Idaho NRCS Partner Biologist Pollinator Partnership - Earth Day : Job Details

Pollinator Partnership (P2) is looking for an experienced and passionate professional who possesses the skills to expand and enhance USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and P2 pollinator programs working as P2's Partner Biologist in Idaho. This individual will be a full-time employee of P2 but will work closely with NRCS and their partners 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 the Pacific and Inland Northwest. The P2 Partner Biologist will also work in joint capacity with NRCS to promote, coordinate, and implement conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill as it relates to pollinator habitat on private lands.

This position will be based in Southwestern Idaho but will provide occasional remote and in-person support to partners and producers in Washington and Oregon. This candidate should be detailed and team-oriented, have a strong work ethic, and be committed to the mission and values of P2 and NRCS.

About Pollinator Partnership

Pollinator Partnership is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to protect and restore populations of pollinator species. As 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 our website.

Principal Responsibilities

• Gain familiarity and expertise with Idaho-, Oregon-, and Washington-specific NRCS conservation programs and procedures
• Work towards and complete the necessary training to become a Certified Level 1 Conservation Planner
• Utilize existing P2 program contacts and develop new relationships with stakeholders in the region
• Create content and conduct outreach to agricultural producers regarding applicable Farm Bill resources available for pollinator habitat development through use of videos, stories, blogs, social media, newsletters, and other mediums
• Develop drafts of technical documents promoting pollinators and pollinator habitat
• Work with and assist USDA staff, other agency staff, and NGO partners in providing pollinator-related educational outreach and training to NRCS staff, partners, producers, and landowners through in-person and virtual events
• Accelerate Farm Bill conservation program enrollment by working with NRCS, P2 contacts, and other partners
• Provide technical assistance for conservation practice implementation (pollinator/wildlife habitat focus) and management
• Complete conservation plans, implementation requirements, wildlife habitat evaluation guides, and other documentation for the conservation programs in cooperation with the NRCS staff and partners
• Communicate program requirements, complete site visits, and develop contract documents and conservation plans for applicants and participants of USDA-NRCS conservation programs and other local and state programs
• Coordinate and routinely communicate with P2 colleagues, NRCS State, Area, and Field Office staff, and key partners in the West regarding project activities and status updates

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to build trust and communicate clearly and effectively with farmers, landowners, and partners
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
• Knowledge of the ecology of bees, butterflies, other pollinators and beneficial insects, and the importance of their habitats for other wildlife
• 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
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife habitat programs provided by federal, state, & local entities and 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 Pacific and Inland Northwest
• Knowledge of IPM practices, Conservation Biological Control, and other strategies for reducing negative impacts of pest management on pollinators and other beneficial insects
• Strong organizational skills, time management, and attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to develop and give engaging presentations
• Willing and able to work outside across various habitat settings
• Valid driver's license required; use of personal vehicle required with a mileage reimbursement provided
• Ability to travel throughout Idaho (with occasional travel to other states)
• Proficiency with Microsoft and Google Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.)
• Must be able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance
• While a part-time workstation will be available at the Boise State Office, individuals will also need an at-home workspace with computer access for telework

Education and Experience

A Bachelor of Science Degree in natural resource management, biological sciences, wildlife management or related field of study appropriate to the position; OR any combination of education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates that the applicant possesses the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the job and is comparable to that normally acquired through successful completion of a 4-year degree program in an appropriate field of study. Proven experience working with USDA Farm Bill programs and map making utilizing GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS, etc.) is highly preferred. The ideal candidate will exhibit a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills required to implement voluntary conservation programs on private lands. Practical and/or professional experience in farming and agricultural disciplines is highly beneficial. The successful applicant must enjoy working with private landowners and producers to achieve their conservation objectives.

Schedule, Compensation, and Benefits

Full-time, salaried, exempt position, scheduled to work ~40 hours/week with some scheduling flexibility. Starting salary is $53,830 and travel, lodging, mileage, and per diem expenses will be reimbursed, but are not to exceed a set amount.

Pollinator Partnership is proud to offer robust employee benefits including 100% employer-sponsored health, dental, vision, and life insurance; optional HSA enrollment; up to 3% employer match on SIMPLE IRA retirement plan contributions; 10 vacation days per year; 12 observed holidays; quarterly wellness days; monthly utility stipend; and professional development and home office stipends.

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.

Duration

This is a grant-funded position running until spring 2028 and may continue depending upon availability of funds.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should combine their cover letter and resume into one PDF using the following naming convention “P2 Idaho Partner Biologist – Last Name” and apply by filling out the form.

Pollinator Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. Pollinator Partnership offers equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, nationality, social or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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