TITLE: Avian Biologist

LOCATION: Office at McLane Center – 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord, NH 03301; responsibilities statewide monitoring and managing species of concern.

HOURS: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, one-hour lunch. Additional hours may be required as necessary.

SCHEDULE: 35 hours per week, full-time, exempt (salary paid) staff position. Schedule may vary according to needs and will include some evenings and weekends.

FUNCTION: This position will support the mission of New Hampshire Audubon, to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people, by planning and implementing research, monitoring, and management activities focused on bird species of greatest conservation need while communicating the results and recommendations to stakeholders and the public. This is accomplished through collaborations with state wildlife agencies and wildlife rehabilitators, coordination and management of volunteer monitors, detailed recordkeeping, and engaging scientific storytelling.

ESSENTIAL WORK DUTIES:

Species-specific Monitoring & Management

• Apply principles of conservation biology and social science to address practical problems.
• Work with private and corporate property owners to promote management activities that aid bird conservation.
• Recruit, train, and motivate project volunteers to achieve conservation outcomes.
• Manage, maintain, and add to current volunteer-driven productivity and nest site datasets for Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
• Maintain working knowledge and familiarity with relevant issues and topics including avian ecology, monitoring techniques, regional population trends, emerging threats, and current literature regarding focal species.
• Coordinate statewide monitoring, research, and management initiatives, especially at confirmed breeding sites for prioritized species of greatest conservation need, as informed by the State Wildlife Action Plan. This currently includes Peregrine Falcons. Other focal species TBD.
• In collaboration with landowners and local climbers' associations, post seasonal closures to protect active Peregrine Falcon nesting locations.
• Coordinate with Brady Sullivan Properties and Peregrine Networks staff to manage the Peregrine Falcon nest cameras in Manchester with accompanying educational outputs and chick banding annually.

Statewide/Regional Collaboration

• Design, manage, and conduct research and monitoring projects to meet organizational goals.
• With other staff Biologists, collaborate and coordinate with regional partners to plan and implement avian conservation in the Northeast.
• With other staff Biologists, advise State and Federal agency personnel regarding focal avian species’ conservation concerns and management issues (i.e., environmental review assistance).
• Collaborate with State personnel to ensure that focal avian monitoring efforts meet State management objectives and data needs.
• Collaborate with partner NGOs, local, state, and federal agencies as well as private and corporate landowners as appropriate to achieve organizational and project specific goals.

Education/Outreach

• Develop and present outreach materials and programs to promote avian conservation and other organizational initiatives to various audiences including the public, landowners, and professional conferences.
• Analyze and interpret data, write reports, and coordinate the creation of audience-appropriate products to disseminate data and analysis results for outlets such as NH Audubon eNews, Afield, Social Media, and local press releases.
• Collaborate with Education, Policy, and Communications staff to develop and implement policy advocacy/public awareness programs to address issues affecting raptors (e.g., second generation anticoagulant rodenticides, PFAS, and other toxics/contaminants)
• Develop, author, and publish peer reviewed manuscripts covering focal species as possible/relevant.

Administration

• Participate in and enhance NH Audubon’s culture of collaboration and philanthropy when working with volunteers, partners, and contractors.
• Develop and manage project budgets that include staff time, travel, supplies, and volunteer match.
• Collaborate with supervisor and other staff to propose new projects and partnerships to local, state, and federal funders to advance NH Audubon’s strategic priorities.
• Manage calendar of time-bound tasks related to avian focal species and their respective phenology around the state.
• Participate in department and organizational activities including strategic planning, work plan development, and fundraising.
• Participate in relevant committees and working groups, both internal and external to NH Audubon.
• Maintain paper and digital files with a high degree of organization for future reference.
• If/when funding exists, recruit, hire, train, and motivate seasonal employee(s) and/or contractor(s) to fulfill specific monitoring, research, and management objectives.
• Assist with other department administrative tasks as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

LEADERSHIP: Reports to the Director of Conservation Programs

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 and drug-free, with both open workspaces and private offices.    

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 Conservation Biology, Wildlife Biology, Ecology or related field, graduate degree is preferred. Experience will be considered in lieu of graduate degree.

Experience:

• Three to five years environmental and conservation field experience required.
• Must have demonstrated ability to make independent and coordinated decisions.
• Must have effective and respectful verbal and written communication skills.
• Must have demonstrated management and supervisory skills with the dedication to work effectively within a diverse community. 
• Must have demonstrated experience recruiting, training, managing, and motivating volunteers. Experience managing volunteers to collect and report biological data preferred.
• Must have demonstrated effective managerial and leadership skills.
• Must have demonstrated experience with spreadsheet, word processing, database, and statistical software programs.
• Must have a demonstrated background in experimental design and data analysis.
• Must have demonstrated experience in effective project planning and management.
• Experience handling and banding birds preferred.
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages such as R (or comparable tools like Python or SQL) is preferred.
• Experience with ArcPro, associated ESRI tools, and cartographic skills are highly desirable.
• Experience with deploying and analyzing the results of passive acoustic monitoring using computer models such as BirdNET or similar is desirable.

Skills, Traits and Characteristics Necessary for Success:

• Requires exceptional interpersonal and collaborative skills, attention to detail, financial acumen, superior problem-solving skills, and a high degree of organization. 
• Must have the ability to: prioritize and complete work tasks on time in a complex and dynamic workflow, retain a positive attitude through demanding situations, provide excellent customer service, work and make sound decisions independently, and overall have a professional and courteous manner. 
• Must be proficient in managing files within the Microsoft cloud environment including SharePoint & Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability in project management including initial scoping & proposal writing, key stakeholder involvement & implementation, and progress/final reporting to stakeholders and funders is highly desirable.

Physical Demands:

• To perform the essential functions of the position, the applicant must be in a physical condition capable of standing, stretching, bending, walking, lifting, and transporting a maximum of 50 pounds.
• Must have a tolerance to spend time outdoors in variable weather conditions and in the presence of biting insects with the ability to hike over varied terrain for long distances. 
• Must be able to climb stairs, be physically and mentally capable of performing multiple tasks, and function in a fast-paced environment. 
• Must be able to operate small watercraft including canoe, kayak, and motorboat. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license. 
• CPR and first aid certification required (training can be provided). 

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, 403(b) retirement account with employer match, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, a NH Audubon annual membership, access to pro deals, and paid professional development opportunities.
• Mileage beyond normal commute traveled in a personal vehicle for work related tasks reimbursed at current federal rate.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

NH Audubon is a welcoming, 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.