Freshwater Mussel Conservation Biologist - Military veterans preferred

JOB TITLE:  Freshwater Mussel Conservation Biologist

LOCATION: Based in Pacific Northwest, preferably NW Oregon or SW Washington

COMPENSATION: 62,857 per year

STATUS: Full-time, regular position scheduled to work approximately 40 hrs/wk

JOB START DATE:  Approximate start date October/November, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

All applications must be submitted via our application website at: http://bit.ly/xerces-jobs

JOIN US!

Come join a 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 motivated expert who can join our team of Endangered Species conservation biologists to support the freshwater mussel conservation program.

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: 

Reporting to the Xerces Society’s Endangered Species Program Freshwater Mussel Lead (Portland, OR office) and working in collaboration with partner agencies and organizations, the Freshwater Mussel Conservation Biologist will focus on a variety of projects related to aquatic invertebrates, especially freshwater mussel research, conservation, and advocacy. The Freshwater Mussel Conservation Biologist will conduct substantial fieldwork involving snorkeling and wading in rivers and streams, requiring frequent but seasonal overnight and remote travel, with the majority of fieldwork from May-September each year. The successful candidate must be able to swim and wade safely in streams, lakes and rivers, walk over uneven terrain, carry 30 pounds using a backpack and be comfortable working long hours in the field as part of a team. Successful candidates will be required to pass an in-water safety training upon hiring. The successful candidate must also be able to work autonomously, organize and deliver training events, write scientific, management, or conservation-related documents, develop communications materials for the public, manage and analyze data, and work collaboratively with Xerces staff and partners. The successful candidate must be comfortable managing multiple projects and responsibilities, be detail-oriented, and have excellent communication skills. The ability to work collaboratively and build lasting conservation partnerships with diverse groups of people will be crucial to the candidate’s success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Working as a team with the Xerces Society Endangered Species Program staff, the applicant who fills this position will:

During the field season (approximately May – September): 

• Spend Monday through Thursday of most weeks conducting fieldwork (i.e., routine multi-day and routine overnight travel);
• Routinely snorkel, wade, or boat in rivers and streams of variable sizes to collect data using digital tools or paper data forms. Fieldwork will also include supporting other conservation efforts such as monitoring water quality, conducting freshwater mussel salvages, or conducting survival studies;
• Deliver trainings to other professionals at oftentimes remote field locations;
• Conduct outreach to the general public; 
• Manage work under multiple field-based projects simultaneously, maintaining a high degree of professionalism with Xerces staff and partners, including working with seasonal staff. 

Throughout the year:

• Maintain regular communication with a remotely based supervisor, including collaborating via digital tools such as Google Drive and virtual meeting platforms;
• Coordinate and deliver presentations and respond to requests for information from Xerces Society team members, natural resource agencies, researchers, and the public;
• Manage databases and datasets, and analyze, map and report on data collected and work conducted during the field season and through other desktop projects;
• Complete writing projects including project reports, scientific papers, blogs, and social media materials;
• Contribute to strategic conservation planning efforts with Xerces staff and partner organizations, including attending meetings, conducting literature reviews, reviewing documents and providing comments, and developing projects and plans;
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with attention to detail; 
• Engage in other endangered species research, education, outreach, restoration, and conservation projects and campaigns.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:  

REQUIRED

• Experience conducting in-water aquatic fieldwork in remote locations and an ability to work in inclement conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and around biting or stinging insects or other environmental hazards
• Ability to follow policies that promote a safe working environment, including making informed, collaborative judgement calls in changing environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
• Project management expertise
• Proficiency with common software applications and ESRI’s ArcGIS application

PREFERRED

• Experience with and knowledge of freshwater mussels and/or other aquatic invertebrates (training will also be provided to the successful candidate)
• Experience snorkeling and open water swimming
• Database management skills
• Understanding of regional aquatic conservation issues

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED

• A Bachelor’s degree in fisheries, ecology, wildlife biology, biology, natural resource management, entomology, or related field (graduate degree preferred) with at least 1 year of professional experience in biological research or conservation
• Valid driver’s license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance. Offer of employment is contingent on this record check
• Current U.S. work authorization

PREFERRED

• Master’s degree in a field listed above
• At least two years of professional experience in biological research or conservation
• Wilderness first aid or swift-water rescue certifications

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to perform the following with reasonable breaks and/or reasonable accommodations:
• Ability to swim in open and flowing water, including while conducting fieldwork utilizing snorkeling equipment and techniques
• Work outdoors in the field, including in water, for 8-10 hours per day under potentially adverse weather or field conditions 
• Schedule availability to work during critical spring thru fall field season as required for multi-day overnight travel and camping at remote field sites Monday through Thursday during the typical field season.
• Frequently traverse across uneven, slippery or rough terrain, slopes, rangeland, unpaved roads and walkways, and unimproved trails for periods of 8-10 hours carrying 30 pounds of equipment
• Move and transport supplies, materials, and equipment weighing up to 30 lbs using a backpack for distances up to 2 miles
• Drive a vehicle for periods of up to 8 hours
• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, copy machine, and computer printer for periods of 1-8 hours

 BENEFITS: This position includes a generous benefits package including; thirteen 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), 16 hours of PTO at new hire date, 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 Equal Opportunity Employer. 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. 

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