Bird Research Assistant (U.S. Birds — 2 Positions)

We are the publisher of many best-selling field guides covering natural and outdoor topics. We're looking for two detail-oriented researchers with strong AI image generation skills to help us produce a new print field guide covering bird species found across the United States. You do not need to be an ornithologist. Every entry and image you produce will be reviewed by our team of ornithologists and wildlife biologists. What we need from you is careful research, clean writing to a template, and, most importantly, the ability to generate photorealistic, species-accurate bird images with AI tools. Ideal candidates will be able to work 30-40 hours a week and are looking for long-term (6+ months or more) engagements. This is a long-term project for us. A strong command of written English is required since we are targeting an American audience. What you'll do - Research and write species entries. We will give you a locked entry template (identification marks, size and shape, plumage variations, vocalizations, habitat and range, behavior, feeding, nesting, seasonal presence, etc.). For each of your assigned species, you'll research authoritative sources (Cornell Lab / All About Birds / Birds of the World, Audubon, AOS checklist, eBird) and fill in the template accurately and concisely. This part of the job is straightforward if you are organized and careful with facts. Tight word counts, no filler. - Generate the images. This is the hardest and most important part of the job. For each species you'll produce 1–2 photorealistic images that are accurate enough to be used for identification in a printed field guide. That means correct plumage, markings, bill shape, proportions, posture, leg/foot color, and coloring for the specific sex/plumage we request, with no AI artifacts (extra toes, merged feathers, wrong eye color, invented markings, etc.). Images must be consistent in style, lighting, and framing across the whole book, and must be high enough resolution for print. Expect a lot of iteration: generate, compare against reference photos, fix, repeat. Every image will be checked by an ornithologist, and images that don't pass will be sent back for revision. These images are only used if suitable photographs are unavailable. In the questions below, we will ask "what is your greatest strength" answer "I read instructions" to show that you've actually read the full job posting. Scope - Template and image style guide provided by us — no design work needed - Print publication — entries must fit consistent length/structure requirements - Ongoing collaboration with our editorial and expert review team; revision rounds expected - Hourly contract, multi-month project, consistent weekly output Required Qualifications - Demonstrated skill generating photorealistic animal/wildlife images with AI tools (we are tool-agnostic — Midjourney, ChatGPT/GPT Image, Flux, Nano Banana, Stable Diffusion, etc. — we care about results, not the tool) - Ability to compare your output against reference photos and catch subtle inaccuracies; an eye for detail is essential - Strong research skills and the discipline to verify every fact against authoritative sources - Clear, concise English writing - Reliability: consistent weekly output and responsive communication over a multi-month project Preferred (not required) - Interest in or knowledge of birds / birding - Prior experience writing field guide, natural history, reference, or educational content - Experience with upscaling and preparing AI images for print - Experience with eBird or similar data for range and seasonality