Pollinator Conservation Specialist, NRCS Partner Biologist, Urban Farms and Small-Scale Operations

The Xerces Society • Jackson, TN

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Come join an innovative 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 skilled and collaborative Pollinator Conservation Specialist who will provide habitat conservation technical support and training for urban farms, small scale operations, and community gardens in communities in western Tennessee. At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We help farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, produce ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, train thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protect endangered species and their habitat, and engage the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat evaluation and conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve valuable invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, freshwater mussels, and fireflies. WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: Working as a member of the Xerces Society’s Pollinator and Agricultural Biodiversity Program, the Pollinator Conservation Specialist, Urban Farms and Small-Scale Operations will work mostly with farmers managing urban farms or small operations, as well as with community gardens and other community organizations, focusing on conserving habitats for pollinators and beneficial insects that support farm productivity and wildlife. This position will be based in Jackson, TN working primarily from a home office, as well as one or two days a week at the Jackson, TN USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service area office. The person hired in this position will work closely with the Tennessee NRCS, the Xerces Society Pollinator Team, local partners, and farmers. The person hired for this position will provide site-specific pollinator and beneficial insect conservation and habitat planning support with a focus in western Tennessee (e.g., Memphis, Jackson, etc.); conduct remote and in-person training on pollinator and beneficial insect conservation techniques regionally; support and build partnerships with local conservation and urban agriculture organizations; and assist urban and small farm producers in adopting pest management practices that are protective of farmers, neighboring communities, and pollinators. As the person in this position builds relationships with the NRCS, and local and regional partners, the geographic scope of this position may expand into neighboring counties, including into eastern Arkansas and potentially state-wide in Tennessee. Finally, this position will support adoption of innovative technologies that provide pollinator habitat while meeting multiple other natural resources goals such as improved soil health, water management, urban cooling, carbon sequestration, landscape beautification, new business opportunities (e.g. sale of wildflowers for pollinators), and more.

Requirements

• An understanding of pollinator and pollination ecology, and the biology of other insects that provide beneficial services, such as pest control, to food production.
• Knowledge of invertebrates, natural ecosystems, ecological processes, and their conservation needs.
• Knowledge of native plants and habitat features that support pollinators and other beneficial insects.
• Understanding of urban or small farming systems, and the many challenges they face.
• Ability to develop, lead or support collaborative conservation, agriculture or community partnerships.
• Ability to synthesize, interpret and clearly communicate complex scientific information to influence and improve conservation practice.
• Ability to develop and give engaging presentations to audiences of more than twenty adults.
• Excellent written communication skills in English, including the ability to write clear emails, project reports, and technical conservation documents for diverse audiences.
• Ability to communicate professionally with a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to manage complex or multiple projects.
• Ability to manage time and multiple activities under deadlines, while delivering quality results.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks.
• Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, web browsers).
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful and inclusive fashion.
• Ability to travel out-of-town for multiple days (sometimes monthly).
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, ecology, agronomy, conservation biology, entomology, wildlife biology, horticulture, or other closely related field of study.
• Valid driver’s license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance
• Current authorization to work in the United States with any employer.
• Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience in implementing USDA Farm Bill conservation programs.
• Experience working in an USDA NRCS field office, implementing the NRCS conservation planning process and using NRCS conservation planning tools.
• Experience in urban or small-scale farming or managing community gardens.
• Experience in community development or facilitating collaborations in agriculture or conservation.
• Experience working with organic farming or permaculture.
• Basic knowledge of Integrated Pest Management practices, Conservation Biological Control, and other strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators and other beneficial insects.
• Knowledge and experience with bumble bees of the southeast region.
• Ability to speak multiple languages (Spanish preferred).
• Master’s Degree in a field listed above
• 3 years of experience in conservation planning, agriculture, and wildlife conservation.

Responsibilities

• Provide project-specific technical support on pollinator and beneficial insect conservation techniques and planning to urban or small farms and community gardens; to NRCS state and field office staff working in urban landscapes; and to agricultural and community organizations supporting farming or gardens in urban landscapes.
• Coordinate and conduct workshops, field days, and other trainings on pollinator and beneficial insect conservation to underserved urban and small farm partners, community gardens and farms, NRCS and other conservation staff, local partners, and others.
• Assist in the development of site-specific pollinator or beneficial insect conservation plans for agricultural producers working on urban and small farms or community gardens in western Tennessee and the surrounding regions.
• Develop Xerces’ relationships and foster new partnerships with farmer organizations and networks that support urban and small farms, community gardens, or other community organizations, connecting them to resources and technical support.
• Develop or assemble relevant pollinator and beneficial insect guidance documents for the NRCS and local partners, including plant lists, habitat installation guides, and reduced risk pest management guidance, focused on the unique needs and challenges of urban landscapes in Tennessee.
• Learn the ins and outs of NRCS conservation programs (especially the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program) and practices , conservation planning , and how best to support NRCS field office conservation planners and their clients through the habitat planning process.
• Assist NRCS in the implementation of relevant conservation practices under the Regenerative Agriculture Pilot Program.
• Become a NRCS Level 1 Conservation Planner within the first 12 months of the position.

Benefits

• This position includes a generous benefits package including; twelve paid holidays, paid time off accrued at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule, plus 16 hours of initial PTO hours at hire), medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage, the option to participate in a pre-tax flexible spending account for medical and dependent care expenses, short-term disability insurance where not provided under state law, long-term disability insurance, participation in a 401k retirement program with employer contribution match upon meeting eligibility requirements, and a flexible work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level