Agriculture and Outreach State Coordinator

Project Wingspan: Agricultural Training and Support

Agriculture and Outreach State Coordinator

(part-time, 2 positions available)

Application Deadline: February 28, 2024

Anticipated Start Date: May 1, 2024 (subject to change)

Location: Flexible/remote within Illinois or Ohio

Pollinator Partnership (P2) is looking for two experienced and passionate professionals who possess the skills to lead and advance sustainable agriculture and pollinator habitat management in Illinois and Ohio. One State Coordinator will be hired for each target state. These individuals will work together to host Pollinator Stewardship Certification workshops and provide onsite technical habitat assistance to agricultural landowners throughout the target area. This position will collaborate with NRCS staff and their partners, as needed, to 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 agricultural settings. Candidates should be detailed and team-oriented professionals, have a strong work ethic, and be committed to the mission and values of P2.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

This position is primarily office-based and requires computer and internet access. The State Coordinator is responsible for the following duties and others as assigned:

• Develop P2’s relationships and foster new partnerships with agricultural contacts, including farmers, community leaders, conservation professionals, extension staff, and others.
• Provide project specific technical support on pollinator and beneficial insect conservation techniques to farming, agricultural, and community organizations.
• Coordinate and conduct in-person and virtual Pollinator Stewardship Certification (PSC) workshops and peer-to-peer support networks.
• Provide onsite habitat technical assistance for conservation practice implementation in agriculture (pollinator habitat focus) to individuals who participate in the PSC workshops.
• Gain familiarity and expertise with Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio specific NRCS programs and staff points of contact.
• Accelerate conservation program enrollment by working with NRCS, P2 contacts, and other partners.
• Coordinate and routinely communicate with P2 colleagues and program partners regarding project activities and status updates.

Personal and Professional Qualifications

The State Coordinator should possess the following required qualifications:

• Ability to build trust and communicate clearly and effectively with farmers, landowners, and partners in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.
• 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.
• 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.
• Plant identification skills, with specific familiarity with forbs, shrubs, and trees most beneficial to pollinators.
• 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 Midwest.
• Knowledge of IPM practices, Conservation Biological Control, and other strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators and other beneficial insects.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by historically underserved Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous, and other communities of color or underserved groups.
• 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 thirty or more adults.
• Comfortable working outside, willing and able to work across various habitat settings.
• Ability to travel throughout home region (with occasional travel to other parts of the state) to conduct site visits and workshops.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Drive, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement provided.
• As a remote employee, individuals will need computer access and a workspace.

Qualifications Preferred

• A combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field with a minimum of 2 years related experience
• Experience delivering technical training and/or guidance regarding habitat enhancement, agriculture management, pollinator biology, or other topics related to this position.
• Must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.

Schedule and Compensation: This is a part-time hourly position at 1,040/year, approximately 20 hours/week with some scheduling flexibility. Beginning salary range $20-$23/hour, commensurate with experience. Travel, lodging, mileage, and per diem expenses will be reimbursed, though must be pre-approved by project manager and are not to exceed a specific amount. This position does not include benefits.

Duration: This position is under a two-year grant funded program running from May 2024 until April 2026, and may be extended depending on availability of funds.

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.

About Pollinator Partnership

Pollinator Partnership (P2) is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore populations of pollinator species. As the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to the preservation of birds, bees, butterflies, beetles, and bats, 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.