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Conservation Construction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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ESE is seeking a motivated Conservation Drainage Specialist to join our technical team and help ... Oversee construction, provide guidance, and perform checkout to verify compliance with design ...

Be Seen First

ESE is seeking a motivated Conservation Drainage Specialist to join our technical team and help ... Oversee construction, provide guidance, and perform checkout to verify compliance with design ...

Be Seen First

Conservation Drainage Specialist

Ames, IA · Remote

$50K - $100K/yr

ESE is seeking a motivated Conservation Drainage Specialist to join our technical team and help ... Oversee construction, provide guidance, and perform checkout to verify compliance with design ...

$17.50 - $19/hr

Experience in field work performing environmental restoration, trail construction and maintenance, and other conservation tasks. * Experience leading, training, and supervising teams of diverse ...

$17.50 - $19/hr

Conservation Crew Leader - Backcountry Trails Location: This position is based out of Sacramento ... Experience in field work performing environmental restoration, trail construction and maintenance ...

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Conservation Construction information

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$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do conservation construction jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation construction in the United States is $36,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

Conservation construction roles typically do not pay $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually found in executive, investment, or specialized medical positions. High-paying jobs in construction or environmental fields generally range from six to seven figures for top executives or highly experienced specialists. Achieving a $500,000 salary often requires advanced certifications, extensive experience, or leadership roles in large organizations.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

Conservation construction jobs are unlikely to disappear entirely by 2030, but some roles may evolve due to advances in technology such as automation and sustainable building practices. Tasks involving manual labor or traditional methods might decrease as new tools, eco-friendly materials, and digital planning become more prevalent, requiring workers to adapt their skills accordingly.

What is the highest paid job in construction?

In construction, the highest paid roles are often project managers, construction executives, or specialized trades such as elevator installers and crane operators. These positions typically require extensive experience, certifications, and leadership skills, and they often oversee large projects or complex operations.

What is the difference between Conservation Construction vs Environmental Technician?

AspectConservation ConstructionEnvironmental Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, industry-specific certificationsEnvironmental certifications like EPA, OSHA, or state-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, outdoor projects, environmental restoration sitesFieldwork, sampling sites, laboratories, outdoor environments
Industry UsageConstruction companies, environmental restoration firmsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research organizations

Conservation Construction and Environmental Technicians both work in environmental fields, but Conservation Construction focuses on building and restoring natural habitats through construction projects, while Environmental Technicians primarily conduct field sampling, data collection, and environmental testing. Both roles require safety training and environmental certifications, but their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

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

To thrive in Conservation Construction, you need expertise in sustainable building practices, environmental regulations, and experience with construction methods, often backed by relevant certifications or a degree in construction management or environmental science. Familiarity with green building technologies, energy-efficient systems, and tools like CAD software is typically required. Strong project management, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help professionals excel in this role. These skills are crucial for ensuring projects are completed efficiently while minimizing environmental impact and meeting regulatory standards.

What is the highest paying conservation job?

The highest paying conservation jobs are often senior roles such as Conservation Directors or Environmental Managers, which require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills. These positions typically offer salaries exceeding $80,000 annually, especially in organizations with large budgets or government agencies. Specialized roles involving environmental consulting or project management can also command high salaries in the conservation field.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in conservation construction projects?

Professionals in conservation construction often face challenges balancing the preservation of historical or environmentally sensitive features with modern building standards and client needs. Navigating complex regulations, sourcing appropriate materials, and working alongside conservation specialists can add layers of complexity to each project. Effective communication and collaboration with architects, engineers, and regulatory bodies are crucial to ensure that restoration work meets both conservation goals and safety requirements. Additionally, tight project timelines and budget constraints can make meticulous preservation work demanding but also highly rewarding for those passionate about sustainable construction.

What is conservation construction?

