Bumble Bee Technician

The Xerces Society•Omaha, NE

3d•$24•Hybrid

About The Position

The Xerces Society is seeking a temporary, full-time technician level position to assist with fieldwork and provide support to our bumble bee conservation program. At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.

Requirements

Experience with remote fieldwork through rugged terrain.
Experience with netting insects, particularly bumble bees or butterflies.
Strong interpersonal communication skills.
Working knowledge of pollinator diversity and ecology.
Proficiency with common software applications (e.g., Google, Word, Excel, Canva).
Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write clear emails for diverse audiences.
Ability to follow policies that promote a safe working environment, including making informed, collaborative judgment calls in changing environments.
Maintain a professional relationship with coworkers, landowners, and collaborators.
Extremely dependable, motivated, and a self-starter.
Ability and enthusiasm to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, and inclusive fashion.
Excellent organization skills and ability work independently on assigned tasks.
A high school diploma/GED and at least two years’ experience in a technician role or similar employment; or at least one year (greater than or equal to 30 credit hours) toward a two-, or four-year degree in conservation, ecology, biology, entomology, or similar relevant coursework.
Valid driver’s license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check prior to employment allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance.
Must have current authorization to work in the United States with any employer.
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.
Able to move and transport supplies, materials, and equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
Occasionally to Frequently drive vehicle for periods of up to 8 hours.
Occasionally to Frequently work outdoors in the field for 1-10 hours per day, often in sparsely populated, remote locations and under potentially adverse or difficult conditions such as high heat and humidity, biting and stinging insects, or abrasive or poisonous vegetation, among others.
Occasionally to Frequently traverse across unpaved roads, walkways, unimproved trails, and other rugged terrain such as fields and prairies, wetlands, riparian areas, and livestock pastures carrying 30 pounds of material or equipment for, periods of up to 10 hours.
Travel overnight and occasionally on weekends for fieldwork and for other project assignments when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience collecting and identifying bumble bees or butterflies is strongly preferred.
Ability to communicate scientific information to a wide range of audiences that may include agency biologists, conservation partners, and the public.
Experience with catch-and-release bumble bee and/or butterfly surveys.
Knowledge and experience identifying flowering plants that occur in the Great Plains.
Knowledge of the Bumble Bee Atlas program.
Knowledge of the ecology of pollinators, including the biology of native bees or butterflies.
Basic understanding of threatened and endangered species issues, and at least a general awareness of the Endangered Species Act and the role of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

Responsibilities

Conduct bumble bee and butterfly surveys that seek to detect at-risk species.
Travel approximately two consecutive weeks per month in June, July, and August, including weekends.
Provide support for Xerces Society’s Bumble Bee Atlas program, which may include leading or assisting with training events, communicating with and supporting volunteers, developing social media content, maintaining the project website, and verifying bumble bee observations.
Conduct fieldwork alongside Xerces Society Endangered Species Conservation Biologist.
Follow oral and written directions and perform routine and repetitive work in a punctual, organized, and dependable manner.
Maintain focus and attention to detail while potentially working in inclement conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and with biting or stinging insects.
Collect and submit data following Bumble Bee Atlas protocol.
Travel up to 14 consecutive days per month from June thru August, locations may include western Nebraska, western South Dakota, and eastern Wyoming.
Collaboratively work with Xerces Society Endangered Species Program staff to support bumble bee conservation program as needed.
Communicate professionally and respectfully with new and returning Bumble Bee Atlas volunteers.
Deliver or assist with Bumble Bee Atlas training events.
Develop or review content for digital media (e.g. social media, eNewsletters).
Depending on experience, verify bumble bee photo-based observations.
Follow all applicable Xerces Society policies, including those related to overnight and remote fieldwork.