Bumble Bee Conservation Specialist

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. Invertebrates are essential to the reproduction of most flowering plants, including many fruits, vegetables, and nuts; they play an important role in pest management; and they are a critical food source for birds, fish, and other animals. Yet invertebrate populations are often imperiled by human activities and rarely accounted for in traditional conservation.

Established in 1971 and based in Portland, Oregon, the Xerces Society is at the forefront of invertebrate protection worldwide, harnessing the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of citizens to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farmers and federal 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, contributing to research to advance invertebrate conservation through crowd sourcing data, 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.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: 

Reporting to the Xerces Society Endangered Species Program Bumble Bee Lead (Portland, OR office) and working in collaboration with Nebraska Pollinator Program field office staff, the Nebraska Bumble Bee Conservation Specialist will provide support for a new initiative to conduct a statewide bumble bee atlas project in Nebraska using citizen science.

The successful candidate will develop and manage a large, statewide citizen science project that engages the public in conservation science, while increasing awareness of bumble bee conservation and helping to develop effective, evidence-based land management recommendations for project stakeholders and beyond. The Bumble Bee Conservation Specialist will collaboratively focus on developing sampling protocols, coordinating with partners and citizen scientists, organizing and delivering training events, as well as species identification (Bombus spp.) and habitat assessments. Ultimately, the Bumble Bee Conservation Specialist will use data from this project to inform land management in the state of Nebraska to benefit bumble bee and other pollinator populations. This position will be based in our Omaha, NE field office (other locations in Nebraska will also be considered).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Working as a team with the Xerces Society Endangered Species and Pollinator Program staff, the Bumble Bee Conservation Specialist will: 

• Use the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas as a model to develop and conduct a statewide Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas harnessing the participation of citizen scientists and other key partners.
• Coordinate and provide educational trainings to citizen scientists on bumble bee conservation, survey techniques, and species identification.
• Coordinate and provide trainings to land managers about bumble bee conservation issues and best management practices for creating and maintaining high quality bumble bee habitat.
• Accurately identify bumble bees from submitted photos and maintain a database of observations and associated data.
• Use appropriate communication channels (website, social media, traditional media, email, etc.) to coordinate with project volunteers, project partners, and the general public.
• Use data gathered from the Atlas project to develop land management guidance and best management practices for bumble bees in Nebraska.
• Advise and plan on-the-ground pollinator habitat restoration projects.
• Travel out-of-town for multiple days (approximately 5 overnights per month during the field season – potentially more during critical months) to support the bumble bee Atlas and related projects.
• Develop written materials to summarize guidance of conservation of bumble bees in Nebraska.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:  

REQUIRED

• Strong knowledge of and experience with bumble bee survey, identification and conservation issues; specific familiarity with Nebraska bumble bees and conservation issues is preferred.
• Experience working with citizen scientists.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other Xerces Society staff members and with a wide variety of partners from diverse backgrounds.
• Possession of a strong conservation ethic.
• Knowledge of natural communities and ecosystems of Nebraska.
• An understanding of the conservation organizations that work in Nebraska and an ability to develop partnerships to further the goals of our conservation project(s).
• Understanding of databases, including database development, management, and query.
• Knowledge of spatial data analysis, and ideally habitat occupancy modeling.
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write clear emails, conservation plans, and technical documents for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional verbal communication, presentation, and public speaking skills for diverse audiences that include citizen scientists, land managers, conservation partners, and others. 
• Excellent organizational skills 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).
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.

PREFERRED

• Knowledge of and experience with Nebraska plant identification.
• Web design and social media communication experience.
• Project management skills including staff and/or volunteer oversight.
• Knowledge and experience in wildlife habitat planning, restoration and management unique to Nebraska.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in ecology, conservation biology, entomology, wildlife biology, botany, natural resource management, or other relevant field.
• More than 4 years of experience in conservation planning, pollinator or wildlife conservation, or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the education requirement.
• Valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Lift and move supplies, materials, equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Work in the field for long days under potentially adverse weather conditions.
• Frequently traverse across agricultural roads and fields, unpaved roads and walkways, and unimproved trails for periods of 8 hours.
• Drive vehicle for periods of up to 8 hours.

STATUS:          

Full-Time, salaried, exempt position, scheduled to work ~ 40 hours/week.

BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package: eleven paid holidays, 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:  

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/List/4579/Xerces-Society-Inc