1

Xerces Society Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Executive Director

Santa Maria, CA · On-site

$90 - $140/hr

  • Medical

  • PTO

The Executive Director serves as chief administrative officer, responsible for managing and directing internal business operations and public Board hearings of the District that are consistent with ...

Xerces Society information

See salary details

$39

$59

$82

How much do xerces society jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for xerces society in the United States is $59.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.48 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the Xerces Society?

The Xerces Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. Founded in 1971, its work focuses on protecting pollinators like bees and butterflies, advocating for endangered species, and promoting sustainable land management practices. The organization engages in scientific research, education, and policy advocacy to support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. Through partnerships and community involvement, the Xerces Society aims to safeguard the essential roles that invertebrates play in nature.

What types of projects do team members at the Xerces Society typically work on?

Team members at the Xerces Society often work on projects such as pollinator habitat restoration, training farmers and land managers in conservation practices, and conducting field research on invertebrate populations. These projects are highly collaborative, often involving partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. The work directly supports conservation goals by increasing biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable land use. Employees can expect to balance fieldwork, data analysis, and outreach activities as part of their regular responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at the Xerces Society?

To thrive at the Xerces Society, you need expertise in conservation biology, entomology, ecology, or related environmental sciences, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, data analysis software, and field survey methodologies is typically required. Strong communication, project management, and collaboration skills are valuable for community outreach and partnership development. These skills are crucial for effectively advancing conservation initiatives, conducting research, and promoting the protection of invertebrates and their habitats.

What is the difference between Xerces Society vs Entomologist?

AspectXerces SocietyEntomologist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in biology, ecology, or related fields; certifications varyRequires a degree in entomology or related sciences; often includes advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, conservation projects, fieldwork, researchResearch institutions, government agencies, academia, fieldwork, laboratories
Industry UsageFocuses on pollinator and insect conservation, advocacy, educationResearch, study, and application of insect biology and behavior

The Xerces Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to insect conservation, often engaging in advocacy and education. An entomologist is a scientist specializing in insect biology, working in research or academic settings. While both roles involve insects, the Xerces Society emphasizes conservation efforts, whereas entomologists focus on scientific study and research of insects.

More about Xerces Society jobs

What cities are hiring for Xerces Society jobs?

Cities with the most Xerces Society job openings:

What states have the most Xerces Society jobs?

States with the most job openings for Xerces Society jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Xerces Society jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Xerces Society jobs are:

Infographic showing various Xerces Society job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,638 per year, or $59.9 per hour.

Executive Director

Xerces Society Inc

Santa Maria, CA • On-site

$90 - $140/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

The Executive Director serves as chief administrative officer, responsible for managing and directing internal business operations and public Board hearings of the District that are consistent with the strategic plan, goals and objectives, and policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is an at-will position that serves as the face of the District in its dealings with agricultural, regulatory and environmental communities, and the public at large. The position requires strong agricultural knowledge, fund development and grant writing skills, self- direction, collaborative leadership, and problem-solving abilities in order to effectively carry out the District’s Mission.

Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $90,000 - $140,000 DOE
Benefits: Accrued vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and health insurance
Reports to: Board of Directors

The Executive Director is expected to assume and maintain a leadership role to direct activities related to the planning and implementation of management practices that address working lands and natural resource concerns, conducting all District business on behalf of the Board of Directors, including all required reporting, recordkeeping, preparation for and attendance at Board of Directors meetings, coordination with bookkeeping, accounting, and legal counsel professionals who act as independent contractor consultants to the CRCD, and preparing and managing the annual budget. The position requires the ability to seek, implement, and manage grant opportunities addressing natural resources. The Executive Director will be responsible for contract administration, selecting and supervising staff and consultants, coordinating with grant funders, and general District business. The Executive Director is also responsible for securing funding for his/her position.

Key Responsibilities
  • Organizational and Strategic Leadership
    • Develop and execute a visionary strategic plan aligned with the organization’s mission
    • Serve as the primary advocate and spokesperson, representing the organization among stakeholders, funders, regulatory agencies, resource partners, board of supervisors, non-governmental organizations, and broader community
    • Keep informed of local, state, and federal laws/regulations, ordinances, general plans and policies that affect conservation work within the District’s service area
  • Fiscal and Administrative
    • Identify and pursue funding opportunities to secure financial resources that are consistent with the District’s mission
    • Oversee financial operations to ensure they conform to accounting policies and grantor requirements
    • Build and maintain relationships with funders, ensuring the organizations meets or exceeds revenue goals to support programs and operations
  • Operational Management and Compliance
    • Oversee day-to-day operations, including program adherence, staff, budgets, hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions, and training
    • Interpret, make decisions, and ensure compliance the Brown Act, Division 9 of the Public Resources Codes, Conflict of Interest requirements, Form 700s, annual audits, and other laws, regulations, policies, and procedures that pertain to the operations of the District
  • Board Engagement
    • Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors on staff needs, policies, and programs, providing updates, reports, and recommendations
    • Assist in board development, recruitment, and governance
  • Proven leadership experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector
  • Financial management expertise, including budgeting and reporting
  • Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to community resilience, networking, and building partnerships across diverse stakeholders
  • Familiarity with natural resource management techniques and practices
  • Must possess a valid and active California Class C Driver's License
  • Bachelor of Science degree preferred
#J-18808-Ljbffr