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Conservation Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CA Conservation Corps

Crew Supervisor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$3.4K - $5.7K/mo

This individual will assist young adults in building a foundation to be the conservationist of tomorrow and enter the career force with the skills to be valuable part of any team. This position is ...

American Conservation Experience

$750/wk

Conservation work is currently ongoing at the site. The ACE Members will assist the National Park Service with special interpretive programs at Scotty's Castle, and provide general visitor services ...

American Conservation Experience - EPIC

$750/wk

Conservation work is currently ongoing at the site. The ACE Members will assist the National Park Service with special interpretive programs at Scotty's Castle, and provide general visitor services ...

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Conservation Assistant information

What is the difference between Conservation Assistant vs Environmental Technician?

AspectConservation AssistantEnvironmental Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certifications in conservation or environmental scienceHigh school diploma; often requires environmental technician certification or related training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor conservation sites, parks, wildlife reservesLaboratories, field sites, environmental monitoring locations
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, parks, conservation organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions

Both Conservation Assistants and Environmental Technicians work in environmental fields, often outdoors, but Conservation Assistants focus more on hands-on conservation activities, while Environmental Technicians tend to perform technical testing and data collection. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, making them common comparison choices for those interested in environmental careers.

What is a conservation assistant?

Conservation Assistants are professionals who support the preservation and care of cultural heritage items such as artworks, historical documents, textiles, and artifacts. They typically work under the supervision of conservators in museums, galleries, libraries, or archives. Their responsibilities include handling and preparing objects for display or storage, assisting with conservation treatments, maintaining records, and ensuring safe environmental conditions for collections. Conservation Assistants play a vital role in protecting valuable items for future generations by helping to prevent deterioration and damage.

What are some typical challenges conservation assistants face when working in the field or with collections?

Conservation Assistants often encounter challenges such as handling delicate artifacts or specimens, maintaining detailed documentation, and adhering to strict conservation protocols. In the field, environmental conditions or limited resources can make preservation efforts more complex. Additionally, they must collaborate closely with conservators, scientists, and other staff to ensure best practices are followed, which requires strong communication and adaptability. These challenges offer valuable learning opportunities and contribute to professional growth in the conservation field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Assistant, you need knowledge of conservation techniques, environmental science, and often a relevant degree or experience in natural resource management. Familiarity with GIS software, data collection tools, and basic laboratory or field equipment is typically required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate data collection, effective support of conservation projects, and smooth collaboration with scientists and stakeholders.
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs in California? The most popular types of Conservation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Conservation Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Conservation Assistant job openings:
Conservation Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Science and Conservation Associate

Laguna Ocean Foundation

Laguna Beach, CA • Remote

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Science and Conservation Associate

Location: Laguna Beach, California
Organization: Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF)
Status: Part-time (Contingent upon funding)

About Laguna Ocean Foundation

The Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring Laguna Beach’s coastal ecosystems through science, education, conservation, and community engagement. Working with universities, government agencies, and community partners, LOF is advancing innovative coastal monitoring by integrating field ecology with drones, GIS, machine learning, environmental DNA (eDNA), and citizen science.

Position Summary

LOF seeks a motivated Science and Conservation Associate to support the technical foundation of its research and conservation programs. This position transforms field observations into high-quality geospatial data that inform ecological monitoring, restoration, conservation planning, and public education across Laguna Beach’s Marine Protected Areas.

The Associate will manage geospatial workflows—from drone and underwater ROV surveys through machine-learning analysis, GIS integration, habitat mapping, and scientific visualization. Working closely with LOF biologists, university researchers, GIS specialists, and interns, the Associate will help build one of California’s most comprehensive long-term coastal spatial datasets while supporting scientific publications, grant-funded research, StoryMaps, and emerging conservation technologies.

Position contingent upon funding.

Primary Responsibilities

Remote Sensing & Field Operations

● Conduct drone surveys under FAA Part 107 regulations.

● Operate underwater ROVs to document marine habitats.

● Coordinate field logistics, equipment, permits, and data collection.

GIS & Spatial Analysis

● Process drone imagery into ortho-mosaics and elevation models.

● Maintain GIS databases and produce habitat, species, and change-detection maps.

● Integrate remote sensing with biological field data.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

● Develop and apply machine-learning models for habitat and species classification.

● Improve classification workflows and support Python-based geospatial automation.

Research & Communication

● Collaborate with scientists and partner institutions on applied conservation research.

● Assist with scientific publications, technical reports, grant proposals, and conference presentations.

● Develop Story-Maps, dashboards, and visual products that communicate science to diverse audiences.

Training & Program Support

● Mentor interns and volunteers in GIS, drone operations, and data collection.

● Help establish standardized monitoring and data management protocols.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

● At least one year of experience in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis, or environmental monitoring.

● Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS.

● Experience with Python for geospatial analysis or machine learning.

● Experience processing drone imagery using photogrammetry.

● Familiarity with image classification or computer vision workflows.

● Knowledge of geospatial data management and reproducible workflows.

● FAA Part 107 certification (or ability to obtain).

● Excellent organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in coastal or marine ecosystems.

● Underwater ROV experience.

● Familiarity with eDNA, ecological monitoring, or conservation research.

● Experience working with universities, government agencies, or nonprofits.

● Grant writing or peer-reviewed publication experience.

● Experience with ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, Dashboards, or web GIS.

● Knowledge of TensorFlow, PyTorch, Detectron2, or similar frameworks.

● Experience with cloud-based geospatial workflows.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Please send in your material by July 31 to info@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

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