JOB TITLE: Bumble Bee Technician (one open position)

LOCATION: Nebraska, Wyoming, or Colorado. 

Selected candidate will conduct remote fieldwork with Xerces Society staff for approximately two weeks per month from June thru-August. Fieldwork locations include western Nebraska, western South Dakota, and eastern Wyoming. Candidates must also 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:  $23.50 per hour

STATUS & SCHEDULE: Hourly non-exempt, seasonal position, scheduled to work approx. 40 hours/week, weekend work required, holiday work may be requested as the field season requires. 

JOB START DATE: June 1, 2026 to approx. September 30, 2026

APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 10, 2026

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: 

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

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 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 temporary, full-time technician level position to assist with fieldwork and provide support to our bumble bee 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: 

The position will work with our Endangered Species Conservation Biologist to conduct bumble bee and butterfly surveys that seek to detect at-risk species. This position will require approximately two consecutive weeks of travel per month in June, July, and August, weekends included. In addition to fieldwork, this position will provide support for Xerces Society’s Bumble Bee Atlas program, which may include leading or assisting with training events, communicating with and supporting volunteers, developing social media content, maintaining the project website, and verifying bumble bee observations. 

Duties will be primarily focused on conducting fieldwork, with additional duties to support our greater bumble bee conservation program. This position will report to the Xerces Society’s Endangered Species Conservation Biologist (Lincoln, NE office) with input from the Bumble Bee Program Lead (Portland, OR office) and work in collaboration with other Endangered Species team staff, federal and state agencies, universities, and local land managers.

The successful candidate must have prior experience conducting remote field work, netting insects, be able to carry 30 pounds over uneven terrain, and navigate using GPS technology. Prior experience collecting and identifying bumble bees or butterflies is strongly preferred. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Conduct fieldwork alongside Xerces Society Endangered Species Conservation Biologist
• Follow oral and written directions and perform routine and repetitive work in a punctual, organized, and dependable manner.
• Maintain focus and attention to detail while potentially working in inclement conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and with biting or stinging insects 
• Collect and submit data following Bumble Bee Atlas protocol
• Travel up to 14 consecutive days per month from June thru August, locations may include western Nebraska, western South Dakota, and eastern Wyoming
• Collaboratively work with Xerces Society Endangered Species Program staff to support bumble bee conservation program as needed 
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with new and returning Bumble Bee Atlas volunteers
• Deliver or assist with Bumble Bee Atlas training events
• Develop or review content for digital media (e.g. social media, eNewsletters)
• Depending on experience, verify bumble bee photo-based observations
• Follow all applicable Xerces Society policies, including those related to overnight and remote fieldwork. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:  

REQUIRED

• Experience with remote fieldwork through rugged terrain
• Experience with netting insects, particularly bumble bees or butterflies
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Working knowledge of pollinator diversity and ecology
• Proficiency with common software applications (e.g., Google, Word, Excel, Canva).
• Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to write clear emails for diverse audiences
• Ability to follow policies that promote a safe working environment, including making informed, collaborative judgment calls in changing environments
• Maintain a professional relationship with coworkers, landowners, and collaborators
• Extremely dependable, motivated, and a self-starter
• Ability and enthusiasm to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, and inclusive fashion
• Excellent organization skills and ability work independently on assigned tasks 

PREFERRED

• Ability to communicate scientific information to a wide range of audiences that may include agency biologists, conservation partners, and the public
• Experience with catch-and-release bumble bee and/or butterfly surveys
• Knowledge and experience identifying flowering plants that occur in the Great Plains
• Knowledge of the Bumble Bee Atlas program 
• Knowledge of the ecology of pollinators, including the biology of native bees or butterflies
• Basic understanding of threatened and endangered species issues, and at least a general awareness of the Endangered Species Act and the role of the US Fish and Wildlife Service

QUALIFICATIONS: 

REQUIRED

• A high school diploma/GED and at least two years’ experience in a technician role or similar employment; or at least one year (greater than or equal to 30 credit hours) toward a two-, or four-year degree in conservation, ecology, biology, entomology, or similar relevant coursework. Please describe in your application package. Note: If using education to substitute for experience, you will be asked to provide transcripts (unofficial copies are okay). 
• Valid driver’s license in the United States and a 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.

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.
• Able to move and transport supplies, materials, and equipment weighing up to 30 lbs;
• Occasionally to Frequently drive vehicle for periods of up to 8 hours;
• Occasionally to Frequently work outdoors in the field for 1-10 hours per day, often in sparsely populated, remote locations and under potentially adverse or difficult conditions such as high heat and humidity, biting and stinging insects, or abrasive or poisonous vegetation, among others;
• Occasionally to Frequently traverse across unpaved roads, walkways, unimproved trails, and other rugged terrain such as fields and prairies, wetlands, riparian areas, and livestock pastures carrying 30 pounds of material or equipment for, periods of up to 10 hours.
• Travel overnight and occasionally on weekends for fieldwork and for other project assignments when necessary.

 BENEFITS:  This temporary, seasonal position is eligible for Paid Time Off benefits accrued starting at a rate of 1.73 hours for every 30 hours of pay, but not for health flexible spending, or disability insurance benefits, or paid holidays.

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: 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 

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.