Pollinator Conservation Specialist and NRCS Partner Biologist, Mid-Atlantic Region

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 skilled and collaborative Pollinator Conservation Specialist / NRCS Partner Biologist. This person will provide habitat conservation planning, technical support and training for USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) field office conservation planners and partners, urban and rural farmers, pasture managers, foresters, and other agricultural producers in New Jersey and Pennsylvania (and occasionally other regional Mid-Atlantic or southern New England states). They will also be the lead on the Xerces Society Mid-Atlantic Habitat Kit Program.

At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms 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 engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

Reporting to the Xerces Society Pollinator Conservation Specialist, Forests and Forestry Lead and in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Pollinator Conservation Specialist and NRCS Partner Biologist (Mid-Atlantic Region) will provide conservation planning, technical support and training. They will work with urban and rural farmers, agricultural producers, NRCS field office planners, NRCS state office staff, and other regional conservation partners. The regional focus is on New Jersey and Pennsylvania (especially eastern PA). This position will also occasionally provide technical assistance to the NRCS in other Mid-Atlantic and southern New England states. They will lead Xerces’ Mid-Atlantic Habitat Kit Program, with support from other Xerces staff.

Conservation work will focus on the planning, planting, or management of habitat for pollinators, monarch butterflies, and beneficial insects that help control crop pests or serve as food for wildlife. This position will help train diverse communities of urban and rural land managers, farmers, community gardens, and conservation partners about pollinator and beneficial insect conservation on working lands, and help raise awareness about opportunities to receive financial and technical assistance from the USDA-NRCS. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of beneficial insects, be a strong communicator, have experience with Farm Bill conservation programs, have strong teaching and outreach experience. They will be able to develop site-specific conservation planning guidance for rural and urban partners that addresses multiple goals of pollinator, beneficial insect, monarch butterfly, wildlife, soil, and water conservation, as well as increased equity in conservation.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working collaboratively with regional NRCS field offices, Xerces Society Pollinator and Agricultural Biodiversity Program staff, and NRCS state technical experts, the Pollinator Conservation Specialist and NRCS 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. Plans should also protect habitat from pesticide risks through helping producers implement Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) strategies.
• Plans need to be developed to assist with Farm Bill Conservation Programs.
• Provide technical assistance and advice to landowners, NRCS staff, and other partners on pollinator, butterfly, beneficial insect, and/or wildlife habitat restoration projects. This technical assistance will be a mix of real time feedback in the field and follow up research, meetings and emails.
• Maintain and expand existing partnerships with urban agriculture producers and community gardens in which we are providing technical assistance and other support for pollinator and beneficial insect habitat projects.
• Maintain and continue to develop Xerces’ relationships and foster new partnerships. These include farmer organizations, networks that support tribal partners, underserved urban and small farms, community gardens, or other community organizations. Work to provide and connect them to resources and technical support.
• Design, coordinate, and present workshops and other trainings throughout the Mid-Atlantic states on pollinator conservation and related issues.
• Assist in the creation and dissemination of technical guides on habitat planning and restoration, seed mix design and specifications, and other technical materials and tools used by the NRCS in the planning process.
• Work with other regional Xerces staff and partners to administer an annual Habitat Kit program. This involves creating budgets, designing and planning plant lists, evaluating project proposals, managing regional collaborations with kit partners and stewards, administering all plant distribution logistics and follow-up reporting.
• Maintain existing relationships and develop new partnerships with native plant nurseries to increase the availability of native seed and plant material for pollinator habitat restoration projects.
• 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. Keep track of hours, multiple projects, and grant requirements.
• Communicate ongoing work plan progress, reporting, and other updates clearly with the Xerces Society, NRCS, and other conservation partners to maintain successful and productive partnerships.
• Travel out-of-town for multiple days per month when necessary to support conservation planning in Mid-Atlantic states (e.g., site visits, meetings, trainings, and conferences).

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 Mid-Atlantic landscapes. This could include experience with:
  • Hedgerow design, cover-cropping, grassland or meadow restoration, and riparian planting
    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 the northeastern U.S.
• Ability to understand, interpret, synthesize, and effectively communicate complex scientific information related to invertebrate conservation, habitat restoration, pest management, plant establishment, 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.
• Ability and willingness to work 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).

PREFERRED

• Understanding of both rural and urban farming systems, and the unique challenges faced by each.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural or multicultural workplace or community.
• Bilingual or multilingual (Spanish language skills are especially valuable, or other regionally important language).
• 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).
• Pesticide applicators license, or previous pesticide applicator training
• Certified Crop Advisor
• NRCS certified Technical Service Provider

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• A Master of Science degree in Integrated Pest Management, entomology, sustainable agriculture, ecology, horticulture, OR a Bachelor’s degree and more than 4 years of experience in restoration, entomology, IPM, and/or sustainable agriculture.
• Valid driver’s license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check prior to employment allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance. Offer of employment is contingent on this record check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, copy machine, and computer printer for periods of 1-8 hours.
• Occasionally to Frequently move and transport supplies, materials, and equipment weighing up to 30 lbs;
• Occasionally to Frequently drive vehicle for periods of up to 8 hours;
• Frequently to Constantly work outdoors in the field for 1-8 hours per day under potentially adverse weather conditions;
• Seldom to Occasionally traverse across unpaved roads, walkways, fields and unimproved trails for periods of 1-8 hours, carrying 10 pounds of material or equipment.
• Travel overnight when necessary for meetings, project assessments, implementation, meetings, or planning.

COMPENSATION

• $ 2,542.80 To 2,619.07 semi-monthly (61,027 – 62,857 approx. annual)

BENEFITS:

• This position includes a generous benefits package including; thirteen paid holidays, paid time off accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule), medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, the option to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses, short-term disability insurance where not provided under state law, long-term disability insurance, participation in a 401k retirement program with employer contribution match upon meeting eligibility requirements, and a flexible work environment.

MORE INFORMATION:

• For more information on the Xerces Society and our programs, please see our website: www.xerces.org
• Columbus, NJ. Possibility for part-time remote work. For this option, candidates must have a home office location suitable for work purposes, with good internet access, and must work from a city/state location within driving distance to Columbus, NJ and also approved by Xerces as their permanent work location.
• Position entails field work and regular travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Most field work occurs in NJ and eastern PA, but also to NY, CT, RI, MA and other Mid-Atlantic states.

STATUS & SCHEDULE: Full-Time, salaried, exempt position, scheduled to work 40 hours/week.

• JOB START DATE: January 2025
• APPLICATION DEADLINE: 10/13/24

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• All applications must be submitted via our application website at: xerces.org/jobs
• 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.
• Xerces provides 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 with your specific request.

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.

MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to

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; xerces.org/jobs
Xerces Society Inc