JOB TITLE: Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) and Pollinator Partner Biologist
LOCATION: USDA-NRCS New Hampshire State Office, 273 Locust St, Suite 2D, Dover, NH 03820
COMPENSATION: $57,033.60 annually
JOB START DATE: September 2023
APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 10, 2023
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs
We are committed to creating a more diverse workforce that is welcoming to all employees and the communities we serve. As part of the application process, please be prepared to answer a brief essay question (1,000 characters or less) in which you describe some ways you might help Xerces collaborate with diverse audiences or historically excluded communities in this role.
Xerces is happy to provide accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email
JOIN US!
Come join a growing team of conservation professionals at the Xerces Society who are dedicated to protecting some of the world's most important animals. We are seeking an Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management and Pollinator Partner Biologist.
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.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
This position will report to the Xerces Society Senior Pollinator Conservation Specialist (Northeast / Mid-Atlantic Region), and work very closely with the New Hampshire NRCS and Xerces' NRCS Partner Biologists based in Maine and in western New Hampshire. As part of this team, the person in this new position will collaborate closely with the New Hampshire USDA-NRCS, the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, and Xerces' Pesticide experts to (a) support state efforts to implement Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM) plans that reduce grower reliance on pesticides and mitigate pesticide risks to beneficial insects, and (b) provide conservation planning, technical support and training to farmers and NRCS field office planners on habitat conservation for pollinators and the beneficial insects that attack crop pests. The focus of the work will be in New Hampshire, and IPPM and habitat planning efforts will support the NRCS New England Pollinator Partnership effort.
IPPM support will focus on the development and implementation of methods for reduced risk pest control in New Hampshire orchards, berry crops, and diversified farms, as well as the mechanisms for supporting the adoption of these methods through Farm Bill conservation programs. Over time, this position will help to expand upon NRCS IPPM cost-share programs to create similar collaborative programs in other New Hampshire and New England cropping systems and in other states.
This position also will provide pollinator and conservation biocontrol and pollinator habitat planning support to NRCS planners and farmers. The position will work to increase demand for pollinator conservation programs (including both IPPM and beneficial insect habitat) in New Hampshire and beyond by supporting the work of NRCS field offices and conservation partners, and by engaging new growers through regular and impactful outreach.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Working as a team with Xerces Society Pollinator Program and Pesticide Program staff, UNH Cooperative Extension, NRCS state technical leads, and NRCS field offices, the IPPM and Pollinator Partner Biologist will:
· Work collaboratively with UNH Cooperative Extension and the USDA-NRCS to continue to develop and deliver Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management cost-share programs to farmers in New England based on guidance originating with UNH Cooperative Extension and two years of ongoing program development with UNH and NRCS;
· Assist NRCS planners with pollinator and conservation biocontrol habitat conservation planning in New Hampshire and New England;
· Support the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension's IPPM program development;
· Provide farmers with recommendations that reduce reliance upon pesticides and minimize pesticide-related risk to pollinators, other beneficial insects and agroecosystems;
· Design, coordinate, and present workshops and other trainings throughout New England;
· Provide technical support and clear information to a variety of agricultural audiences on how people can create beneficial insect habitat and protect pollinators and other beneficial insects;
· Assist in the creation and dissemination of IPPM related outreach materials, including materials used by the NRCS in the planning process, and Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets;
· Respond to requests for information from Xerces Society team members, state and federal government agencies, farmers, orchardists, pasture managers, and foresters, the public, and the media;
· Maintain regular communication with the remotely based Supervisor; and
· Communicate ongoing work plans, progress, and other updates clearly within the Xerces Society, and externally to UNH Cooperative Extension and NRCS, to maintain a successful and productive partnership
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, increasing with seniority), 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.
TERMS: The Xerces Society 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.
MORE INFORMATION: For more information on the Xerces Society and our programs, please see our website: www.xerces.org
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Xerces Society is proud to be an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer including disability and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
PRIORITY REFERRAL OF PROTECTED VETERANS
We request priority referral of protected veterans for all openings with our organization. In order to be considered for employment, all applicants for employment with Xerces Society, apply through our Job Board. When referring or being referred as a candidate, including protected veterans, please refer them to this applicant site; http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED
· Knowledge and experience with beneficial insects, especially relating to their roles in pollination and pest control in fruit crops and diversified agricultural systems of New England
· Knowledge of pesticides and pesticide use, and experience with common agricultural practices of New England
· Knowledge of the ecology of beneficial insects including pollinators and natural enemies that occur in New England
· Knowledge and experience with Integrated Pest Management practices and strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators, other beneficial insects, and agroecosystems
· Knowledge and experience in the implementation of cover cropping and in-field insectary plantings
· A demonstrated successful history of collaborative work
· Strong interpersonal communication skills
· Ability to understand, interpret, synthesize, and effectively communicate complex scientific information related to pest management, pesticide usage, and impacts on beneficial insects to a wide range of audiences that include farmers, conservation partners, policymakers, the public, and the media
· Extremely dependable, motivated, and a self-starter
· Ability to manage time, prioritize tasks, and deliver only the highest quality results
· Ability and enthusiasm to work with diverse teams and constituents (from managers of small organic to large conventional farms) in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion
· Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
· Background and interest in networking and outreach
· Experience working with Cooperative Extension and/or the NRCS
· Knowledge and experience with habitat restoration and wildlife management in New England, especially native plant establishment
· Knowledge of weeds, weed management, and invasive species control in New England
· Knowledge of the ecology of pollinators, including the biology of native bees, monarch butterflies, honey bees, and the role of native bees and managed bees in agro-ecosystems
· Knowledge of the ecology of other beneficial insects (i.e., the natural enemies of crop pests) and their role in pest management or conservation biological control
· Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write clear email, conservation plans, and technical documents for diverse audiences
· Exceptional verbal communication, presentation, and public speaking skills for diverse audiences that include farmers, NRCS planners, conservation partners, and others
· Excellent organization skills and ability to develop work plans and work independently on assigned tasks
· 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
REQUIRED
· A Bachelor's degree in Integrated Pest Management, entomology, sustainable agriculture, ecology, horticulture, and more than 4 years of experience in IPM, entomology, and sustainable agriculture
· Valid driver's license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check and a clean driving record allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance.
PREFERRED
· A Master of Science degree in Integrated Pest Management, entomology, sustainable agriculture, ecology, horticulture.
· Bilingual or multilingual
· Pesticide applicators license, or previous pesticide applicator training
· Certified Crop Advisor
· NRCS certified Technical Service Provider
Be able to perform the following with reasonable breaks and/or reasonable accommodations:
• Lift and move supplies, materials, equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Ability to travel out of town overnight up to 5 days/month
• Work in the field for long days under potentially adverse weather conditions.
• Frequently traverse across agricultural roads and fields, unpaved roads and walkways, and unimproved trails for periods of 8 hours.
• Drive vehicle for periods of up to 8 hours.
Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/PLXnZWcAy4Y1ETwDbHPjMr
PI225766223