Job Opportunities

Species Account Authors (Second Virginia Breeding Bird Atlas)

Position Description:

The Conservation Management Institute at Virginia Tech is inviting applications for a Species Account Author(s) to write species narratives for Virginia’s Second Breeding Bird Atlas (VABBA2) for publication on an Atlas website. This project is a collaboration with the Virginia Society of Ornithology and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The author will be responsible for researching primarily Virginia-specific information for a range of bird species in the state and interpreting data products developed as part of the VABBA2 effort. This research will culminate in the writing of species account narratives for each species included in the VABBA2. A narrative template, style guide, and example species account narratives will be provided.

The Species Account Authors will work independently to complete assigned narratives (likely to include a range of 50 to 100) that span the full taxonomic range of Virginia’s breeding bird species across genera and families. 

This is a part-time professional faculty position. Authors will be expected to complete species accounts over the course of 3 – 6 months as arranged with the Managing Editor. Deliverables will be expected every 2 months. This is a fully remote position.

Pay: $20,000 to $22,000

Start date: Early- to mid-January 2024

Required Qualifications:
Required Educational Experience:

·         Bachelor of Science degree in ecology, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field or more than 3 years of direct experience working in environmental sciences or a related field.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·         Multiple years of demonstrated experience with written communication of scientific concepts for nontechnical audiences, research, and editing (e.g., peer-reviewed publications).

·         Strong track record of collaboration, quantitative skills, and communication with scientific and conservation experts and non-experts.

·         Demonstrated experience with avian species, particular knowledge of Virginia and/or eastern United States avifauna, bird conservation and ecology, and bird identification skills

·         Demonstrated experience working independently under tight timelines.

·         Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and access to a computer with these applications.

Preferred Qualifications:

·         Master’s degree in natural resources or biological sciences field.

·         Familiarity with digital mapping applications (e.g., ESRI products) a plus.

Please send resumes and cover letters to Austin Kane at austink@vt.edu.

*Resume review will begin Monday, November 13.