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Bird Conservation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

$85K - $96K/yr

About Audubon The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they ...

Maintain a deep understanding of our products and their benefits, and educate customers on bird feeding best practices and conservation efforts. * Teamwork : Collaborate effectively with the Store ...

About Audubon The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they ...

... birds, reptiles, and carnivores. And, of course, we support desert tortoise conservation! Located within the Coachella Valley and Colorado Desert of Southern California, TLD is committed to the ...

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Bird Conservation information

See California salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do bird conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for bird conservation in California is $20.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $22.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is bird conservation?

A Bird Conservation job involves the protection, study, and management of bird species and their habitats. Professionals in this field work for government agencies, non-profits, and research institutions to monitor bird populations, implement conservation strategies, and educate the public. Duties may include field surveys, habitat restoration, policy advocacy, or community outreach. The goal is to mitigate threats such as habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbances to ensure sustainable bird populations.

What does a typical day look like for someone working in bird conservation?

A typical day in bird conservation may include spending time outdoors conducting field surveys, monitoring bird populations, collecting ecological data, and sometimes banding or tagging birds for research purposes. You may also find yourself analyzing data, preparing reports, coordinating with other conservationists, and participating in educational outreach or habitat restoration projects. Work is often a mix of fieldwork and office duties, and collaboration with scientists, landowners, and volunteers is common. The schedule can vary seasonally, especially during migration or breeding periods, and adaptability is important for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in bird conservation?

Excelling in bird conservation requires a solid background in biology, ecology, or environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree and fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, data analysis tools, bird banding techniques, and permits for wildlife handling are commonly needed. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help professionals work effectively with colleagues, community members, and partner organizations. These competencies enable successful research, habitat management, and advocacy efforts crucial to protecting bird populations.

What cities in California are hiring for Bird Conservation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Bird Conservation job openings:

Infographic showing various Bird Conservation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,649 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Conservation Ranching (ACR) Intern

Sacramento, CA • Hybrid

$23.68/hr

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

Do you want to work on meaningful and impactful environmental programs? Are you looking for an internship that makes a difference in conservation? If this sounds exciting, the National Audubon Society's internship may be great for you.

The Audubon Conservation Ranching (ACR) Intern will have an excellent opportunity to gain experience in bird conservation on private land. The ACR Intern will learn about communication, marketing skills, community engagement, and gain an understanding of essential bird conservation, rangeland management, and the regenerative agriculture industry. The intern will help produce planning, environmental, and other technical work products, conduct assignments in the field (i.e., visit project sites), participate in marketing and public outreach events, and collaborate with other professionals. The intern will also have the opportunity to gain skills in practical teaching, curriculum development, and various educational pedagogies.

The ACR Intern will work with the California ACR team on various aspects of the ACR Program, including communications, data collection, coordinating events, and the possibility of assisting in rangeland conservation and management activities. The intern will be supervised by the ACR California Program Director and will interact with programmatic staff at Audubon.

This position is Hybrid with frequent travel to Audubon's Sacramento office and occasional travel throughout

CA.

  • Length of Assignment: October 15, 2026 - March 14, 2027

  • Hours: 20 hours/week. The programs occur during regular working hours day from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday with occasional events on weekends.

Compensation:

$23.68 / hour

Additional Job Description

Intern Responsibilities and Learning Objectives

During the internship, you will work with the ACR staff to:

  • Help coordinate logistics for outreach events and presentations on various topics related to the ACR Program.

  • Increase engagement with Audubon chapters.

  • Utilize blogs, social media, and other digital media to communicate Audubon's ACR message to partners and community members.

  • Attend meetings with stakeholders related to the Conservation Ranching Program.

  • Work with the ACR team to coordinate data collection, surveys, and reports.

  • Conduct assignments in the field (i.e. site visits).

  • Other activities as assigned by Audubon Staff.

  • Maintains and fosters culture of safety.

Internship Benefits

Interns will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

  • Communications and marketing

  • Community engagement

  • Bird conservation on private land

  • Rangeland management

  • Regenerative agriculture

Qualifications and Experience

  • Completion of college-level coursework in communications, agriculture, conservation, ecology, or natural resources management.

  • Writing experience is preferred.

  • Confident in leading a group, initiating activities, working independently, and teaching collaboratively.

  • Comfortable with public speaking to small or large groups.

  • Strong work ethics, self-motivation, flexibility, a desire to learn, and the ability to work well with others.

  • Positive attitude and commitment to environmental stewardship.

  • Interest in the mission, values, and programs of the National Audubon Society.

  • Ability to work independently in an office setting with the potential for outside work in variable conditions and rugged terrain.

  • Experience with basic Microsoft computer programs.

  • Experience with GIS preferred.

  • A current driver's license or state-issued ID; reliable transportation is preferred.

  • Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

  • Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Accommodations@audubon.org.This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.