Connecticut River Valley Pollinator Conservation Planner & NRCS Partner Biologist 

JOIN US!

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 collaborative pollinator specialist who is skilled in beneficial insect conservation, as well as farm and pasture management. This partnership position with the American Farmland Trust (AFT) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will collaborate on pollinator conservation efforts with our partners and other Xerces Society Pollinator and Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation team members as we work with farmers, pasture managers, NRCS field offices, and other agricultural professionals operating in the Connecticut River Valley. 

At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farmers and other working lands managers and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training tens of thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, pastures, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on collaborative habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies. 

Note: In our effort to keep our employees, partners, clients and the public safe, Xerces Society follows a mandatory vaccination policy, requiring employees have up-to-date vaccinations for COVID-19.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: 

Reporting to the Xerces Society Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist (East Region), and in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and our partners with the American Farmland Trust (AFT), the Connecticut River Valley Pollinator Conservation Planner will provide technical support, conservation planning assistance, and training to farmers and pasture managers, other agricultural producers, NRCS field office planners, and other regional conservation partners in the Connecticut River Valley watershed of New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and Connecticut. 

The ideal candidate will have experience with USDA Farm Bill conservation programs, will have strong teaching and outreach experience, and will be able to develop farm-specific conservation planning guidance that addresses multiple goals of pollinator and beneficial insect habitat, water quality, other wildlife habitat, and soil conservation. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Working as a team with AFT project partners, NRCS field offices, and Xerces Society Pollinator Program staff, this partner biologist will: 

• Assist NRCS conservation planners in the development and writing of conservation plans that improve, protect or create pollinator and beneficial insect habitat. Core focus areas of technical support this position will provide include:
• Planning the design, planting and management of stream buffers that both protect water quality in the Connecticut River watershed and provide high quality habitat for pollinators.
• Collaborating with partners and pasture managers to develop management systems that sustain livestock and increase forage for pollinators.  
• Collaborating with NRCS, Xerces staff, and partners on the development of Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) practices, dissemination of IPPM information to producers, and assisting with IPPM conservation planning.
  • Provide technical assistance advice to landowners, NRCS staff and other agency staff on general pollinator, monarch butterfly, bumble bee, beneficial insect, or wildlife habitat restoration projects.
  • Provide technical support and clear information to a variety of agricultural audiences on how they can protect pollinators and other beneficial insects from pesticide risks (Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management).
  • Design, coordinate, and present workshops and other trainings throughout the Connecticut River Valley on pollinator conservation and related issues.
  •  Respond to requests for information from Xerces Society team members, state and federal government agencies, conservation partners, the public, and the media. 
  •  Maintain regular communication with the remotely based Supervisor.
  • Communicate ongoing work plans, progress, reporting and other updates clearly with the Xerces Society, AFT, NRCS, and other conservation partners to maintain a successful and productive partnership.
  • Regularly drive to meet with partners or visit field sites.

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 

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:  REQUIRED

• Knowledge of the ecology of bees, butterflies, other pollinators, or beneficial insects. 
• Knowledge and experience in wildlife habitat planning, enhancement, restoration and management unique to New England landscapes. This could include experience with meadow or riparian buffer establishment, cover-cropping, livestock pasture planting and management, hedgerow design, riparian forest buffer establishment, native plant establishment, and/or invasive species control. 
• Understanding of New England farming and pasture systems, and experience with common agricultural practices of New England.
• Ability to understand, interpret, synthesize, and effectively communicate complex scientific information related to invertebrate conservation, habitat restoration, pasture management, plant establishment, pest management, and management impacts on invertebrates.
• Knowledge of Integrated Pest and Pollinator 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 in English, 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.
•  Ability and willingness to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills in English, as well as 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 throughout the Connecticut River Valley.

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, or more than 4 years of experience in conservation planning, agriculture, wildlife conservation, or equivalent combination of  education and experience.
• Valid driver’s license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States with any employer. Visa sponsorship is not provided for      this position.

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 8-12 hours per day under adverse weather conditions.· Frequently 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· Able to work in stationary position for periods of 1-8 hours.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

• All applications must be submitted via our application website - click "Apply on Company Website" and follow instructions. 
• We are committed to creating a more diverse workforce that is welcoming to all employees and the communities we serve. As part of the application process, please be prepared to answer a brief essay question (1,000 characters or less) in which you describe some ways you might help Xerces collaborate with diverse audiences or historically excluded communities in this role.

JOB START DATE: October 2022

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  August 15, 2022 

Xerces is happy to provide accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Xerces Society is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

PRIORITY REFERRAL OF PROTECTED VETERANS

We request priority referral of protected veterans for all openings with our organization. In order to be considered for employment, all applicants for employment with Xerces Society, apply through our Job Board. When referring or being referred as a candidate, including protected veterans, please refer them to this applicant site; https://xerces.org/job-opportunities.