This work will be conducted with a particular focus on conservation practice implementation that will benefit Iowa’s rare and endangered pollinator species including the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Monarch, and several others.  This position will work closely with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, farmers, landowners, businesses, and community members in Central Iowa in a way that is inclusive of all stakeholders and their ideas. Working in a non-profit setting is a unique opportunity to focus and develop long-term partnerships that will improve Iowa’s natural resources.

Duties:

• Provide one-on-one technical support and advice to farmers, landowners, urban residents, watershed management authorities and governmental agencies on pollinator and wildlife habitat restoration.
• Conduct public outreach including field days, webinars, conferences, livestreams, videos, etc. to provide information to general audiences about pollinator ecology and conservation.
• Support the development of the Ames pollinator conservation task force and 10-year conservation plan.
• Manage and promote Prairie Rivers of Iowa’s Community Native Seed Bank Program.
• Provide guidance and assistance to city and county employees on urban pollinator habitat projects.
• Write and submit relevant grants to continue to support long-term pollinator conservation efforts.
• Maintain and develop partnerships to support conservation activities.
• Attend monthly Soil and Water Conservation District meetings in Boone, Hamilton, and Story Counties.
• Monitor the status of the Ames population of Rusty Patched Bumble Bees.
• Other duties as identified.

Qualifications:

• MS degree in environmental sciences, ecology, natural resource management, entomology, or a related field. A BS plus at least 5 years of experience will also be considered.
• Ability to coordinate and manage complex, multi-organizational projects.
• Ability to be a self-starter, a creative problem-solver, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Experience with Farm Bill conservation programs a plus.
• Working knowledge of Iowa’s pollinator species and native ecosystems.
• Ability to work as a team with both Prairie Rivers of Iowa staff and partner organizations.
• Experience in organizational development, communications, and leadership.
• Experience in grant writing a plus.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and public relations skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and ArcGIS.
• Valid Driver’s License and personal transportation.
• Knowledge of prairie restoration principles.
• Knowledge of bee, butterfly, and flowering plant species identification.