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Conservation Biologist Jobs in Santa Rosa, CA (NOW HIRING)

... resiliency work, biological site assessments, native plant seed collection and propagation ... Perform various fieldwork tasks related to natural resource conservation including: native plant ...

... resiliency work, biological site assessments, native plant seed collection and propagation ... Perform various fieldwork tasks related to natural resource conservation including: native plant ...

Conservation Biologist information

See Santa Rosa, CA salary details

$40.5K

$97.7K

$150.9K

How much do conservation biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation biologist in Santa Rosa, CA is $97,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $132,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I get with a degree in conservation biology?

A degree in conservation biology can lead to roles such as conservation biologist, wildlife biologist, environmental consultant, park ranger, or research scientist. These jobs often require fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of ecological tools and methods, and may involve working for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or research institutions.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Conservation Biologist?

A Conservation Biologist’s daily responsibilities often include conducting field surveys to collect data on species and habitats, analyzing ecological data using specialized software, and developing management plans to protect wildlife and ecosystems. You may also work closely with government agencies, environmental organizations, or local communities to implement conservation strategies and educate others about sustainability practices. Office work often involves writing research reports, grant proposals, and presentations to share findings with stakeholders. The balance between field and office work can vary depending on the specific project or organization.

What do you do as a conservation biologist?

A conservation biologist studies and works to protect natural ecosystems, wildlife, and plant species. They conduct field research, develop conservation plans, and collaborate with agencies to preserve biodiversity, often using tools like GIS and requiring knowledge of ecology and environmental policies.

Are conservation scientists in demand?

Conservation scientists and biologists are in increasing demand due to growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable resource management. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, especially in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions that focus on environmental protection and habitat conservation.

What does a Conservation Biologist do?

A Conservation Biologist studies ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources to protect biodiversity and address environmental threats. They conduct research, develop conservation plans, and work with organizations or governments to implement policies that preserve species and habitats. Their work often involves fieldwork, data analysis, and community outreach to promote sustainable practices.

What is the average salary of a conservation biologist?

The average salary of a conservation biologist in the United States is approximately $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working in high-cost areas can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by fieldwork and research grants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Conservation Biologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Biologist, you need a solid grounding in ecology, wildlife biology, and environmental science, often backed by at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Experience with GIS mapping tools, statistical software (such as R or SPSS), and relevant fieldwork certifications is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you convey complex information to diverse audiences and stakeholders. These skills are crucial for conducting research, developing conservation strategies, and collaborating with teams to protect natural habitats and species.

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Biologist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA? For Conservation Biologist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Biologist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Biologist jobs in Santa Rosa, CA are:
What cities near Santa Rosa, CA are hiring for Conservation Biologist jobs? Cities near Santa Rosa, CA with the most Conservation Biologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Conservation Biologist job openings in Santa Rosa, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 76% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,748 per year, or $47 per hour.

Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Vacancies may be available in each listed location. Additional duty locations are listed for future vacancies and/or vacancies that may be filled at a later date. Please select locations for which you want to be considered.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet a Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience OR substitution of education for experience OR combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 0482 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: major in biological science that included:

  • At least 6 semester hours in aquatic subjects such as limnology, ichthyology, fishery biology, aquatic botany, aquatic fauna, oceanography, fish culture, or related courses in the field of fishery biology; and
  • At least 12 semester hours in the animal sciences in such subjects as general zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, entomology, parasitology, ecology, cellular biology, genetics, or research in these fields. (Excess course work in aquatic subjects may be used to meet this requirement when appropriate.)

OR
B. Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), of which a minimum of 6 semester hours were in aquatic subjects and 12 semester hours were in the animal sciences, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Assisting in evaluating fishery or protected species activities for compliance with various regulations or policies aimed at the conservation of biological resources and natural habitats; and
  • Communicating audience-appropriate scientific information to stakeholders.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower level may be combined with experience.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
  • Providing technical or scientific information to stakeholders related to fishery or protected species activities;
  • Participating in coordinating fishery or scientific projects; and
  • Participating in the compilation of papers, publications or other technical or scientific documents.
Education:

College Transcript:If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER