Call for New ESA Rapid Response Team Members

Posted by on April 19, 2019

We are expanding the Society’s Rapid Response Team (RRT), a diverse group of about 50 ecologists who are subject matter experts and help ESA address policy and media opportunities in a timely and effective manner. ESA invites any member to apply to be a member of the RRT.

One of ESA’s central missions is to share ecological information with policymakers and members of the media. Since the Society opened its Public Affairs Office in 1983, ESA has served as a trusted source of ecological information. The establishment of the RRT in 2005 enhanced our ability to respond to time-sensitive issues, such as 2010’s BP oil spill and to the more recent Hurricanes Irma and Maria. ESA also encourages RRT members to alert the Society to policy issues or other opportunities.

ESA Public Affairs staff will provide guidance and training about how to effectively communicate your science to policymakers and media if needed.

RRT members work closely with the Society’s Public Affairs Office in three areas by taking these actions:

Public Policy

  • Identify the potential ecological consequences of proposed federal regulations and legislation
  • Assist with the review of legislation or proposed regulations
  • Present ecological research at ESA congressional briefings and science exhibitions
  • Interact with congressional offices on time-sensitive issues
  • Meet with policymakers to advocate for federal investment for ecological and biological scientific research

Media and Press

  • Respond quickly to media inquiries
  • Write letters to the editor for national and local media outlets

Public Engagement

  • Find opportunities to interact with the public to share ecological science

Depending on current national events, ESA may call upon members several times a year. RRT members generally serve for at least three years. In addition, RRT members may contribute guest posts to the Society’s popular blog, EcoTone.

Please apply here if you believe your unique combination of skills and expertise make you an ideal candidate for the RRT. You will be rendering the ecological community an important service.

Please feel free to contact Alison Mize, director of public affairs, (alison@nullesa.org) or Nicole Zimmerman, public affairs manager, (nicole@nullesa.org)  if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you.

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