Ohio Bird Atlas 3 Outreach Specialist
Ohio will embark on its third statewide breeding bird atlas along with a concurrent winter bird atlas from 2028-2032. This large-scale project, entitled the Ohio Bird Atlas 3 (OBA3), will include a participatory science component that will engage thousands of Ohioans in data collection through a custom eBird portal, as well as multiple concurrent research projects that will collect focused data to augment those collected by Atlas participants. The project will be supported by the Ohio Department of Natural ResourcesDivision of Wildlife and coordinated in collaboration with The Ohio State University.
An Outreach Specialist position is available beginning in August 2026 that will play a key role coordinating partners, as well as the development, delivery, and implementation of the Atlas. The Specialist will oversee all day-to-day operations, engage and recruit birders, hire and oversee a small team of seasonal field technicians (approximately 8) annually, all to ensure the collection of high-quality data on Ohios breeding and wintering birds.
The successful applicant will work closely with the OBA3 Steering Committee as well as members of the Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology Lab at The Ohio State University. The desired start date is August 1, 2026, to ensure sufficient time to prepare the Atlas for the launch of data collection in December 2027. We anticipate funding for this position through 2035 to complete the publication of atlas results.
Required qualifications:
- Bachelors degree or equivalent experience and 0 years' experience
- Experience with participatory/citizen science programs (especially eBird)
- Experience managing and analyzing ecological databases. Specifically, candidates need to be comfortable using Excel, Access (or other database applications), and Program R.
- A firm understanding of the status, distribution and ecology of Eastern birds, and the ability to identify birds of the region proficiently by both sight and sound
- Experience with GIS (preferably ArcGIS)
- Proven skills in project management and coordination, including ability to prioritize activities, meet timelines, multitask, and delegate tasks as needed
- Experience producing reports, dashboards, and summary materials for stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, communicate responsively, and ability to demonstrate professional conduct in public-facing situations
- Proven skills with written and verbal communication, including public presentations and writing for general and technical audiences
- Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
- Ability to supervise a small team of seasonal field technicians and Atlas coordinators
- Ability to travel throughout Ohio as needed; must have a valid drivers license
- Ability to conduct limited fieldwork in variable outdoor conditions and terrain, as needed, including early morning, evening, or weekend activities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters Degree in ecology, wildlife science, or closely related field
- 2 years' experience in ecology, wildlife science, or closely related field
- Experience with website and newsletter management
- Ability to foster collaborative relationships with partner agencies, organizations, and individuals
- Connections with the birding community, preferably in the Midwest and/or Eastern US.
- Familiarity with atlas methodologies
- Experience navigating with a map and compass in a variety of field conditions
*This job profile is a Community Outreach Specialist 1 (S1 level) on the career roadmap.*
*The offer for this position will fall within the positions pay range based on internal equity, units available budget, and the candidates qualifications*
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