NH Bird Atlas Coordinator

SUMMARY: Are you ready to make history? NH Audubon is seeking a dynamic avian biologist to lead our upcoming Bird Atlas, a multi-year initiative to map the breeding and winter distributions for all bird species in New Hampshire. This ambitious project, conducted jointly with Vermont, will create the definitive resource for bird conservation in our region for decades to come.

As Atlas Coordinator, you’ll be the point person directing this landmark effort with the Steering Committee and VT partners. You’ll inspire and coordinate hundreds of volunteer community scientists, manage cutting-edge eBird data systems, conduct field surveys across New Hampshire’s diverse habitats, build partnerships with leading conservation organizations, and guide the final summary and publication of the Atlas data.

If you’re an organized leader with expert birding skills, data management chops, a talent for engaging diverse communities, and the drive to see a complex multi-year project through to completion—this is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy for New Hampshire’s birds.

THE OPPORTUNITY: The NH Bird Atlas will be the first comprehensive assessment of the state’s breeding and wintering birds in over 40 years. Your work will create the foundational dataset that guides conservation decisions, policy, and land management for decades to come. You’ll have the unique opportunity to engage hundreds of citizen scientists, collaborate with leading ornithologists, and produce a landmark publication that will be THE reference for NH birds. This is truly a once-in-a-generation project.

TITLE: NH Bird Atlas Coordinator

LOCATION: McLane Center, Concord, NH

HOURS: 35 hours per week, full-time, exempt (salary paid) staff position.

SCHEDULE: Schedule will vary according to needs including occasional evenings and weekends. Workload will vary seasonally, with peak field season intensity April-July requiring more weekend/evening hours, balanced by more traditional schedules during the planning and data analysis phases i.e. Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, one-hour lunch.

DURATION: Project is expected to last through 2032/33, including 9 months of preparation work (2026), 4-5 years of field work (2027-2030/31) and two years of review and preparation of results for publication (2032/33).

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon: to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. This position will manage the NH portion of the upcoming “Twin State Atlas,” a joint NH/VT effort to map the breeding and wintering distributions of birds occurring in NH. Responsibilities include protocol design, data collection and evaluation, communication, and volunteer management, including collaborating with partners to achieve department and organization goals.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS:

Phase 1: Atlas Development & Launch (2026)

• Work with Atlas Steering Committee and Vermont partners to develop consistent protocols based on current North American standards
• Establish eBird portal and data submission systems
• Create volunteer recruitment and training infrastructure
• Develop communication strategies and outreach materials
• Assist with Atlas fundraising and submission of reports to funders

Phase 2: Field Data Collection (2027-2031)

• Recruit, train, and support volunteer network including regional coordinators and eBird reviewers
• Coordinate field data collection across NH atlas blocks
• Manage data quality control and eBird review processes
• Communicate inspiring and engaging Atlas results and stories to volunteers, partners, and the public through electronic, print, and other media, including presentations to maintain enthusiasm
• Collaborate with Community Outreach Coordinator to ensure volunteers are documenting their time and mileage in NH Audubon’s volunteer software
• Ensure that Atlas webpage is current with respect to training materials and other information for volunteers
• Conduct field surveys in under sampled areas as needed
• Hire, train, and supervise seasonal technicians as needed

Phase 3: Analysis & Publication (2031-2033)

• Finalize data evaluation and quality control with assistance from Steering Committee
• Compile species accounts and spatial analysis
• Coordinate publication production (web platform and/or book)
• Support data analysis conducted by VT partners as needed
• Present findings at conferences and to stakeholder groups
• Prepare final reports for funders

Ongoing Responsibilities Throughout Project:

• Evaluate progress toward Atlas goals at regular intervals
• Manage NH eBird portal and reviewer network
• Build partnerships with agencies, universities, and conservation organizations
• Develop and manage project budgets
• Contribute to grant writing and fundraising efforts
• Engage with NH birding community through NHBirds Google Group and social media

As a member of the jobshiringnearme.org Department:

• Developing and managing project budgets.
• Participating in department activities including strategic planning, work plan development, and collaboration throughout the rest of the organization.
• Maintaining working knowledge and familiarity with relevant issues and topics (e.g. bird migration, computer software, volunteer motivation & management, environmental education, avian disease ecology, etc.)
• Performing other duties as opportunities and strategies emerge and are co-prioritized with Senior Biologist for Avian jobshiringnearme.org.

LEADERSHIP: Reports to the Senior Biologist for Avian jobshiringnearme.org

WORKING CONDITIONS: NH Audubon’s work culture is characterized by excellent colleagues who share a collaborative spirit, commitment to mission, open communication, and high integrity. Our offices are non-smoking, accessible, with both open workspaces and private offices. Field work will include hiking to remote locations in varied terrain and weather conditions. Must be comfortable working independently in the field and navigating using GPS and maps.

QUALIFICATIONS:

NH Audubon seeks the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in jobshiringnearme.org Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or similar studies preferred; Master’s preferred. Equivalent real-world experience considered in lieu of higher degree.

Experience – Required:

• Three to five years environmental and conservation experience required with demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions

• Expert-level bird identification skills for New England avifauna, including by song
• Proven project management experience with multi-year, complex initiatives
• Experience using eBird for data collection and familiarity with Cornell Lab protocols
• Experience with spreadsheet, word processing, and cloud-based file storage systems required.
• Experience recruiting, training, and managing volunteers or community science programs
• Strong data management and quality control skills

Experience – Preferred:

• Experience with eBird data review and quality assurance processes
• Data analysis and visualization experience (R, Python, Tableau, or similar)
• Active connections within the northern New England birding community
• Experience presenting to diverse audiences (scientific conferences, public talks, media)
• Grant writing and fundraising experience
• Previous involvement with bird atlas projects or long-term monitoring programs
• GIS skills (ArcGIS, QGIS) for map creation using eBird data helpful but not required

Essential Skills & Characteristics:

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate technical data into engaging stories for diverse audiences
• Leadership: Proven ability to inspire and coordinate volunteer teams; comfortable providing constructive feedback
• Organization: Superior attention to detail; ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex, evolving project
• Collaboration: Works effectively with partners across sectors; builds consensus among diverse stakeholders
• Problem-Solving: Creative and resourceful; adapts protocols as challenges emerge
• Technical Proficiency: Comfortable learning new software and data platforms
• Interpersonal: Welcoming and inclusive approach; committed to making birding accessible to all
• Independence: Self-directed with strong initiative; knows when to seek guidance

Physical Demands: To perform the essential functions of the position, the following apply: requires standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting and transporting a minimum of 25 pounds.  Must be able to climb stairs as well as be physically and mentally capable of traveling to field locations requiring some hiking.  Must be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. Must have a valid driver’s license.

COMPENSATION:

• $42,000 – $48,000 annual salary, commensurate with experience.
• This position is eligible for NH Audubon’s generous benefit package, including paid time off (13 holidays, vacation & sick time), medical and dental plans, a health reimbursement agreement, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals, and paid professional development opportunities.
• Use of NH Audubon truck during work-related outings.
• Mileage driven with personal vehicle beyond normal commute reimbursed at current federal rate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

NH Audubon is an inclusive organization that is committed to ensuring people of all backgrounds and abilities are welcome and respected. NH Audubon provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, age, sexual orientation or Vietnam Era/Disabled Veteran status, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, NH Audubon complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where NH Audubon has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Join us in our mission to create a diverse and welcoming environment.