Conservation Policy Analyst

Description

JOB TITLE:

Conservation Policy Analyst

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.

$34.07 per hour

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

October/November

September 24,2026

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.

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 rule making 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.

• 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

• 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…