Bird conservation, Science communication

Position: Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Data & Engagement Technician
Organization: Birds Canada
Location: remotely from anywhere in Canada

Are you looking to apply your skills to work that is meaningful, engaging, and makes a real difference for nature? Do you want to work in a collaborative, values-driven organization that supports flexibility and well-being while tackling important conservation challenges?

Birds Canada is the country’s leading national organization dedicated to bird conservation.

Our team of 100+ staff works alongside thousands of committed volunteers and supporters to Uncover the science needed to understand birds, Unite people and communities around conservation, and Act to protect birds and their habitats. Together, we are Canada’s Voice for Birds. Will you join us?

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (“Atlas”) Data & Engagement Technician supports the publication phase of the Atlas by turning complex ecological and ornithological information into clear, engaging, and accessible content. The role focuses on editing species accounts, fact‑checking scientific text, and drafting new written materials that help communicate key Atlas findings to a broad audience.

Working closely with senior staff, contributors, and project partners, the Technician helps produce a range of communications products including plain‑language summaries, social media content, project updates, and other outreach materials. The position requires strong writing, editing, and organizational skills, and the ability to translate scientific concepts for public audiences. This primarily remote role contributes directly to the accuracy, clarity, and impact of the Atlas’s final communications outputs.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

This fixed-term, nine‑month position (with the possibility of extension) reports to the Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas Project Manager (“Manager”). The role is primarily remote, with some in‑person events as required. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2026. The successful candidate must be able to work from home and maintain a reliable internet connection. Birds Canada will provide a laptop for the duration of the contract. Candidates are expected to have an appropriate home workspace and reliable internet access. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the guidance of the Manager, review and proofread Atlas publication content for clarity, grammar, consistency, and adherence to style guidelines, incorporating feedback from staff, editors, and a wide range of authors of varied backgrounds.
• Assist in gathering and organizing supporting materials for the publication, including data tables, maps, figures, and reference text.
• Draft short written science communication pieces, such as project updates, blog posts, and introductory publication text.
• Translate technical scientific information into plain‑language content suitable for diverse audiences.
• Draft social media and outreach content highlighting Atlas milestones, findings, and engagement opportunities.
• Support the creation of various visual or communications products for different audiences, such as infographics or key‑findings summaries.
• Track document versions, edits, and deadlines within shared project tools and workflows.
• Coordinate feedback from contributors and partners, helping keep publication materials organized and updated.
• Ensure accuracy and consistency across communications, including checking facts, citations, and formatting.
• Assist with other project-related tasks assigned by the Manager, such as creating and maintaining content on the Atlas website, and cleaning data.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

Core Requirements

• Familiarity with Ontario’s breeding bird species and breeding bird Atlases.
• Strong writing and editing skills in English, with attention to grammar, clarity, and detail.
• Ability to translate technical or scientific information into accessible language and products.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse and large groups, accept feedback, and contribute constructively to team workflows.
• Proficiency with standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and familiarity with simple design or visual communication tools (e.g., Canva).
• Basic experience with creating and sharing content on social media platforms.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to track edits, manage tasks, and follow guidelines.

Assets

• Experience writing for public audiences.
• Strong interest in science communication and ability to grasp project specific scientific concepts, demonstrated experience in past jobs, volunteering or schooling.
• Experience with tools to build and manage website content (e.g., WordPress, Elementor).
• Familiarity with data cleaning, organization, and basic wrangling of large datasets. Experience with R/R Studio.
• Proficiency in reading and writing in French.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

A post‑secondary degree or diploma in biology, ecology, environmental science, communications, journalism, or a related field is an asset but not required. Individuals with equivalent experience gained through volunteer work, training programs, or other informal or formal education in science communication or conservation are equally considered.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The salary for this role is $22.41 - $23.16 per hour depending on project-relevant experience and expertise for an approximately 40-hour work week. Compensation includes statutory and discretionary benefits including pro-rated Vacation and Personal Health Days.

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume along with a covering letter outlining how your experience makes you the perfect candidate for this role via the Birds Canada Online Job Portal by 5pm EST on March 6, 2026}. Birds Canada will provide accommodation throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Please mention you saw this at rcen.ca or goodwork.ca.

At Birds Canada, we are committed to fostering a culture that values Indigenous Engagement and Reconciliation, and Inclusivity, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility, as integral approaches that shape all that we do in our organization and for nature (read our full commitment to inclusion at this LINK). We oppose prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination, and aim to ensure that people of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences feel a sense of belonging and can participate in protecting wild birds and their habitats.

We are actively seeking to improve our ability to reach all candidates with our job postings. Applicants belonging to racialized groups, who identify as Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, and/or who have a disability, are therefore welcome to mention this in their cover letter, if they feel comfortable, although this is not a requirement.