About Earth Species Project
What is Earth Species Project?
Earth Species Project (ESP) says "We decode animal communication with advanced AI to illuminate the diverse intelligences on earth", opening with "More than 8 million species share our planet. We only understand the language of one." It is a non-profit: a posting describes it as "a non-profit dedicated to using AI" to understand other species, "100% philanthropic funded", with a 2025 budget of "approximately $8M" growing to "approximately $13M" in 2026. Its flagship model, NatureLM-audio, is described as "the first state-of-the-art large audio-language model designed for analyzing animal vocalizations", and its open-source Python library alp-data gives "unified access to 35+ bioacoustic datasets". ESP says it is currently studying "the languages of crows, beluga whales, elephants, and more". On 2026-10-16 its Lever board had one opening, a Director of Development reporting to the CEO.
Where will I work?
ESP is remote. The posting says "We are a fully remote team, and you can be located anywhere in the world, but will ideally be willing to work West Coast U.S. working hours, with expectations to occasionally participate in virtual meetings outside your typical working hours." It also asks for "the willingness to travel internationally (<20%) for events and in-person team gatherings", and lists "Regular team retreats around the world". Pay is quoted as "Equivalent of USD160K to 200K depending on geography and experience", so location affects the offer.
What is the Earth Species Project team like?
The About page describes "technology and non-profit leaders, AI researchers, engineers, and ethologists – all focused on a common goal: to decode and amplify the voice of nature and rebalance our relationship with the natural world." Its team page lists a CEO, a COO, a Co-Founder and Chief Explorer, research scientists, engineers, communications, development and operations staff. The posting says ESP "partners with biologists and machine learning researchers at leading universities and institutions around the world" and is supported by "Reid Hoffman, Waverley Street Foundation, Allen Family Philanthropies, McGovern Foundation and the National Geographic Society". The candidate it asks for is a "Flexible, adaptable team player who enjoys collaboration", with "Comfort with ambiguity". With one open role there is little more first-party text about day-to-day culture.
Work-Life Balance
The posting lists "Unlimited paid time off, with a recommended minimum of three weeks per year" and "Flexible working hours". The three-week figure is a recommendation, not a requirement. Working hours lean towards the US West Coast, with occasional meetings outside typical hours, and international travel of under 20% is expected for events and gatherings.
Perks and Benefits
- Unlimited paid time off, with a recommended minimum of three weeks per year
- Medical, dental and vision insurance, with ESP covering 100% of the premium
- A 401(k) with match for staff based in the United States
- A 2,000 USD home office stipend
- Flexible working hours
- Regular team retreats around the world
- A published salary range on the posting