NY Breeding Bird Atlas - Assistant Coordinator

Read the full job description and submit an application at SUNY ESF.

Descriptive Title:  Assistant Coordinator - Breeding Bird Atlas

Department: New York Natural Heritage Program, Albany, NY

Salary: Minimum $45,000 depending on experience (Full time); position is based in Albany, NY.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND

The New York Natural Heritage Program (NYNHP) is a program of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) whose mission is to facilitate the conservation of New York's biodiversity by providing comprehensive information and scientific expertise on rare species and natural ecosystems. NYNHP works in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and other state, federal and private organizations involved in natural resource management, land protection and stewardship, and advancing the conservation of biodiversity.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Breeding Bird Atlases, in which volunteer birders systematically document the presence and behavior of bird species over multiple years, are important for obtaining baseline data on a jurisdiction's breeding birds and documenting distributional and phenological change. New York is among the first states to conduct a third Breeding Bird Atlas. Field work is scheduled for 2020-2024 and data are being collected and stored in eBird (project website: https://ebird.org/atlasny). The project will continue through 2028 to review and analyze the data and format it for publication. This Atlas is a partnership between NYNHP, SUNY ESF faculty, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Ornithological Association, Audubon NY, Cornell University, and the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. The Assistant supports the Project Coordinator in managing day-to-day operations, engaging experienced and novice birders, and ensuring the collection of high-quality data on New York's birds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

• Assist the Project Coordinator with the day-to-day implementation of the project by tracking progress on volunteer recruitment and data collection.
• Present on the Breeding Bird Atlas project and demonstrates eBird to project volunteers.
• Support regional coordinators and project volunteers around New York.
• Train groups of birders in project methodology and connects interested birders to other participants.
• Help manage seasonal field technicians and project interns. 
• Help the Project Coordinator with the data review process.
• Collaborate with the Project Coordinator in producing the final Atlas publication.
• Help generate enthusiasm for this large citizen science effort through writing, social media, public talks, and other events.

Requirements:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor Degree in ornithology, wildlife biology or management, zoology, conservation biology, natural history, natural resources, environmental science, forestry, biology, ecology, environmental education, or related field.
• Experience in eastern bird identification in the field by sight and sound.
• Experience in avian observational and/or survey methods.
• Experience with project coordination.
• Strong communication skills (written and oral) to clearly articulate vision and plans, and provide instruction effectively.
• Ability to prioritize activities and multitask.
• Proficiency with mobile and desktop versions of eBird.
• Travel throughout NYS; must have a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Expertise in eastern bird identification in the field by sight and sound.
• Connection with the birding community in New York.
• Connection with New York State government agencies and non-government organizations with land management or wildlife management responsibilities.
• Familiarity with the status and distribution of eastern birds, especially New York.
• Familiarity with atlasing methodology.
• Experience working with large datasets.
• Experience with ArcMap/QGIS, R programming, social media, and website management.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

May travel throughout New York State conducting field work and may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances, in isolated settings.

Application Instructions:

APPLICATON DEADLINE:  Although applications will be accepted until the position is filled, candidates should submit their application by March 31, 2022 to ensure optimal consideration.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Employment application is required to be submitted on-line.  Attach cover letter, curriculum vitae, resume, and contact information for three employment references.

Read the full job description and submit an application at SUNY ESF.