Careers at Pollinator Partnership

Work you can believe in.

Pollinator Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. Pollinator Partnership offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Program: Pollinator Partnership: Project Wingspan Across Chicagoland

Position: Native Seed Steward (Field position)

Location: Flexible within Greater Chicago Area (Illinois)

Duration: Seasonal

Hours: Part-time flex

Pollinator Partnership (P2) seeks to hire two motivated and conservation-minded Native Seed Stewards (NSS) in the Greater Chicago Area in Illinois. The NSS will make collections of native plant seeds to support habitat enhancement efforts to address the alarming declines in native pollinator populations. Project Wingspan is part of P2’s wider Monarch Wings Across America program.

Program Overview:

Project Wingspan Across Chicagoland (PWAC), is a native plant amplification program to support and increase the quality, quantity, and connectivity of habitat for imperiled native pollinators of the Greater Chicago Wilderness Region, including the monarch butterfly, the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, and many others. The program will address threats of species extirpation due to habitat degradation, fragmentation, and loss by increasing supply of local genotype native plant species that are highly valued and in demand, yet are not commonly available through the native seed and plant market, for habitat enhancement efforts. Seed from targeted species will be collected from key landscapes, grown out in quantity over several years, and then awarded to restoration projects across the Chicago Wilderness Region.

Position Overview:

The Native Seed Stewards (NSS) are contract field positions spanning 7 months, beginning mid to late April 2023 through early November 2023. The NSS(s) will conduct native seed collections, either independently or as a team of two, from a vetted list of highly desired plants as identified by program partners. The positions require the ability to work a flexible monthly schedule due to the nature of flora phenology and associated responsibilities. Collections will occur at sites within the Greater Chicago Wilderness Region

Responsibilities:

• Work with PWAC project manager to learn detailed seed collection protocols and provide regular updates regarding scouting and collection activities.
• Coordinate as necessary with program partners at project sites to gain information on approximate locations of viable populations suitable for collection.
• Coordinate as necessary with the other Native Seed Steward.
• Transportation to and from sites (mileage will be reimbursed at the current federal rate).
• Conduct in-field scouting missions during bloom periods.
• Identify flora to species level using various resources, including dichotomous keys.
• Make seed collections during the appropriate time periods as dictated by various species’ phenologies and climate conditions (May through November).
• Ensure that all required population scouting data, GPS location data, seed collection data, and photos are properly recorded, using a self-provided smartphone or tablet.
• Provide suitable location(s) to properly dry seed collections before shipping.

Qualifications:

Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Flexibility/ability to work varying hours across the project timeline in accordance with the growing season so as to conduct timely scouting events and seed collection activities.
• A degree in botany, plant science, ecology, restoration ecology, or a related field; Or a minimum of 3 years’ experience identifying Midwest native plants in the field (e.g. native plant monitoring, restoration, seed collection, etc.).
• Strong Midwest plant identification skills (to species) and knowledge of plant taxonomy and plant biology. Familiarity with plants of the Chicagoland Wilderness Region’s prairie and woodland-edge ecosystems.
• Experience using flora ID keys. Experience using dichotomous keys preferred.
• Experience scouting, planning, and conducting seed collections (through Seeds of Success programs, or similar, or other seed handling/collecting work).
• Experience recording accurate and detailed field data records.
• Experience working with federal or state agency, academic, private, or nonprofit partners to coordinate, plan, and execute fieldwork on public or private lands.
• Capability to conduct field work and hike for extended periods in uneven/rough terrain, and in potentially harsh environmental conditions (cold, heat, biting insects, etc.). The ability to carry personal gear, food, and water in addition to flora keys, collection materials, and seed collections weighing up to 15 pounds is expected.
• First aid training preferred.
• Proficiency working with phone apps and/or app-based GIS/GPS tools.

Compensation:

$19.00 for field work hours. Travel time will be paid at half wage ($9.50/hour) in addition to mileage reimbursed at the current federate rate of .655 cents/mile. Total hours estimated to be 48 per month, however, it can be expected that some months will require additional hours and some less.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should email a resume and cover letter describing why you are a good fit for the position to Andy Grinstead at andy@pollinator.org by Friday April 7th, 2023.

Application notes:

• Attach the resume and cover letter as one combined PDF.
• Please name the email subject and attached PDF “PWAC – Last Name”
• Deadline for applications is Friday, April 7th, 2023.
• An inability to follow the instructions above will result in the application being automatically rejected.

No phone calls please.

