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.

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

• 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.

• 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

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

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop and give engaging presentations to audiences of more than twenty adults

• 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)

• 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

• 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

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 as well as proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs and map making utilizing GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.) are 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 $50,000-60,000, 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 multiyear agreement with the NRCS which will run until September 2026 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/242845344436157

No phone calls please.

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.

Pollinator Partnership (P2) is looking for an experienced habitat planner who possesses the skills to provide technical assistance for farmers through multiple large agricultural grant programs. 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.

About Pollinator Partnership:

Pollinator Partnership is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore populations of pollinator species. As world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to the preservation of birds, bees, butterflies, beetles, bats, and other pollinators P2 plays a key role in preserving terrestrial ecosystems, promoting agricultural productivity, and enhancing local communities through pollinator-centered work. P2 has been actively supporting the conservation and protection of pollinators throughout North America since 1996. A multifaceted approach using original science; habitat preservation and creation; policy outreach; and public education has helped us achieve our goals in pollinator conservation. For more information, visit www.pollinator.org.

Position Description

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning activities for pollinator habitat projects throughout the Central Valley of California, potentially planning upwards of 30 projects annually. The ideal candidate will have experience with California agriculture and pollinator habitat, including site preparation, species selection, habitat installation, and maintenance. This position will provide support to a USDA Climate Smart Commodities grant (approximately 60% of time), plus additional support for other pollinator habitat projects across California.

Principal Responsibilities:

• Plan and design pollinator habitat projects, including hedgerows, wildlife habitat plantings, cover crops, and others.
• Assist with the coordination of multiple large, multi-year grant programs including enrollment of landowners, project planning, distribution of funds, reporting, and contract management.
• Coordinate and work directly with key program staff, conservation stakeholders, landowners and land managers, and sponsors.
• Represent P2 at conferences, workshops, and meetings, giving presentations about the program with the goal of increasing landowner engagement.
• Collaborate with federal and state agencies, such as NRCS and US Fish and Wildlife.
• Write annual reports.

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Botany, Plant Sciences, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent professional experience.
• Extensive knowledge of habitat planning and design.
• Strong planning, implementation, and multitasking skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, including excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to travel (in-state) for field visits and meetings. Access to personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and clean driving record.
• Habitat restoration including plant ecology, site preparations, habitat installation, and maintenance.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with agricultural producers and a good understanding of farm operations.
• Pollinator biology, conservation, and research experience (including native and managed bees, butterflies including monarchs, and other pollinators).
• Development, fundraising, and grant writing experience.
• Familiarity with NRCS, FSA, and other cost-share programs.
• Bilingual (Spanish, English).

Compensation: $55,000 – $60,000. This is a full-time position at 40 hours per week. Compensation will be based on experience and qualifications. A full benefits package will be provided. Local travel and expenses will be reimbursed.

Location: California. Remote employee, office not provided.

To Apply: Interested candidates should combine their cover letter, resume, and 3 references into one PDF using the following naming convention “Last Name_First Name_Habitat_Specialist” and apply by filling out the form at this link: form.jotform.com/241337446428156 by October 15th, 2024.

No phone calls please.

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.