Extension Associate – Project Feederwatch – Lab of Ornithology

Extension Associate – Project Feederwatch – Lab of Ornithology

Requirements

• Master’s degree in biology, ecology, natural resources, or related field.
• At least 5 years of experience or equivalent combination in ecological field research, along with demonstrated understanding of research methodology and field-based science education.
• Prior experience and interest in formal and informal outreach.
• Proven skills in project management and coordination are essential, along with excellent communication skills, including writing and public speaking. Demonstrable abilities to organize and oversee complex projects, manage budgets, complete tasks in a timely and effective manner, and attention to detail as well as excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent working knowledge of current analytical software. Analytical capabilities in the R coding language (or willingness to learn quickly) is required, as is use of GitHub and WordPress.
• Ability to organize and clearly present scientific information in written and oral form.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Willingness and ability to travel both nationally and internationally as necessary to perform tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and research direction for Project FeederWatch, a research and education project involving more than 30,000 participatory scientists annually in the US and Canada. Manage all aspects of project delivery in the U.S., collaborate with our partners at Birds Canada, and direct the broad goals of the project.
• Interface with the Center’s tech team to maintain high-quality web and mobile platforms for engaging the public in scientific research.
• Pursue and implement external funding (e.g., National Science Foundation grants) to advance novel research studies and approaches for engaging the public in scientific research.
• Initiate and guide ecological and/or social science research using Project FeederWatch data. Mentor research students and work with Lab and external scientists to ensure analysis and publication of project results in scientific literature.
• Maintain the Open Access repository of Project FeederWatch data and analytical code to assist the global research community in successfully accessing and analyzing this unique data resource.
• Serve as the Lab’s primary voice in communicating science related to backyard birds and participatory science to national and international media.
• Provide leadership within the Engagement Center as we continue to support individuals in their learning and participation journeys.
• Supervise and inspire the team of staff and students working on FeederWatch.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in biology, ecology, natural resources or related field.
• Experience in social science research.
• A strong history of impact and productivity in past research and outreach efforts preferred, including engaging the public and undergraduate students in scientific research.
• Experience writing research grant proposals, scientific research papers, and technical documentation.
• Expert knowledge of common feeder/backyard birds in North America and an understanding of the bird-watching mentality.
• Experience presenting at scientific conferences.