Endangered Species Conservation Biologist – Arizona Wild Bees

JOB TITLE:  Endangered Species Conservation Biologist – Arizona Wild Bees

LOCATION:  Tucson, AZ preferred; other AZ locations may be considered

COMPENSATION: $46,000 - $53,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications.

JOB START DATE:  January-February 2022

APPLICATION DEADLINE: December 10, 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 conserve rare and declining species of wild, native bees, butterflies, fireflies, 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.

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

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 Biologist will advance conservation for wild bees and other invertebrate species in Arizona. Specifically, the successful applicant will complete status reviews of Arizona’s native bees, prioritize species most at risk of extinction, develop species-specific land management guidance for imperiled wild bees and other insects of conservation concern, write Endangered Species Act petitions for highly imperiled species, and conduct public outreach to inspire conservation action for Arizona’s bees, butterflies, fireflies, and other invertebrates.

The Endangered Species Conservation Biologist 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 Biologist 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.  This position will be based in a home office in Arizona.

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 information on Arizona native bee species’ taxonomy, life history, distribution, threats, and habitat associations and synthesize this information into status reviews.
• Use spatial analysis to understand species’ distributions relative to land ownership, and how species’ ranges may have changed over time.
• Analyze insect species’ conservation status and extinction risk using existing criteria of the IUCN Red List and / or NatureServe.
• Develop evidence-based, species-specific management and restoration guidance for imperiled bees, butterflies, and fireflies, and disseminate this information to public and private land managers through educational workshops and direct technical assistance.
• For species that face a high risk of extinction, write and submit federal Endangered Species Act petitions, working in partnership with other scientists and species experts.
• Conduct field surveys for insect species of conservation concern.
• Engage in federal, state and local projects in Arizona by preparing comments and attending public meetings on proposed actions that will affect imperiled insects.
• Represent the Xerces Society in coalitions and at public meetings.
• 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.
• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into the Xerces Society.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE: 

REQUIRED

• Strong knowledge of and experience with the conservation of invertebrate taxa, with knowledge of native bees, butterflies, fireflies, and their conservation issues strongly preferred.
• Possession of a strong conservation ethic.
• 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.
• Ability to develop partnerships to further conservation goals.
• Exceptional verbal 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 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 conducting field-based species surveys for insects.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS software to conduct basic spatial data analysis.
• Proficiency with databases, including database development, management, and query.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• Graduate degree in entomology, ecology, conservation biology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, or other relevant field; or Bachelor’s degree in one of these fields of study plus at least 2 years of experience working in wildlife conservation; or more than 4 years of experience working in 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.
• Move and transport supplies, materials, and equipment weighing up to 20 lbs.
• Work outdoors in the field for 8-10 hours per day, often in sparsely populated, remote locations and under potentially adverse or difficult conditions such as high heat and humidity, rain, darkness, biting and stinging insects and other dangerous wildlife, or abrasive or poisonous vegetation, among others.
• Traverse across unpaved roads and walkways, unimproved trails, and rugged terrain such as wetlands, sand dunes, desert canyons, and forested mountainsides for periods of 8 hours or more, often in darkness with minimal use of light.
• Work unusual hours, including nighttime hours, during the firefly field season, which is roughly from May-August.
• Drive vehicle for periods of time of up to 8 hours.

STATUS:  Regular, Full-Time, scheduled to work ~ 40 hours/week.  Schedule can be made flexible 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.