Volunteer role
Autumn Count Coordinator
We are looking for 2026 Count Coordinators!
Photo: Video: Karine Drost
The role
We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated raptor watchers to serve as count coordinators and together be the backbone of the team for the entire autumn season. The team of count coordinators leads the daily operation of the count and guarantees the quality of the monitoring. All food and accommodation costs are covered and in addition a stipend is paid. If you think you might wish to apply, please read on.
Count coordinators are integral to the soul of the BRC count. They oversee the daily operation of our stations and help ensure the quality of the data we collect. As a count coordinator, you will work in a team together with two other count coordinators. Your job will be to ensure not only that BRC monitoring protocols are followed and that all data is recorded correctly and timely in the tablets, but also to manage the volunteers to ensure consistent and uniform coverage of the stations. The team of coordinators is also expected to encourage and sometimes participate in social events, to contribute to a good atmosphere for all involved, and to participate in PR-related activities. You must be ready to put in long hours and to lead by example, ready to pitch in to help carry out whatever tasks are required to ensure the quality of the count. Count coordinators will give, with support from the BRC team, several presentations to help counters to identify species like harriers or eagles. After the count is wrapped up, they will contribute to the season report.
Requirements
As a count coordinator, you should:
- ideally be willing to commit to the full season, from August 8th through October 24th 2026 — if you cannot commit for the full season, indicate which half you are available for (full-season applicants get priority)
- preferably be experienced with the BRC counts, other migration counts and/or with raptor monitoring
- be able to identify most Western Palearctic raptor species at distance
- have conversational command of the English language
- have a social and communicative character, and empathy for counters on all levels of identification skills
- have basic computer competency
- be willing to contribute to public outreach
If you have not already read the Autumn Count page, please do so before submitting your application.
We encourage all former BRC counters to consider applying as coordinator!
Benefits
Coordinators are covered for all expenses during their stay. In addition, we offer:
- Accommodation
- Comfortable shared rooms in a family guesthouse, together with the volunteers, with all accommodation costs covered.
- Food
- The family cooks for us every morning and evening, and lunch is packed to be eaten at the count station.
- Travel reimbursed
- Travel costs are reimbursed up to €400.
- Stipend
- A stipend of €1000 for full-season coordinators to help cover living costs at home.
- Social events
- Several social events throughout the season — BBQ, beach-night and the occasional restaurant visit.
- Days off
- Regular days off to explore the surroundings or simply to rest.
How to apply
To apply for this position, please send us your short CV with related experiences and a one page cover letter:
- with your name, age, contact information (postal mailing address, email address, and mobile phone number),
- describing your interest and personal motivation,
- any background you feel pertinent to this application,
- what you believe you can offer to the BRC as a count coordinator this autumn,
- and ideally 1 or 2 references if this is your first time participating in our project.
Please email your letter in English to volunteer@batumiraptorcount.org under the subject “Count Coordinator” by March 15th at the latest. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible and aim to have interviews in the final two weeks of March. Don't hesitate to send us an email if you have questions.
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Cordially yours,
The BRC Team