Reporter

Date Posted	February 19, 2026
Industry	Newspapers
Specialty	Not Specified
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$37,000-$40,000

Description:

Our energetic newsroom in a vibrant Appalachian community is beating the industry odds with growing circulation in a town where local journalism still holds influence. The Mountaineer is an independently-owned community newspaper with a bi-weekly print edition and robust online audience.

Reporters have the flexibility to pursue their passions and interests. We all cover a little bit of everything — from enterprise and investigative journalism to features and human interest to local government watchdog reporting. We work hard, have fun and along the way produce award-winning news coverage. The Mountaineer racks up in the N.C. Press Association Awards every year, with 2025 highlights including first place Public Service (for the third time in five years), 2nd place General Excellence and more overall awards than any media outlet in the mountains.

We emphasize storytelling first, seeking out the story behind the story to deliver news that matters and is valued by our readers.

Waynesville is known for its exceptional quality of life, from a vibrant arts and culture scene to outdoor recreation. Soak up greenways, parks, golf, theater, festivals, galleries, farmers markets and abundant hiking and biking in the surrounding national parks and forests. Our backyard playground includes the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway and Pisgah National Forest.

The newspaper office is located on Main Street in the heart of our dynamic downtown, with fabulous dining, nightlife, and breweries. Our exceptional school system is ranked in the top 10% in North Carolina. 

The Mountaineer is an independent and family-owned company that values its employees and gives staff a seat at the table, from deciding what goes on the front page each issue to pursuing special projects. We have the luxury of focusing on community journalism, and not having to endure corporate layers or be bogged down by meaningless reports.

Our newsroom culture is one of collaboration, teamwork and camaraderie, from the quote board to a decent flow of office donuts. The Mountaineer encourages creativity and initiative, along with flexibility for work-life balance. Journalism experience and/or a journalism degree is required.

Send a resume and samples of your work to Editor Becky Johnson at bjohnson@themountaineer.com