Job Opportunities
Pennsylvania's Third Bird Atlas - Atlas Coordinator
From 2023-2028, Pennsylvania will embark on the Third Bird Atlas for the Commonwealth using eBird to facilitate data collection and storage during breeding and nonbreeding windows. The project will be primarily supported by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and hosted by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association. The position will work with an Atlas Steering Committee, comprised of the aforementioned organizations and others. The Atlas Coordinator position will play a key role in the coordination, development, delivery, and implementation of the Atlas, including overseeing day-to-day operations, engaging, and recruiting experienced and novice birders, and ensuring the collection of high-quality data on Pennsylvania’s birds including hiring and overseeing a point count team annually.
Salary: approximately $50,000 - 55,000 per year with medical benefits; full-time position (40 hours per week).
An annual cost of living increase applied to salary after positive annual review. Retirement at 3% salary is contributed monthly beginning after 12 months of employment.
Location: Office space provided at Hawk Mountain; remote work is possible.
Dates of Employment: start May 2023; 5-year+ project with contract renewed annually.
Position Responsibilities:
- Oversees the day-to-day implementation of the Atlas project by tracking progress on volunteer recruitment and data collection. Tracks and identifies Atlas coverage issues and sets priorities for coverage as the project progresses.
- Develops Atlas protocols within the general guidelines and frameworks established by the Steering Committee.
- Assists with recruiting, coordinating, and guiding project volunteers, including county coordinators, in support of meeting established Atlas objectives.
- Trains county coordinators and other volunteers in project methodology, including developing and delivering instructional materials. Demonstrates eBird to a variety of technical and nontechnical audiences.
- Recruits, hires, trains, and organizes professional point counters to meet Atlas objectives.
- Assures high-quality data input and assists with data quality and control, including working with eBird reviewers.
- Works with eBird team to visualize and summarize Atlas data for a variety of audiences.
- Reports to the Steering Committee at regular meetings and provides periodic progress reports as needed by funders.
- Works with the Steering Committee to identify and pursue additional funding opportunities.
- Assists the Steering Committee and subcommittees with development of field and reporting methodology and shares methods with state birding community.
- Provides outreach for the Atlas consistent with a communications plan developed with direction of Steering Committee, including developing and distributing or presenting outreach and promotional materials through traditional, online, and social media outlets.
- Assists with summary and dissemination of Atlas results through print and electronic media.
- Assists with Atlas data collection as needed.
Position will be primarily office/computer-based with occasional travel throughout the state to meetings and/or for limited fieldwork or training that may include off-trail hiking and surveying in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (or Bachelor’s with equivalent experience), preferably in the biological sciences, environmental education, or a related field.
- Proven skills in project management and coordination, including ability to prioritize activities, meet timelines, multitask, and delegate tasks as needed.
- Excellent communication skills (written, oral, social media) to clearly articulate vision and plans to diverse technical and nontechnical audiences and provide effective instruction.
- Strong interpersonal and social skills and a positive attitude.
- Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency in Eastern North American bird identification in the field by sight and sound.
- Experience in avian observational and/or survey methods, including proficiency in use of eBird.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and use of GPS navigation.
- Ability to travel throughout Pennsylvania as needed; must have valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Connections with the birding community, preferably in the Eastern US region.
- Experience working with volunteers.
- Experience with social media and infographics development.
- Familiarity with the status, distribution, and ecology of eastern birds.
- Familiarity with atlasing methodology.
- Experience with ArcMap or QGIS mapping applications.
- Experience with Program R.
- Strong understanding of the value of and previous experience supporting community science projects.
How to Apply:
Applications are due 04/15/2023. Applicants must submit a cover letter describing their qualifications and addressing the Required and Preferred Qualifications listed above and a resume or curriculum vitae. Additionally, applicants must provide contact information for three references who can comment on the applicant’s qualifications relevant to this position (including phone numbers and email addresses).
Send application materials to goodrich@hawkmountain.org with subject line “PA Bird Atlas Coordinator.”