Careers at Pollinator Partnership

Work you can believe in.

Background: Birds, bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, bats, and other small mammals that pollinate plants are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. Pollinators also sustain our ecosystems and contribute to natural resources by helping plants reproduce. Unfortunately, many pollinating species are in decline. Without the actions of pollinators, agricultural economies, our food supply, and the surrounding landscapes would suffer.

Our Solution for Sustainability: Pollinator Partnership and its signature initiative the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC), address issues of pollinator health and decline using many resources and projects. Sustainable pollination and declines in pollinator health are complex issues that do not have simple solutions, but by addressing each area where pollinators interface with people, we can make a significant impact on pollinator, ecosystem, and human health. One way we address this issue is through outreach, education, and action.

Purpose: Each year, P2 and NAPPC, along with a wide range of partners (including federal agencies, non-profits, for-profits, individuals, etc.), design and distribute an educational pollinator poster. About 20,000 posters are distributed throughout the United States each year. They are one of the most popular outreach material items offered and are distributed for the cost of shipping and handling.

Use: Each year’s poster is unique in size and content, and the posters are enjoyed and used in a wide variety of venues from classrooms, fairs, conferences, and offices, to homes, and educational trainings.

Poster Image – Vision

This year’s “Life on a Leaf: Celebrating Caterpillars and Host Plants” (working title, can be changed) poster will focus on showcasing the vital host plants that support Lepidoptera (butterfly and moth) larvae. This theme serves as an opportunity to highlight the many plants that support moths and butterflies and the amazing diversity of caterpillars, but also could allow time to depict the Lepidoptera life cycle, with an emphasis on caterpillar growth and development. We hope to highlight the complexity of biological interactions within host plant and pollinator communities.

Healthy habitat and host plant availability are critical to the life cycle of many of our vulnerable pollinator populations. Our goal is to showcase the impact that individuals can have on the life cycles of many of our pollinators just by planting native host plants in their native habitat. Hundreds of species of Lepidoptera in North America rely on one or two specific plants for reproduction. Whether a home garden, roadside habitat, a municipality, farmland, or a corporate garden, we can all make a difference by creating important habitat or food sources through host plants for our pollinators.

We envisioned this poster to showcase the diversity of caterpillars, with all of their vibrant colors and features, similar to the past “Conversation About Native Bees” Poster. Including a few examples of the pupae and adult forms of the species would be striking as well. Artists can view more information about host plants and species examples on the Host Plant Garden Cards. Both plant and Lepidoptera species should be native to North America.

Here are some examples of host plants and larvae that depend on them. Please note these are only examples to give the artist an idea:

• Monarch (Danaus plexipus) and Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)

• Atala (Eumaeus atala) and Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)

• Baltimore Checkerspot (Euphydryas phaeton) and White Turtlehead (Chelone glabra)

• White lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata) and California evening primrose (Oenathera avita)

• Yucca Moth (Tegeticula yuccasella) and Yucca (Yucca sp.)

Artists are encouraged to look at our previous posters to gain an idea of styles and themes for our posters over the years. Let this proposed vision spark creativity, but do not feel limited to these ideas. The poster is a visual story meant to attract attention and inspire action around sustainability, equity, and collaboration within pollinator conservation. The most important part of creating any poster is to make it a beautiful work of art. A scientific/naturalistic style is preferred. P2 staff will work with the artist on scientific accuracy and detail.

Submittal Details

If interested in submitting a poster concept idea for consideration to render the 2026 “Host Plants and Larvae” poster, please submit the below information as one PDF to nappc@pollinator.org:

• Contact information (name, email, physical mailing address)

• Background

• Resume, CV, past projects, website/online portfolio, social media, etc.

• 2 pages maximum

• Narrative about the poster concept

• Method used (digital, traditional, etc.)

• 1 page maximum

• Sketch of the proposed poster as digital art submitted as a pdf or .jpg. (300 ppi at 8.5 x11)

Timeline: A poster concept idea with a draft sketch is due to Shannon Farmer at nappc@pollinator.org by Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Once an artist has been chosen, the final illustration will be due by Friday, March 6, 2026.

Poster Size: There is flexibility with the size of the poster, but past posters have ranged from 30 in x 12 in to 30 in x 32 in (including a gallery at the bottom of the poster for partner logos). We suggest using a standard poster size so that the poster may easily be framed.

Compensation: Pollinator Partnership does not make any profit from the poster and distributes them for free (not including shipping and handling). P2 works to create the poster each year to help educate the public about the importance of pollinators. The chosen artist will receive $2,000 USD upon completion of the agreement and delivery of the product of contracted work for the 2026 poster.

Legal: Pollinator Partnership and the artist will co-own the rights to the final submitted digital artwork.

Questions? Contact Shannon Farmer at nappc@pollinator.org.

Location: Southwestern Idaho, United States (Specific Location Negotiable)

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin on 12/1/25 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified.

Anticipated Start Date: January, 2026

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 pollinator.org.  

Principal Responsibilities:

The Idaho Partner Biologist is responsible for the following duties and others as assigned:

• 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:

The Idaho Partner Biologist should possess the following minimum qualifications:

• 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 at this link: https://form.jotform.com/251735694061157

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Pollinator Partnership is an equal opportunity employer. P2 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.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.