We hope that the entire birdwatching community of New York and surrounding areas participate in the atlas to make this project a success. Thousands of atlasers are needed to collect breeding bird data from every corner of the state. This website is dedicated to helping you learn how to become an atlaser.
If you are interested in doing something more, we have opportunities for you to get involved! Perhaps you are good with numbers, enjoy organizing events, have fundraising experience, or like working with the public. The following are open positions with the atlas team. All positions are volunteer unless otherwise stated.
Family of King Rails by Anthony Schmitt/Macaulay Library
Seasonal Technicians
The Atlas is hiring two technicians to conduct atlasing in New York this summer, May 15-Aug 15. Technicians will be responsible for conducting bird surveys in assigned priority blocks, recording breeding codes, and entering these records into eBird. Comfort working alone in remote areas is required. Technicians can expect physically demanding work, long work days that may begin well before dawn, wet, cold weather, mosquitoes and black flies, occasional contact with bears and other wildlife, and areas with no cell service.
This is a great opportunity to deepen your understanding of breeding bird behaviors and habits, as well as experience many exciting atlasing moments.
Technicians will work for the New York Natural Heritage Program (https://www.nynhp.org), part of SUNY ESF. Technicians will receive a salary equivalent to $22 per hour plus mileage reimbursement (or a rental car) and per diem. All technicians are responsible for providing their own camping equipment and gear, binoculars, smartphone and we will provide binoculars (if needed), a bear canister, and emergency tracking equipment. We will make efforts to secure primitive camping options for you near where you are stationed.
Apply by Feb 28, open until filled. Read the full job announcement
Regional Coordinator Retreat 2019
Regional Coordinators
Are you familiar with New York’s breeding birds and habitats? Are you an avid eBird user? Do you enjoy interacting with the public? The third New York Breeding Bird Atlas begins January 1, 2020, and we are seeking enthusiastic Regional Coordinators to serve as the first point of contact for Atlas participants. You will play a key role in recruiting and training volunteers, monitoring block coverage, working with the birding community to fill in coverage gaps, and reviewing data to uphold rigorous atlas data standards. This is an independent contract position with the Research Foundation for SUNY and a small payment is offered to offset travel costs.
We are currently seeking Regional Coordinators for the Elmira area. Additional areas may open up in the future. If you are interested in taking on this exciting role, or getting on the wait list, please fill out the online form. For questions, contact Julie.