Canada's National Observer
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posted: June 10, 2026
Deadline: June 30, 2026
Salary: $73,000 annually
Description
As Canada’s National Observer’s General Assignment Reporter for Alberta, you will report on the intersection between politics and climate at all levels in Alberta. You will be on the ground, talking with people, documenting events, and reporting on stories as they happen — not from behind a computer screen.
You will be responsible for covering the Alberta Legislature, the upcoming referendum on Alberta separation, environment, local and regional politics, judicial proceedings, land-use issues, inspiring people doing interesting things and the impact of climate change on Alberta.
You will pay particular attention to how policy at different levels interacts, and how ordinary Albertans’ lives are affected by the decisions made by their government representatives.
Key Responsibilities
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Report 2-3 stories weekly, with allowances for extra reporting time when appropriate
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Report accurately, write engagingly and practice journalism ethically
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Develop contacts and information pathways at provincial levels
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Report on breaking news related to climate, from disasters to court decisions
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Travel within Alberta as appropriate
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Be responsive to editors and colleagues
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Experiment with innovative ways to tell stories online
Salary and benefits
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Salary: $73,000 annually
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Comprehensive Sun Life package (including dental, mental health counselling, wellness funds, gender affirmation coverage, travel insurance, and $25,000 life insurance)
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12 paid vacation days plus 11 statutory holidays, plus paid office closure between Christmas and New Year
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$125/month towards home office expenses
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Employer matching RSP (up to $1,500/year)
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This is a bargaining unit position (J1 category reporter position) under the Collective Agreement between Observer Media Group (Canada’s National Observer) and the Canadian Media Guild. It ensures annual 3% cost-of-living increases and robust support.
Preferred start date
Qualifications
What we’re looking for
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Strong English-language reporting and writing skills
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A minimum undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
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Three-plus years of reporting experience, ideally with a focus on politics, climate policy, city issues or a related field
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A passion for climate change news and staying on top of the key political, policy and business issues in Canada that impact the climate agenda
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A track record of finding unique stories and angles, not following the pack
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A great storyteller
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Proven skills using Freedom of Information requests and other investigative tools
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Other multimedia skills like photography, videography, data journalism or social media are assets
Tips for applying
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The successful applicant must live in Alberta
Please submit applications through the Bamboo Portal link here:
Include a resume, cover letter (stating you found this job on Jeff Gaulin's Journalism Job Board, and three writing samples highlighting your best work. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Canada's National Observer is committed to building a team that reflects the country we cover. We actively welcome applications from Indigenous, Black, and racialized candidates, women, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. Our Vancouver newsroom is located on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations and the land we live on inspires the work we do.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Canada's National Observer
E-mail:
[email protected]