Editor-in-Chief - Avian Conservation and Ecology

Avian Conservation and Ecology (ACE), a leading international peer-reviewed ornithological journal sponsored by the Society of Canadian Ornithologists and Birds Canada, is seeking a new Editor-in-Chief.

The Journal

ACE (ace-eco.org) is fully electronic, entirely open-access, and published by Resilience Alliance. The 20-year-old journal welcomes contributions from scientists all over the world, and while the name of the journal implies a publication niche of conservation AND ecology, the theme of conservation THROUGH ecology provides a better sense of purpose. ACE is particularly interested in contributions that use scientifically sound ecological approaches and insights to achieve effective conservation. Papers fall along a continuum of pure conservation and management through to pure ecology with emphasis on direct relevance to conservation objectives. Manuscripts are accepted on birds at any ecological level from individuals to ecosystems. Since 2018, the journal’s impact factor has ranged from 1.4 to 2.5. Manuscripts are diverse including research papers, short communications, methodological papers, letters, forums, essays, special features, reviews, and invited guest editorials. Author fees for immediately open-access articles are very competitive: $1,100 USD per article.

The Position

As Editor-in-Chief, you will guide and oversee in a timely manner the entire review process for all manuscripts submitted to the journal. You will be supported by an editorial board of over 30 highly-skilled subject editors, a talented team of managing editors, and the journal’s management committee.

The Editor-in-Chief’s core responsibilities include:

• Create, maintain, and mentor an editorial board of diverse subject editors
• Assign manuscripts to subject editors using the journal’s electronic management system
• Make final decisions on whether manuscripts are suitable for publication
• Provide insightful and timely editorials
• Promote the journal and solicit submissions, including reviews and special features
• Work with the journal’s management committee to improve the journal

Desirable skills and assets for the position include:

• Demonstrated publication record in peer-reviewed academic ornithological journals
• PhD in a scientific field involving research in ornithology or a related field
• Previous experience as an associate or subject editor of a peer-reviewed academic journal
• Broad knowledge of ornithological theory and practice, with emphasis on applied conservation and management
• Strong grasp of historical and current ornithological literature across diverse systems and geography
• Strong writing and editing skills, especially with respect to core components of effective scientific journal articles
• Advanced ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Strong asset is an ability to communicate effectively in French and/or Spanish
• Ability to promote the journal internationally
• Excellent time management skills and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team

The initial appointment is for 3 years with possibility of extension depending on performance. Qualified candidates from any country are encouraged to apply. The position comes with an annual stipend of USD $7,500 per year.

The Sponsoring Societies

The Society of Canadian Ornithologists is the premiere organization uniting Canada's ornithological community. The society administers awards, produces two publications, provides interconnection with other professional ornithological societies, and applies its scientific expertise to broad conservation issues. The society’s tri-annual newsletter Picoides is the authoritative source for ornithological news throughout Canada.

Birds Canada is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission is to drive action to increase the understanding, appreciation, and conservation of birds in Canada. The organization’s core work uses data (observations) collected by citizen scientists, alongside targeted research projects, to identify significant bird population changes and help direct conservation planning. Birds Canada is a co-partner of Birdlife International, a global partnership of over 100 conservation organizations (NGOs) that strives to conserve birds, their habitats, and global biodiversity.

How to Apply

Applications should include a cover letter that describes your experience with each of the position’s core responsibilities, how you meet each of the position’s desirable skills and assets, your thoughts on where ACE could improve, and any other information relevant for judging your suitability for the job.

Please compile your application as 2 separate pdf files for upload, consisting of 1) a cover letter, and 2) your Curriculum Vitae (CV). Please also have ready for upload the contact information for at least 3 references (i.e., name, company, and contact info, including email and phone), particularly ones who can vouch for your interpersonal skills. Submit your application files and reference information using the following link by Mon 15 July 2024: Job Opportunities Portal*.  For informal queries, contact Editor-in-Chief Dr. Alex Bond at a.bond@nhm.ac.uk 

Candidates from under-represented groups in ornithology are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applicants will be considered and possibly interviewed via remote connection with an aim to have a new Editor-in-Chief in place by 1 November 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter. Ideally there will be a period of overlap prior to 1 November between the outgoing Editor-in-Chief and the successful candidate to allow for training.

* https://birdscanada.bamboohr.com/careers/50