can be non-profit organizations, media outlets, or regulatory bodies, and they play a crucial role in protecting public interest. Their efforts help to uphold integrity and encourage responsible behavior in various sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Watchdog, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watchdog (in a professional context such as compliance or oversight officer), you need expertise in regulatory frameworks, investigative skills, and a relevant degree in law, finance, or public administration. Familiarity with compliance management systems, auditing tools, and data analysis software is often required. Integrity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set exceptional watchdogs apart. These competencies ensure effective oversight, uphold ethical standards, and protect organizations from legal or reputational risks.
More about Watchdog jobs
What cities are hiring for Watchdog jobs? Cities with the most Watchdog job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Watchdog jobs? The most popular types of Watchdog jobs are:
What states have the most Watchdog jobs? States with the most job openings for Watchdog jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Watchdog jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Watchdog jobs are:
Watchdog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Watchdog job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,882 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

gannett

Saint Cloud, MN • On-site

$24.25 - $33/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago

Gannett rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 67 rated media

Job description

The St. Cloud Times The St. Cloud Times, a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree and be well-versed in reporting. In addition, the reporter must be able to take both pictures and short videos and not be afraid to meet people, find sources, and learn their beat.

The right candidate will be able to report stories that affect the lives of people. This beat offers the opportunity to serve as a watchdog to the community. The right candidate will have a nose for issues and be able to interview both politicians and residents alike. He or she will be able to explain local political issues to readers with easy-to-understand language. Digital journalism will be a priority.

We use data-driven journalism to write about complicated topics. This reporter must be comfortable interviewing a diverse group of people. 

Consistently breaking exclusive news is crucial. He or she will identify, produce and post stories, photos, and videos quickly and accurately.

The St. Cloud Times is committed to diversity and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check.

Life in St. Cloud

This position is based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, a vibrant community on the Mississippi River.  St. Cloud is a thriving multi-city location in central Minnesota that is situated about one hour from the Twin Cities. The St. Cloud metro-area population is about 206,000, with the Twin Cities, Minneapolis and St. Paul, coming in at 3.7 million. The population in St. Cloud, which continues to rise, is diverse, and the area, which includes several cities, is a growing region of Minnesota.

In this role, you will:

  • Research, report and produce compelling content that continuously grows a following by informing and engaging readers.
  • Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
  • Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
  • Work with newsroom leaders to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests tailored to appropriate platforms.
  • Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
  • Use video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.

Here's what you need:

  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 1-4 years of daily newsroom experience.
  • High-level writing, communication, and time management skills.
  • Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism
  • Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
  • A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Application instructions

We are eager to learn more about you. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. Please include a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

  1. Your resume (1-2 pages)
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
  3. Links to 3-5 online samples of your work.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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