Current Volunteer Openings
- Advertising Manager
- Bird Data Assistant
- Computer Data Entry
- Graphic Production Assistant
- Office Assistant
- Reporters
- Writer: Backyard Birder, Species Spotlight, Special Articles.
Volunteer Position Descriptions
Advertising Manager: Manage a new advertising program for the publication, including researching other publications to determine appropriate rates, contacting potential advertisers, obtaining camera-ready ad copy, and tracking payment. This is a new program and a new position that requires initiative and independence. Work may be done from home in coordination with the Managing Editor.
Bird Data Assistant: This volunteer will assist with error checking and updating the NH database of bird sightings in eBird, and organizing documentation for rarities. Tasks include tracking documentation requests and incoming documentation, organizing and maintaining seasonal list of documentation, updating eBird, following up on record discrepancies including location discrepancies, and contacting observers for additional information as needed. Proficiency with computers and familiarity with NH's birds required, familiarity with eBird and internet tools preferred. Although some work may be done from home, at least initially, work will take place at the NH Audubon McLane Center in Concord.
Computer Data Entry: Process incoming bird sightings and enter in the computer via eBird. Involves typing sightings into the on-line web site, eBird, including locating sightings on a map from written descriptions. Familiarity with a computer and attention to detail essential, experience with eBird preferred.
Graphic Production Assistant: Uses current production software and practices to create forms, small brochures and other smaller printed pieces. Position requires knowledge of layout and design procedures. Person should possess creative skills, awareness of current fashions in the visual arts, working knowledge of the latest computer packages and an understanding of material costs and time limits. Experience using QuarkExpress software preferred. Most work may be done from home but some time in the Concord office may be needed.
Office Assistant: The duties of an office assistant are many and varied. They may include data entry, writing letters, coding of brochures, filing, photocopying, assisting with mailings, checking lists and other office tasks as needed. Some computer knowledge is required and a commitment to a least a half a day each week at the Concord office is preferred.
Photo/Art Editor Assistant: Help select and compile photos and artwork for each issue from various sources, provide placement guidelines and captions, gather all art and materials needed by the graphic designer, maintain file and database of art and photos, return materials after publication. Proficiency with computers and e-mail is essential. Good attention to detail required. Knowledge of New Hampshire birds and birding is extremely helpful, but not necessary. Hours can be flexible but most work needs to be done in the Concord office.
Production Assistant: Assist the Managing Editor with various aspects of production preparation. It involves formatting incoming articles and graphs, collecting missing information, preparing reporter and species lists, and contacting authors to assist with deadlines. This position will work primarily on the computer and requires familiarity with different document formats and compatibility, word-processing proficiency in Word, experience creating graphs in Excel, and familiarity with e-mail and attachments. Most work can be done from home, but occasional visits to the Concord office will be necessary for training and final production preparation.
Promotion Manager: Assist with marketing New Hampshire Bird Records and acquiring new subscribers. The position involves designing and implementing solicitation campaigns, identifying and tracking solicitation opportunities, compiling lists of people to solicit, identifying advertising and promotion opportunities, and designing promotional items. Some work can be done at home, but visits to the Concord office will be needed. Good communication and organizational skills are required. Familiarity with the birding community and birding resources in New Hampshire is extremely helpful.
Proof reader: Check each issue for language, capitalization, punctuation, misspellings, and other errors. This job has a short turnaround time but can be done from home. Knowledge of proofreader's marks is helpful. Attention to detail, working knowledge of correct grammar and good spelling are important. Familiarity with birds helpful.
Reporters: Anyone can be a reporter – just report bird sightings from your backyard or in your travels around New Hampshire. Guidelines on what to report will tell you what is most significant. Reports are submitted on approved forms to New Hampshire Bird Records—click on the link "Report Your Sightings" for all the necessary forms and directions. Please check the reporting guidelines before you begin.
Season Editors: Primary responsibilities involve reviewing and interpreting the bird sightings from that season, writing the season summaries, and choosing which sightings to publish. The position requires experience birding in New Hampshire, familiarity with bird distribution and occurrence in the state, good writing skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. On-line access and familiarity with the bird list serves in the state is important; active birder and reporter to New Hampshire Bird Records preferred.
Subscription Manager: Keep track of current subscriptions including entering names and addresses in database, sending out issues, and writing letters as needed. Assist with mailings and copying, track the source of subscriptions, and other office tasks. Familiarity with a computer is necessary and a commitment to at least a half a day in the Concord office each week is desired.
Writer: Submit single articles on an interesting subject or contribute articles on a regular basis for specific features. Fascinating articles on bird related topics are always welcome.
Research and Volunteer Opportunities – Profiles the results from selected bird research related to New Hampshire birds, and highlights local volunteer opportunities in bird conservation.
Where to Bird – Articles focus on birding locations in New Hampshire and provide information on what birds are found there, the best times to visit, and directions on how to get there. Contact Len Medlock.
Backyard Birder – Up close and personal descriptions of birding events happening in our own back yards. Topics can vary, including funny, interesting, and uncommon experiences with birds or nature and should include some information about what's being described. Examples include "Daytime Encounters with Barred Owls," and "Caching Behavior in Red-breasted Nuthatches."
Species Spotlight – Details on the occurrence of a specific species in New Hampshire. Involves research into past records, compilation of reports, and review of published resources.
Special Articles – Any interesting bird related item can be turned into an exciting article. Uncommon or unusual bird habits, yearly birding events, seasonal anomalies, and rarities can all become an excellent article. Examples include the "Sky Dance of the American Pipits" and "Western Reef-Heron in New Hampshire."