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 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.

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 (Monday‑Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, one‑hour lunch).

Project is expected to last through 2032/33, including 6 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).

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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
• Prese…