Project FeederWatch Assistant - Lab of Ornithology

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Project FeederWatch Assistant will join a vibrant team in supporting Project FeederWatch, an international participatory science program (feederwatch.org). FeederWatch is a November–April survey of birds that visit backyards, nature centers, community areas, and other locales in North America. When tens of thousands of FeederWatchers in communities across North America count birds and send their tallies to the FeederWatch database, the result is a treasure trove of numbers, which FeederWatch scientists analyze to learn more about winter bird abundance and distribution. As the Project FeederWatch Assistant, you coordinate and support all aspects of the research and education program. You will support the public in successfully participating in the project, and you will work to maintain the integrity of the data that participants collect. You will run reports on program progress (e.g., investigate trends in registration, evaluate engagement on social media, etc.). You will participate in regular staff meetings and contribute to problem solving and program development. This is a one-year term appointment with possibility of renewal based upon performance and available funding. This position is expected to work on-site at the Lab of Ornithology. While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

Requirements

An associate degree and up to 1 year of relevant experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to write stand-alone articles for blog posts and our annual report
Experience and savvy with database use, Excel spreadsheets, and Google docs
Willingness and ability to perform repetitive tasks such as data entry
Mastery of common computer and mobile phone skills, including Microsoft Office Suite
Willingness to learn new software as needed (e.g. Jira, HubSpot, etc.)
Experience that demonstrates sound judgment and problem-solving skills
Ability to research answers to bird biology questions independently using Cornell Lab informational resources
Be able to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team
Experience working directly with people from various socioeconomic backgrounds.

Nice To Haves

Advanced experience with spreadsheets and database use highly preferred.
Creativity, writing, proofreading, and editing experience preferred.
Knowledge of bird identification and bird biology is useful to answer the publics’ questions but not required; this position is an opportunity for on-the-job learning.
Experience with nonprofit social networking.

Responsibilities

Support the public engaged in Project FeederWatch.
Answer questions from participants by phone, email, and mail.
Support the Project Leader in all aspects of program delivery and contribute ideas to overall program development.
Maintain our databases, including creating, updating, correcting, and merging records.
Create and maintain spreadsheets and tracking mailings, email correspondence, and other metrics of program engagement.
Troubleshoot users’ technical difficulties with online data entry, mobile phone app, and registration.
Run reports on program progress (e.g., investigate trends in registration, evaluate engagement on social media, etc.).
Participate in regular staff meetings and contribute to problem solving and program development.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care options
Generous retirement contributions
Access to wellness programs
Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
Health and personal leave
Three weeks of vacation
13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
Two additional floating holidays
Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
Tuition aid for external education
Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program