Endangered Species Conservation Advocate

JOB TITLE: Endangered Species Conservation Advocate
LOCATION: Sacramento, CA or Portland, OR preferred, other western U.S. locations may be considered
COMPENSATION: $45,000 - $50,000 per year; starting, commensurate with qualifications.
JOB START DATE: September 1, 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 motivated expert to join the Xerces team of Endangered Species Conservation Biologists to advocate for rare and declining species of butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates.
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 habitat. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, including bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:
Reporting to the Director of Xerces Society’s Endangered Species Program and working in collaboration with other Xerces Society staff, as well as outside partners, the Endangered Species Conservation Advocate will use an evidence-based approach to advocate and inspire action for butterflies, bees, and other invertebrates. The successful applicant will develop status reviews and petitions, prepare comments on federal, state and local actions, provide technical assistance to land managers and agency staff on invertebrate conservation, and inspire action using outreach and education. The person who holds this position will promote new laws and regulations that protect invertebrates.
Building off the success of the Xerces Society’s on-going advocacy efforts, this position will work in states throughout the western U.S. to protect the most vulnerable invertebrate species – including but not limited to butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. The Endangered Species Conservation Advocate will need to successfully obtain and review information on species taxonomy, life history, distribution, threats, and habitat associations, and synthesize this into status reviews, management guidance, and
petitions. The successful applicant must be an excellent communicator and be able to build partnerships with scientists, public land management agencies, and staff from other conservation organizations. The Endangered Species Conservation Advocate will need to effectively convey information on species habitat management and restoration through workshops and technical assistance. The candidate will work with the Director of the Endangered Species Program and other staff in building a constituency to protect imperiled butterflies, bees, and other species, and to inform policies at the state and federal levels.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Working as a team with the Xerces Society’s Endangered Species Program, as well as staff from the Pesticide, Pollinator, and Community Engagement Programs, the person who fills this position will:
● Obtain and synthesize information on species’ taxonomy, life history, distribution, threats, and habitat associations, and synthesize this information into clear and understandable status reviews, management guidance, and petitions for those species.
● Analyze each species’ conservation status and extinction risk using IUCN Red List and NatureServe criteria.
● Develop evidence-based, species-specific management and restoration guidance and disseminate this information to public and private land managers through educational workshops and technical assistance.
● Coordinate with state wildlife agencies to advance conservation of imperiled insect species.
● For species that face a high risk of extinction, work with scientists to write and submit federal and state Endangered Species Act petitions.
● Research state laws and regulations that provide for protection of invertebrates, summarize states’ authority over invertebrates, and develop recommendations regarding how these laws and regulations can be improved.
● Engage with policy makers at the federal, state, and local levels to improve outcomes for imperiled insects and other invertebrates.
● Engage in federal, state and local projects by preparing comments and attending public meetings on proposed actions that will affect imperiled insects.
● Build a constituency for insect protection at state and local levels using outreach and education.
● Engage in other endangered species research, education, outreach, restoration, and conservation projects and campaigns.
● Represent the Xerces Society in coalitions and at public meetings.
● Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into the Xerces Society.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED
• Expertise in environmental or public policy, ecology, natural resources management, conservation biology, environmental planning, conservation advocacy, wildlife management, or a related natural resources discipline.
• Knowledge of: state and federal laws, regulations and policies pertaining to the conservation of wildlife and habitat; and federal lands management policy and planning, including but not limited to the Endangered Species Act, Federal Land Policy and Management Act, Clean Water Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the California Endangered Species Act.
• Experience working with insects or other invertebrates.
• Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with other Xerces Society staff members and with a wide variety of partners, stakeholders, and diverse teams and constituents in a respectful and inclusive fashion.
• Possession of a strong conservation ethic.
• Ability to develop partnerships to further the goals of our conservation project(s).
• Exceptional oral communication skills in English, including interpersonal skills, the ability to effectively deliver presentations, and experience with other public speaking with diverse audiences.
• Excellent written communication skills in English, including the ability to write clear emails, conservation plans, and technical documents 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.
• Experience developing and managing advocacy campaigns.
• Knowledge of spatial data analysis (including the use of ArcGIS software, tools, and applications).
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
PREFERRED
• Proven capacity to manage databases, including database development, management, and query.
• Web design and social media communication experience.
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in in natural resource management, environmental law, ecology, conservation biology, entomology, wildlife biology, or similar field; or Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields of study plus at least 2 years of experience working in conservation planning or wildlife conservation; or more than 4 years of experience working in conservation planning or wildlife conservation.
• 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.
PREFERRED
• Bilingual (English and Spanish) or multilingual (including English and Spanish).
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.