For more information, please follow this link: https://www.conservationjobboard.com/job-listing-inland-northwest-pollinator-habitat-specialist-food-industrysupply-chain-central-wa-washington/2536437892?utm_source=ongage&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=regular

Salary- $50,000 – $53,000 per year

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: 

You’ll be joining a growing team of professionals working to conserve some of the world’s most important animals. The Pollinator Habitat Specialist Inland NW (Food Industry Supply Chain Projects) will support Xerces private-sector partners in designing and implementing cutting-edge conservation systems for bees and beneficial insects on farms across the Pacific Northwest.

Supervised by Xerces’ Western Pollinator Habitat Specialist Lead, this position will collaborate closely with farm managers, as well as key staff at some of the largest food companies in the world to implement conservation practices on farms that serve the manufactured food, fresh pack and retail industries.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Work with key staff at select food companies to identify and reach out to farms that will implement habitat restoration.
  • Develop large-scale habitat restoration plans, including protocols for site preparation, planting methods, and ongoing maintenance.
  • Manage and provide technical support for habitat restoration projects both remotely and onsite.
  • Directly participate in the establishment of hedgerows, wildflower meadows and cover crop systems in heavily managed agricultural settings, including direct collaboration with farm staff and labor.
  • Document pest management practices on farms and work with farmers and Xerces’ pest management specialists to foster the adoption of reduced-risk/ecologically-based pest management strategies.
  • Support partners with science-based advice and consulting on native bee and beneficial insect conservation and on-farm ecosystem services.
  • Communicate our conservation model and the impact of our work to diverse stakeholders including farmers, food companies, and government agencies at conferences, workshops, and business meetings.
  • Support the promotion, recruitment, and on-boarding of farms into Xerces’ Bee Better Certified farm and food product certification program, including technical assistance throughout the application process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:  

REQUIRED

  • Strong track record of managing large-scale native plant habitat restoration projects.
  • Ability to manage multiple long-term projects simultaneously.
  • An understanding of pollination ecology and the role of native pollinators (especially bees) in agroecosystems.
  • Extensive knowledge of diverse, large-scale farm practices and crop management systems.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and be capable of organizing meetings and presenting information to a wide variety of professional clients and stakeholders.
  • Ability and willingness to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.
  • 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, PowerPoint). The use of Google Suite and geospatial data management is required daily.
  • Ability to use mobile digital data collection tools.
  • Ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate complex scientific information in a way that will influence conservation practice.
  • Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines, while delivering quality results.
  • Ability to travel out-of-town for multiple days (e.g. approximately 4 overnights per month during peak season).

PREFERRED

  • Specific knowledge of agriculture and restoration in the inland Northwest region.
  • Ability to develop and give engaging presentations to audiences of more than twenty adults.
  • Ability to tell a compelling story through writing and digital imagery.
  • Cross-cultural, multicultural, and/or multilingual skills, background, or experience, preferably basic Spanish-language ability.
  • Proficiency with Arc-GIS or other mapping software.
  • Personal or professional background in agriculture.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED

  • Bachelor’s degree in ecology, conservation biology, agriculture, horticulture, entomology, natural resource management, conservation science, or demonstrated truly equivalent knowledge, skills, and experience.
  • 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

  • Master’s degree in above field preferred.