Job Description

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 communicator or organizer with a passion for policy and conservation to serve as a CONSERVATION POLICY ANALYST in in support of the Director of Conservation Policy. The Specialist will support national and state-level policy work to advance our mission.

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 reports to the Xerces Society’s Director of Conservation Policy and will work across programs to support legal and regulatory policy initiatives that conserve invertebrates, protect biodiversity, reduce harmful pesticide impacts, and promote science-based environmental decision-making. The Policy Specialist will conduct policy research, monitor and participate in legislative and regulatory actions, develop advocacy materials, support coalition-building efforts, and advance policy campaigns at the state and federal levels.

This position is ideal for a candidate who combines strong communication and organizing skills with a passion for conservation and public policy. The successful candidate will be able to synthesize scientific information, interpret legislation and regulations, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, and contribute to collaborative efforts that drive meaningful conservation outcomes.

The Policy Specialist collaborates across endangered species, pesticide reduction, pollinator conservation, communications, and outreach teams. The position also engages regularly with partner organizations, researchers, policymakers, agency staff, and community stakeholders, and may support specific rulemaking or legislative priorities, requiring registration as a lobbyist in select states.  The position will require occasional travel for meetings with partners, and legislative or regulatory bodies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Track and analyze state and federal legislation, regulations, and agency actions relevant to invertebrate conservation, pollinator health, pesticide regulation, endangered species protection, habitat conservation, and biodiversity.
• Conduct policy research and prepare briefs, summaries, memos, and background materials for internal and external audiences.
• Assist in evaluating proposed legislation, regulatory actions, and agency guidance documents.
• Draft policy comments, testimony, fact sheets, sign-on letters, legislative materials, and advocacy communications (e.g., action alerts).
• Support engagement with elected officials, agency staff, and other decision-makers.
• Participate in coalitions, working groups, and partnerships with conservation organizations, other non-profits, researchers, community groups, and policymakers.
• Maintain relationships with external partners.
• Contribute content for reports, blogs, presentations, webinars, and educational materials.
• Support public-facing policy campaigns by developing accessible materials grounded in science.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure policy initiatives align with scientific, conservation, and communications objectives.
• Register as a lobbyist in select states.
• Represent the Xerces Society at meetings, public hearings, conferences, and other policy-related events, such as meetings with legislators or regulators, as appropriate

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

• Experience with analyzing legislation, regulations, or public policy issues.
• Strong written communication skills, including ability to communicate with the general public.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret and communicate scientific information to non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.
• Commitment to collaboration, inclusion, and respectful engagement.
• Extremely dependable, motivated, and a self-starter.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to travel out of town overnight up to 5 days/month.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and the equivalent Google suite.

PREFERRED

• Experience with pesticide policy, pollinator conservation, endangered species policy, wildlife conservation, agricultural policy, or biodiversity initiatives.
• Experience working with state legislatures, regulatory agencies, or advocacy coalitions.
• Familiarity with environmental laws and regulatory frameworks, e.g., the Endangered Species Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the National Environmental Protection Act, or state equivalents.
• Experience producing policy briefs, reports, or advocacy materials.
• Experience with grassroots organizing or public engagement campaigns.
• A track record of success in achieving policy changes to advance conservation.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, environmental science, ecology, biology, public policy, political science, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of professional experience in environmental policy, conservation advocacy, government relations, nonprofit advocacy, or a related field.
• Valid driver’s license in the United States and a points-based motor vehicle records check prior to employment allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance.
• Essential Functions of this position require the employee to drive a vehicle, and an offer of Employment will be contingent on this record check.
• Must have current authorization to work in the United States with any employer. Visa sponsorship is not provided for this position.

PREFERRED

• Advanced degree in environmental science, ecology, public policy, law, or a related field.
• Experience with pesticide policy, pollinator conservation, endangered species policy, wildlife conservation, agricultural policy, or biodiversity initiatives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Be able to perform the following with reasonable breaks and/or reasonable accommodations:

• Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a telephone, copy machine, and computer printer for periods of 1-8 hours.
• Travel overnight when necessary for meetings, project assessments, implementation, meetings, or planning.
• Occasionally drive a vehicle for up to 8 hours.

BENEFITS:

This position includes a generous benefits package including; thirteen paid holidays, paid time off (PTO) 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), 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 superseded by state law, long-term disability insurance, life 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:

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS :

All applications must be submitted via our application website at:  xerces.org/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 consider.

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, or disability.

LOCATION:

Remote position (with preference for someone based in California, Oregon, or Washington State). Candidates must have a personal office location suitable for work purposes, with broadband internet access, and must work from a city/state location approved by Xerces as their assigned work location.

COMPENSATION: $34.07 per hour

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

JOB START DATE: October/November

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  September 24, 2026

Tagged as: Conservation , Law/Policy

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