Pesticide Program Specialist, Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management, Eastern US

JOB TITLE: Pesticide Program Specialist, Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management, Eastern US

LOCATION: Remote position, preferably Midwest or Northeast. Candidates must have a home office location suitable for work purposes, with good internet access, and must work from a city/state location approved by Xerces as their permanent work location.

COMPENSATION: $5,085.60 per month/ $61,027.20

STATUS & SCHEDULE: Full-Time, salaried, exempt position, scheduled to work ~ 40 hours/week.

JOB START DATE: September 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 22,2024

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 provides accommodations for the job application process if needed. If you need an accommodation to complete the job application process, please email reasonable.accomodation@xerces.org with your specific request.

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 a skilled and collaborative Pesticide Program Specialist, Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management that will work to reduce pesticide risks to pollinators and their habitat in agricultural landscapes.

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 Pollinator Conservation Biologist, Agricultural, Pesticide Program. As part of a multi-person Pesticide Program team and in coordination with our pollinator, endangered species, and outreach teams, the Pesticide Program Specialist, Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management will work to reduce pesticide risks to pollinators and their habitat in agricultural landscapes.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Working as a team with Xerces Society Pesticide Program Specialist, Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management will:

• Provide technical support and clear information to Xerces staff, partner organizations, government agencies, and growers on best practices for reducing pesticide risks to pollinators and their habitat in agricultural landscapes, including a variety of specific crops and regions.
• Develop resources for integrated pest and pollinator management (IPPM) for a variety of crops and regions.
• Collaborate with Xerces staff and government agencies to develop and promote IPPM practices and incentives to scale grower adoption.
• Assist in farm-specific habitat planning and pesticide risk assessment, supporting IPPM strategy development and implementation on farms to support successful crop production and minimize pesticide risk to pollinator habitat.
• Develop outreach materials on pesticide reduction and habitat protection for a variety of audiences. Materials could include: community guides, fact sheets, summaries of scientific findings, technical guidance, and decision making tools.
• Build relationships with academic and Extension researchers to advance IPM research and publicize outcomes.
• Design, coordinate, and present workshops and other training.
• Work with the Xerces team to develop program priorities and plans, including long and short-term goals, strategies, and tactics.
• Maintain regular communication with supervisor, other staff on the pesticide and pollinator teams, and partner organizations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

• Experience with crop production, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Pest and Pollinator Management (IPPM), and/or other agroecological farming techniques
• Strong understanding of pesticides, toxicology, and agricultural pesticide use.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and effectively communicate complex scientific information to a range of audiences to influence conservation practice.
• Demonstrated interest in and commitment to insect/wildlife conservation.
• Excellent written communication and public speaking skills.
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and competence with using current technology to communicate to diverse audiences in a variety of formats.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to develop work plans, work independently on tasks, and adjust plans to respond to opportunities and issues as they arise.
• Ability and willingness to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.

PREFERRED

• Experience in crop production in the Eastern or Midwestern United States.
• Familiarity with state and federal conservation programs, particularly NRCS practices and incentives.
• Knowledge of common insect pests, alternative pest management practices, and conservation biological control.
• Knowledge of pollinators, butterflies, bumble bees, natural enemies, land management, and biodiversity conservation.
• Experience with graphic design or other visual media skills.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in entomology, agricultural sciences, agronomy, toxicology, plant pathology, conservation biology, or degree in related field with at least 2 years of experience in a relevant field.
• Must have some agricultural experience and ability to relate to different farm contexts.
• Valid driver’s license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States with any employer. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

PREFERRED

• Master’s degree in entomology, toxicology, ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, or related field degree.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, copy machine, and computer printer for periods of 1-8 hours.
• Occasionally traverse across agricultural roads and fields, unpaved roads and walkways, and unimproved trails.
• Occasionally travel by car or air to locations for meetings, conferences, presentations.

Occasionally drive vehicle for periods of up to 8 hours;

BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package including; thirteen paid holidays, paid time off accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay (15 days per year for a 40 hour/week schedule), 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.

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

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.

MUTUAL ARBITRATION: Xerces policies require that employees accept a binding mutual arbitration agreement and process for dispute resolution as an alternative to a jury/trial process. Acceptance of the agreement is a condition of employment, and candidates are offered a position with a minimum of 72 hours to

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.

Xerces Society Inc

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