Title: Pesticides and Birds Program Director
Supervisor: Director of Conservation Advocacy, American Bird Conservancy
Location: Washington, DC
Date of Posting: April 2008
Deadline for Application: Position will remain open until filled

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats throughout the Americas by building networks and partnerships designed to address the greatest threats. The Pesticides and Birds Program advocates reduction or elimination of the most hazardous pesticides to birds through policy reform, information synthesis, and outreach. The Pesticide Program Coordinator will work closely with the Director of Conservation Advocacy in fostering a science and partnership-based program to achieve this goal.

Primary Duties:

• Serve as ABC’s point person for avian pesticide issues. Participate in efforts to inform and focus the attention of conservation and health groups, government agencies, the public and the pesticide industry on the effects of pesticides on birds and the relevance of pesticide exposure to broader environmental issues.

• Participate in policy development and issue research for pesticide regulatory reform through the National Pesticide Reform Coalition. Enhance information exchange, build campaign networks, and promote the sharing of resources and expertise among wildlife, environmental and public health organizations.

• Overseeing the maintenance and expansion of: (1) the AIMS database, a national pesticide incident monitoring and reporting system for birds; and (2) the BIAA database, a national database documenting the use of agricultural croplands by birds. Develop and maintain communications with State agencies reporting avian incidents.

• Lead advocacy campaigns to remove or restrict the worst pesticides from use in the U.S. Facilitate ABC’s quick response capability in addressing emergency exemption permits. Draft comment letters to EPA stating ABC’s position on specific pesticide issues.

• Communicate with international partners and multilateral agencies in developing appropriate pesticide programs and policies.

• Support other bird conservation programs of ABC as directed.

Qualifications:

The successful candidate will possess the broadest combination of the characteristics list below.

• A degree in science or a minimum of two years equivalent work experience, preferably with knowledge of toxicology, avian physiology or public health.

• Background knowledge of pesticide issues from policy, legal, scientific, or conservation perspectives. A familiarity with FIFRA, the pesticide registration process, EPA, USDA and USFWS will be helpful.

• Ability to work on complex biological and policy issues and the ability to communicate these issues in writing. The ability to develop persuasive science-based arguments and solutions.

• Possess a willingness to consider viewpoints, a professional and courteous demeanor, perseverance, and a sense of humor.

• Ability to work on interdisciplinary teams to build partnerships and promote cooperation among conservation organizations, public health organizations, and other advocacy and policy groups.

• Commitment to the ABC mission, an interest in birds, and the goal of the Pesticides and Birds Program.

• Willingness to travel on occasion.

Further information on American Bird Conservancy and the Pesticides and Birds Program is available on ABC’s web site www.abcbirds.org.

Send a cover letter and resume to:

, Vice President of Operations
American Bird Conservancy
P.O. Box 249
4249 Loudoun Avenue
The Plains, Virginia 20198