Come join a growing team of conservation professionals at the Xerces Society who are dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most important animals. We are seeking a skilled and collaborative conservation biologist to provide planning, technical support and training focused on pollinators, monarch butterflies, other beneficial insects and wildlife to farmers and NRCS field office conservation planners in Maine and New England. This position will report to the Xerces Society Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist (Northeast / Mid-Atlantic Region), and work very closely with Xerces’ NRCS Partner Biologist in New Hampshire and Xerces’ Pesticide experts to (a) provide conservation planning, technical support and training to farmers and NRCS field office planners on habitat conservation for pollinators and the beneficial insects that attack crop pests, (b) support implementation of a regional pollinator conservation initiative, and (c) support state efforts to implement Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) plans that reduce negative impacts of pest management activities on beneficial insects. The focus of the work will be in Maine, and over time will include some work throughout New England.

Xerces Society is at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farmers and conservation agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and raising public awareness about the invertebrates of farms, forests, prairies, deserts, creeks, wetlands, and oceans. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and dragonflies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working as a team with regional NRCS field offices, Xerces Society Pollinator Program staff, and NRCS state technical experts, the Farm Bill Pollinator Conservation Planner will:

• Assist NRCS conservation planners and in the development of conservation plans that improve or create pollinator and beneficial insect habitat;
• Provide technical oversight and advice to landowners, NRCS staff and other agency staff on pollinator, butterfly, beneficial insect, or wildlife habitat restoration projects;
• Provide technical assistance to NRCS conservation planners and biologists, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners, and individuals participating in the New England Pollinator Partnership (NEPP), lead and manage NEPP work, and fulfill documentation and reporting requirements for NEPP;
• Provide technical support and clear information on how people can create pollinator and beneficial insect habitat and protect pollinators and other beneficial insects from pesticide risks to a variety of agricultural audiences;
• Design, coordinate, and present workshops and other trainings throughout New England on pollinator conservation and related issues;
• Assist NRCS conservation planners in the development of conservation plans and associated guidance to protect pollinators and beneficial insects from pesticide risks through Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) strategies on farms in Maine;
• Assist in the creation and dissemination of technical guides on habitat planning and restoration and IPPM related outreach materials, including materials used by the NRCS in the planning process;
• Respond to requests for information from Xerces Society team members, state and federal government agencies, the public, and the media;
• Maintain regular communication with the remotely based Supervisor; and
• Communicate ongoing work plans, progress, and other updates clearly within the Xerces Society, NRCS, and other partners in conservation to maintain a successful and productive partnership.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

• Knowledge of the ecology of bees, butterflies, and other pollinators;
• Knowledge and experience in wildlife habitat planning, enhancement, restoration and management unique to Maine/New England landscapes. This could include experience with hedgerow design, cover-cropping, grassland restoration, riparian and wetland restoration, native plant establishment, and/or invasive species control;
• Understanding of regional farming systems and crops, including pesticides and pesticide use, and experience with common agricultural practices of New England;
• Ability to understand, interpret, synthesize, and effectively communicate complex scientific information related to invertebrate conservation, pest management, plants, pesticide usage, and impacts on invertebrates;
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest Management practices, Conservation Biological Control, and other strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators and other beneficial insects;
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write clear email, conservation plans, and technical documents for diverse audiences.;
• A demonstrated successful history of collaborative work, experience working with diverse partners and audiences to share, develop, and collaborate on farm conservation projects and/or outreach;
• Experience and ability to work effectively with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion;
• Exceptional verbal communication, presentation, and public speaking skills for diverse audiences;
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to develop work plans and work independently on assigned tasks;
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);
• Ability to travel out-of-town for multiple days (approximately 4 overnights per month) to support conservation planning in Maine and other parts of New England.

PREFERRED

• Experience working in or with an USDA NRCS field office, implementing the NRCS conservation planning process, and using NRCS conservation planning tools;
• Knowledge of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs and the work of the NRCS or the Farm Service Agency (FSA);
• Cross-cultural, multicultural, and/or multilingual skills, background, or experience, preferably basic Spanish-language ability

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree strongly preferred) in natural resource management, ecology, agronomy, conservation biology, entomology, wildlife biology, horticulture, between 2-4 years of experience in conservation planning, agriculture, wildlife conservation, or demonstrated truly equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED

• Master’s degree in natural resource management, ecology, agronomy, conservation biology, entomology, wildlife biology, horticulture, or more than 4 years of experience in conservation planning, agriculture, wildlife conservation, or or demonstrated truly equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Be able to perform the following with reasonable breaks and/or accommodations:

• Able to move and transport supplies, materials, equipment weighing up to 30 lbs;
• Occasionally work in the field for 8 hours per day under adverse weather conditions;
• Regularly traverse across agricultural roads and fields, unpaved roads and walkways, and unimproved trails for periods of 2-8 hours;
• Occasionally drive vehicle or fly by commercial airline for periods of up to 8 hours.
• Constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine, and computer printer for periods of 2-8 hours.

STATUS:  

• Regular, full-time (~ 40 hours/week), exempt, salaried position

BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package: eleven paid holidays, paid time off, paid health and disability insurance, option to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses, participation in a retirement program upon eligibility and a flexible work environment.

TERMS: The Xerces Society is an at-will employer. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

MORE INFORMATION:  For more information on the Xerces Society and our programs, please see our website: www.xerces.org.

APPLICATION FOLLOW UP:  Unfortunately, due to the volume of communications we are unable to respond to individual applicant’s inquiries. We ask that applicants do not contact our office via phone or email about their application. You will be contacted if selected for an interview.

All applicants will receive email notification once position is filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Xerces Society is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is Xerces policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals and to administer all aspects and conditions of employment without regard to the following: race, color, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship or immigration status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, family relationship, health insurance status, medical history or condition, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, non-conviction arrest record, wage garnishment status, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity extends to all aspects of employment, including all decisions on hiring, job assignment, training, compensation, promotion, demotion, access to benefits, transfer, leaves of absence, discipline, and termination.

Xerces is committed to establishing and maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion, and encourages individuals of all ethnicities, abilities, genders, gender identities, cultural backgrounds and religious identities to apply.