Urban Bird Conservation Coordinator

~ Powdermill Nature Reserve is Carnegie Museums of Natural History's environmental research center. ~

Located 55 mile southeast of Pittsburgh in Rector, Pennsylvania, Powdermill is a field station and laboratory where researchers do long-term studies of natural populations in western Pennsylvania. In addition to being positioned for Appalachian-specific studies in ornithology, ecology, invertebrate zoology, and botany, Powdermill is a great place to spend a fun-filled day outdoors with the family.

Position Overview

Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh is interested in candidates who, through their experience and collaborations, will contribute to diversity and excellence of the Carnegie Museums community.

The Urban Bird Conservation Coordinator is responsible for coordinating Powdermill’s efforts to restore habitat, research threats to birds in the Greater Pittsburgh region, and promote methods to mitigate those threats.

Responsibilities

• Specific duties will include coordination of BirdSafe Pittsburgh citizen science program, enlisting citizen scientists to assist with research, coordinating volunteer efforts to restore habitat in the region, engaging BirdSafe partners to create an Urban Bird Treaty, and working towards accomplishing the goals of the Urban Bird Treaty program.
• Coordinator will also assist the Avian Research Center with their research efforts at Powdermill and in the Greater Pittsburgh area.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Coordinate BirdSafe Pittsburgh monitoring efforts in commercial areas and at residences.
• Engage the public in discussions relating to avian conservation.
• Enlist new citizen scientists to collect data.
• Coordinate habitat restoration efforts.
• Build partnerships with other avian conservation organizations.
• Manage citizen science data.
• Assist Avian Research Center with non-citizen science based research.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in Biology or equivalent degree.
• At least 2 years of experience leading research teams, planning and coordinating public outreach, and building partnerships.
• Must be able to identify eastern birds by sight and sound or quickly learn to do so within 3 months.
• Knowledge of avian biology and conservation is required and proficiency with the banding process (extracting, ageing and sexing) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• The successful applicant must be able to work well both independently and as part of a team as well as excelling in communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to network, build partnerships, and coordinate citizen science efforts highly desirable.

Physical Requirements:

• Applicant must be able to walk 2 to 6 hours a day for up to 8 miles.
• Must also be able to engage in repetitive motions needed to remove invasive species and plant native species for up to 7 hours.

Additional Information

The following PA Act 153 clearances, or proof of application of clearances, are required beginning employment and as a condition of continued employment:

• Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance.
• Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
• FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check.
• Obtaining the required clearances is completed as part of the new hire process.