Location: Eastern Oregon, United States (Specific Location Negotiable)

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on March 20th and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Anticipated Start Date: Early to Mid-April 2023

Pollinator Partnership (P2) is looking for an experienced and passionate professional who possesses the skills to expand and enhance USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and P2 pollinator programs working as P2’s Partner Biologist in the Western United States. This individual will be a full-time employee of P2, working closely with NRCS Area and Field Offices and their partners. This position will provide outreach, education, and technical assistance to a diversity of private landowners and partner organizations to accelerate adoption of pollinator and other wildlife conservation practices in Oregon and throughout the West. The P2 Partner Biologist will work in joint capacity with NRCS and other partner agencies to promote, coordinate, and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill as it relates to pollinator habitat on private lands. This position will be based in Eastern Oregon, but will provide remote support to several other Western states. This candidate should be a detailed and team-oriented professional, have a strong work ethic, and be committed to the mission and values of P2 and NRCS.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks:

The Western Regional Partner Biologist is responsible for the following duties and others as assigned:

• Gain familiarity and expertise with Western specific NRCS conservation programs and procedures
• Utilize existing P2 program contacts and develop new relationships with stakeholders in the region
• Work towards and complete the necessary training to become a Certified Apprentice Planner
• Conduct outreach to agricultural producers and others currently involved in P2 programs regarding applicable Farm Bill resources available for pollinator habitat development
• Develop drafts of technical documents and videos promoting pollinators and pollinator habitat
• Work with and assist USDA staff and other agency and NGO partners in providing pollinator-related educational outreach and training to NRCS staff, partners, producers, and landowners through in-person and virtual events with a special focus on urban agriculture
• Plan and conduct training workshops to teach agricultural land stewards about pollinator conservation
• Participate in NRCS State Technical Advisory Committee meetings on a regular basis
• Develop and provide NRCS with education and outreach material for the public through videos, stories, social media, newsletters, and other mediums
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by working with NRCS, P2 contacts, and other partners
• Provide technical assistance for conservation practice implementation (pollinator/wildlife habitat focus)
• Complete conservation plans, implementation requirements, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, and other documentation for the conservation programs in cooperation with the NRCS staff and partners
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits, and develop contract documents for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs
• Review plans and specifications for feasibility under Farm Bill program contract rules, etc.
• Facilitate the development of monarch butterfly and pollinator habitat best management practices for common scenarios, such as cropland or pasture conversion to pollinator habitat
• Coordinate and routinely communicate with P2 colleagues, NRCS State, Area, and Field Office staff, and key partners in the West regarding project activities and status updates

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The Western Regional Partner Biologist should possess the following minimum qualifications:

• Ability to build trust and communicate clearly and effectively with farmers, landowners, and partners
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele. Must be a motivated self-starter with strong interpersonal skills.

• Knowledge of the ecology of bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and natural enemies of crop pests, and the importance of their habitats for other wildlife
• Understanding of regional farming systems and crops, including pesticides and pesticide use, and experience with common agricultural practices of the West
• Knowledge of IPM practices, Conservation Biological Control, and other strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators and other beneficial insects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop and give engaging presentations to audiences of more than twenty adults

• Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland, wetland, and early succession habitat management including the ability to utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by federal, state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.

• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage demanding workloads

• Comfortable working outside, willing and able to work across various habitat settings

• Ability to travel throughout Oregon (with occasional travel to other Western states) to conduct site visits, workshops, and occasionally work from Pendleton and other local USDA NRCS Field Office(s)
• While a part-time workstation will be available at the Pendleton Office, individuals will also need an at-home workspace with computer access for telework and a reliable personal vehicle

• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement provided
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance

Education and Experience Preferred: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field with a minimum of 2 years related experience is required. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs and map making utilizing GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.) is highly preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.

Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits: Full-time, salaried, exempt position, scheduled to work ~40 hours/week with some scheduling flexibility. Beginning salary range $50,000-55,000, commensurate with experience. Travel, lodging, mileage, and per diem expenses will be reimbursed, but are not to exceed a set amount. This position includes a generous benefits package: twelve paid holidays, paid time off, paid health, vision, life, and dental insurance, option to participate in a retirement program, and a flexible work environment.

Terms: Pollinator Partnership 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.

Duration: This position is funded through a 3-year agreement with the NRCS which will run until September 2025 and may continue depending upon availability of funds.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should combine their cover letter and resume into one PDF using the following naming convention “Western regional Partner Biologist – Last Name” and apply by filling out the form at this link: https://form.jotform.com/230435855156155