Producer/Reporter, “Oregon Field Guide”
OPB
Portland
,
OR
Application Deadline: Monday, Apr 11, 2022
Description
Application instructions for this and all current OPB employment opportunities are available at OPB’s careers page.
About OPB
OPB is a leader in public media, serving diverse communities of the Northwest with fact-based, in-depth news and information about politics, the environment, science, arts, history, and cultures; business, education and more. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB seeks out a variety of voices in our communities and lifts up authentic stories of the people, places, events and issues of the region, providing context and a deeper understanding. OPB’s independent journalism and programs are available at opb.org, on OPB Radio and OPB TV. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
The Opportunity
“Oregon Field Guide” is one of the longest-running, highest-rated locally produced public television programs in America and we’re looking for a producer who will embrace our passion for telling environmental stories that convey the diversity of the human experience. The producer must possess a fondness for traveling the region. Their curiosity in exploring Oregon will be reflected in the video stories they tell. Must have a digital first mindset and be comfortable with field production in all weather conditions.
“Oregon Field Guide” is OPB’s flagship program, and it reaches people through weekly television episodes and online video channels (YouTube, Watch.opb.org) as well as through rich web articles, fun social posts and lively conversations with radio hosts on programs like “Morning Edition” or “Think Out Loud®”. “Oregon Field Guide” has even produced smash-hit podcasts like Timber Wars.
Other producers in our team broke ground by taking “Oregon Field Guide” to radio and the podcast realm, by crafting long-form historical specials, and by using our megaphone to challenge stereotypes in the skiing, hiking, fishing and biking communities. We want the next producer to use their own unique gifts to help us reach new levels of storytelling brilliance.
Position Details
The Producer/Reporter tells compelling long-form outdoor, rural, human interest, science and environment stories for the OPB series, “Oregon Field Guide.” The Producer/Reporter looks at the world through an equity lens and delivers a variety of stories emphasizing the diversity of human experience in the Northwest outdoors. Producers work primarily in video, but also work independently or with others to engage with audiences through podcasts, radio, web and social media. The Producer does research, develops sources, conducts interviews, coordinates logistics, produces in the field, writes scripts, provides voice narration for programs, works closely with camera operators and editors in story production, sometimes appears on camera, engages with the public online, and occasionally makes appearances on behalf of OPB.
Supervises
This position has no direct reports. The producer/reporter plans, assigns and approves work and leads staff (photographers and editors) 25% of the time.
Responsibilities
67% – Produce, report and deliver compelling stories and online content using video varying in length from several minutes to 30 minutes, primarily related to “Oregon Field Guide”.
- Responsible for most production workflows from idea to delivery.
- Draw from a wide variety of resources and diverse contacts to conceive and research story topics.
- Utilize listening strategies to find stories that reflect the diversity of race, ethnicity and culture of people throughout the Northwest.
- Ensure all assets (video, stills, etc.) are available and cleared to use in producing, editing, delivering and promoting stories.
- Research, develop sources, conduct interviews, coordinate logistics, produce in the field, write scripts, provide voice narration for programs, work closely with camera operators and editors in story production, sometimes appear on camera, engage with the public online.
- Review story and research material, write scripts, online content and promotional material, etc. Promote stories (e.g., social media). Work with Marketing to provide material for promotions.
- Collaborate with content creators to expand the reach of your stories using other distribution platforms (TV, radio, digital, etc.).
- Collaborate and innovate with others in the OPB production realm (including our Digital and News teams) to create the best possible stories.
- Adhere to OPB’s ethical, technical, legal and aesthetic standards.
30% – Production management
- Manage preproduction and production logistics for every story.
- Maintain legal forms such as releases, music cue sheets, rights management documentation as necessary.
- Utilize asset management workflows for organizing media and capturing metadata.
3% – Make on-air or public appearances on behalf of OPB.
Working Conditions
Work is done in the field and in an office or edit suite using a computer and other office or production equipment. Fieldwork includes travel to remote locations 6-12 times per year across the region involving overnight and evening or weekend work. Out-of-town trips are normally three to six days at a time and most filming is done during spring, summer and fall. Field productions often involve working outdoors in inclement weather where modern conveniences are not available, hiking and other moderately arduous physical activity, carrying equipment up to 30 pounds, using varying modes of transportation and/or sleeping in non-traditional accommodations. Driving is required.
Minimum Qualifications
- Three years of professional experience and/or equivalent experience telling quality stories through digital video, video/film production or equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
- Experience with journalistic best practices for fact-checking, sourcing and documentation.
- Demonstrated ability to write and distill complex feature stories for a general audience.
- Strong writing skills.
- Ability to relate comfortably with a wide range of people.
- Self-motivated with some flexibility to set own schedule and meet deadlines.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Some experience camping, hiking and wilderness-style travel.
- Adaptable, flexible, able to carry projects forward independently with appropriate direction and judgment.
- Enthusiasm for and understanding of the mission of OPB and for the role of public media in a changing media environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Long-form storytelling experience.
- Knowledge in natural resources, ecological issues, outdoor recreation and travel destinations.
- On-camera experience.
- Skills with Adobe video and/or audio editing and Photoshop.
- Bilingual in English and another language, preferably one spoken in communities in the Pacific Northwest (for example, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and Russian).
Additional Information
- This position reports to the Executive Editor, Science and Environment and is benefits eligible
- The probable hiring range for this exempt position is between $70,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on qualifications.
- For the safety of our employees, the contractors/vendors we work with, and the public we serve, OPB has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy and all employees are required to show proof of vaccination.
- This position requires a valid driver’s license and will requires consent to OPB conducting a driving record check. Employees will not be allowed to use a company or personal vehicle for work purposes without completion and satisfactory results of this check.
How to Apply
For application instructions, please visit OPB’s careers page. You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position related questions. Once you click “submit” you cannot make changes to your application.
Your application materials are due by 8:59 PM Pacific Time on April 11, 2022.
OPB is an Equal Opportunity Employer.