Endangered Species Conservation Biologist – Pacific Northwest

JOB TITLE: Endangered Species Conservation Biologist – Pacific Northwest
LOCATION: Portland, Oregon preferred; other locations may be considered
COMPENSATION: $45,000 - $50,000 per year; starting, commensurate with qualifications.
JOB START DATE: August 2, 2021
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 6, 2021
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs
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.
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 self-motivated individual who can join our team of Endangered Species conservation biologists to work to conserve native bumble bees, mollusks, and other invertebrates in the Pacific Northwest.
At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by conducting applied research to advance invertebrate conservation, engaging the public in community science efforts to track the status of imperiled species, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of land managers and farmers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, and advocating for the protection of endangered species and their habitats. Our methods focus on education, scientific analysis, advocacy, applied research, community science, and habitat restoration to conserve invertebrates, including bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:
Reporting to the Xerces Society’s Endangered Species Program Director (Portland, OR office) and working in collaboration with the Bumble Bee Species Lead, and other Xerces Society staff and partners, the Endangered Species Conservation Biologist will lead the development of a conservation strategy for six species of native bumble bees in Washington State. In addition, the Endangered Species Conservation Biologist will develop species fact sheets for federal land managers to identify, survey, and manage habitat for invertebrate species of conservation concern on public lands of the Pacific Northwest. This position will be based in the Xerces Society Office in Portland, OR, though other locations will be considered.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Working in collaboration with other Xerces Society Endangered Species conservation biologists and representatives of state and federal land and wildlife management agencies in Washington, develop a conservation strategy for six species of rare or declining bumble bees by identifying priority areas, assessing threats, and recommending management actions. Activities may include:
o Analyzing data from the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas relative to lands managed by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife;
o Evaluating grazing regimes, herbicide and insecticide use, apiary placement and other practices relative to locations where focal bumble bee species persist;
o Identifying focal areas for restoration and habitat management on state and federal lands in Washington;
o Writing a conservation strategy that synthesizes the above analyses.
• Obtaining information on invertebrate species’ taxonomy, identification, conservation status, life history, range, distribution, abundance, habitat associations, threats, and conservation needs, and synthesizing this information to write species fact sheets and survey protocols for invertebrate species of conservation concern in Oregon and Washington.
• Supporting the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas through accurately identifying bumble bees from submitted photos and maintaining a database of observations and associated data.
• Engaging in other endangered species research, education, outreach, restoration, and conservation projects.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED
• Experience conducting research on invertebrates.
• Knowledge of invertebrate conservation issues, including bumble bees, in the Pacific Northwest.
• Experience with public land management practices in the Pacific Northwest, and ability to understand how land management may influence the survival and recovery of insect and mollusk populations.
• Strong proficiency with mapping and spatial data analysis using ArcGIS software.
• Ability to manage and query databases.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with other Xerces Society staff members and a diverse set of partners in a respectful and inclusive fashion.
• Possession of a strong conservation ethic.
• Exceptional interpersonal and oral communication skills in English, and the ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively to achieve conservation objectives.
• Excellent written communication skills in English, including the ability to write technical documents, emails, and blogs for diverse audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple, complex projects, to prioritize work, and to consistently deliver high quality work products on schedule.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in natural resource management, ecology, conservation biology, entomology, wildlife biology; or at least 2 years of experience working in wildlife conservation plus a Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, ecology, conservation biology, entomology, or wildlife biology.
• 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 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.
STATUS: Regular, Full-Time, scheduled to work ~ 40 hours/week. Schedule can be made flexible and opportunity for partial remote work location can be made, consistent with work requirements.
BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package: eleven paid holidays including two floating holidays that may be used for a personal or religious holiday observed by the employee or other occasion per policy, paid time off, paid health, dental, and disability insurance, option to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses, participation in a 401k 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 INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs
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.