Assistant Editor, Environment

Join our team at the Guardian and be a part of a diverse and inclusive global organisation that delivers fearless, investigative journalism and holds power to account. Our team of award-winning journalists, cutting-edge commercial professionals, and industry-leading digital experts is committed to making a difference and represents a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. We offer a challenging and exciting environment for career development, with a focus on training, growth and fostering an inclusive culture.

We're looking for an assistant editor to commission and edit news stories for the environment desk. This is a 12 month fixed term contract or internal staff secondment (NUJ).

From exposing the world's biggest polluters to unpicking the latest science and highlighting reasons for hope, our journalism is clear, impactful and independent.

About the role

• Generate ideas, and commission and edit news stories swiftly and accurately, including writing suggested headlines, as well as news features, explainers, special projects, series and investigations
• Assist the head of department and deputy editor on the global environment desk, stepping up to lead the desk when both are unavailable
• Advocate for and promote environment journalism within the Guardian, and nurture diverse contacts externally.
• See stories through from idea to publication, and track their performance

About you

• Experience of editing a busy commissioning desk
• Combines knowledge of and passion for climate and nature issues around the world with excellent ideas, solid editing skills and a diverse perspective
• Wide knowledge of and interest in the subject matter and environment journalism in general
• Ability to generate agenda-setting, exclusive, impactful news ideas
• Openness to experimenting with new formats across text, audio and video, and working with multimedia producers when required
• Clear vision of the purpose and aims of the Guardian
• Ideally you will have a demonstrable ability to bring a diverse perspective to the role.

We actively encourage applications from groups traditionally underrepresented in the UK media.

How to apply

To apply, please upload your latest CV and a cover letter which outlines why you'd love to take on this role, and why you're a great match for what we're looking for.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 5th March 2025.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please contact Sean on to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

We appreciate the time taken to prepare each application we receive. We do not use AI-assisted technology to review applications; every application is reviewed by a member of our recruitment team.

Benefits at the Guardian

You'll have six weeks annual leave per year pro rata (plus bank holidays) with the option to purchase additional days. Our pension scheme is generous; if you contribute 5% then we will contribute 8-12% (depending on your age). We believe in giving back, which is why employees are given 2 volunteering days annually and the option of payroll giving. Season ticket loans are also available.

You are entitled to life cover, income protection, and eye tests. You can also opt in to dental insurance.

We have enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave policies in place. We also support our employees by offering an IVF, menopause, baby loss, and trans equality policy.

Culture and wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. Our various employee forums provide a platform to use their voice to foster an inclusive workplace. We became the first major media organisation to achieve B Corp status.

We offer tools to help you prioritise your wellbeing including access to our employee benefits platform which provides tailored support for health and wellbeing. In addition, we also offer free yoga and pilates classes. These run alongside our corporate gym membership and cycle to work scheme.

Our canteen has views overlooking the Regents Canal and caters for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Learning and development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

We value honesty in your application.

AI generated content must not be presented as your own work.

Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application here .