Conservation construction refers to the specialized field of building, repairing, and maintaining structures in a way that preserves their historical, cultural, or environmental value. This work often involves using traditional materials and techniques to restore or protect heritage buildings, landmarks, or natural habitats. Professionals in this field work closely with historians, architects, and environmental scientists to ensure that their projects meet strict conservation standards. The goal is to extend the life of important structures or environments while retaining their original character and significance.
More about Conservation Construction jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservation Construction jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Construction job openings:
What states have the most Conservation Construction jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Construction jobs include:
Infographic showing various Conservation Construction job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Engineering Technician (Land Conservation)

Outagamie County, WI

Appleton, WI • On-site

$27.71 - $31.19/hr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary: $27.71 - $31.19 Hourly
Location : Land Conservation & UW Extension - 3365 W. Brewster Street, Appleton, WI
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2603564
Department: Land Conservation
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Typical Work Hours/Shift:: Typical work schedule is 8 hours/day worked between the hours of 6:30 am -5:00 pm. This position does offer comp time.
Outagamie County Core Values
Invested in Serving
Better Together
Create Progress
Support Through Compassion
Position Purpose
The Engineering Technician performs various survey design, construction oversight, and construction certification duties relating to the programs of the County Land Conservation Department.
Hours: Typical work schedule is 8 hours/day worked between the hours of 6:30 am -5:00 pm. This position does offer comp time.
Remote Work: After initial onboarding period. A flexible remote work schedule will be available with the expectation of being in the office one full day per week.
Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting:
Did you know that Outagamie County has an onsite clinic and works with an employer shared clinic nearby?
Services at the OC Employee and Family Clinic as well as the employer shared clinic are free and available to employees and their covered dependents enrolled in the health insurance for the current plan year.
Primary Health Services provided by Theda Care are available to employees and dependents (ages 12 months and up for most services and ages 12 and up for Physical Therapy), who are covered on a county health plan.
Key Responsibilities
The following duties are most critical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
  • Provides basic engineering services to landowners including but not limited to: surveying, design, computer drafting, estimates, construction layout, inspection, final certification, and reports.
  • Holds pre-construction contractor meetings, provides construction staking, establishes benchmark elevations, assists with permit coordination, and performing other tasks.
  • Collects topographic field survey data for conservation Best Management Practice (BMP) construction projects. Collects, summarizes, and analyzes engineering field data.
  • Provides technical assistance for Ag inventory projects, including data gathering and analysis, creation of maps, plans, graphs, charts, and other technical materials.
  • Uses AutoCad to design BMP practices including, detail drawings, and construction plans. Uses ArcGIS for creating and maintaining inventory and project maps.
  • Organizes electronic files of construction plans and associated project paperwork.
  • Assists in the issuance of permits.
  • Acts as principle liaison between landowners and state and local agencies.
  • Contacts landowners and encourages participation in conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Targeted Runoff Management Program, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Land and Water Resource Management Plan, or other associated programs.
  • Maintains engineering approval authority, license/or certifications necessitated by job duties - (30 Professional Development Hours/3 years).

Education/Certifications/Experience Requirements
  • Associate's degree in Civil Engineering, Geospatial Surveying, Hydrology, Natural Resources Management, or a related field; at least three (3) years' experience in CAD drafting, GIS mapping, Conservation related work, construction, inspection, and project estimating.
  • Or, any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • High proficiency in CAD drafting and topographic field surveying is desired.
  • Obtain and maintain engineering job approval authority from NRCS and engineering practitioner certification from DATCP as needed.
  • FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate within 12 months of hire.
  • Obtain and maintain Notary Public within 12 months of hire.
  • Valid Wisconsin Driver's License required.

Required or Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of and skill in applying engineering design methods for conservation design and erosion control practices.
  • Ability to operate a variety of surveying equipment.
  • Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Hydraulic Engineering Software (HEC-RAS, etc.), Hydrology Engineering Software (HydroCAD, HEC-HMS, etc.) and GIS.
  • Ability to use and interpret civil engineering technology.
  • Knowledge of and ability to use equipment and tools associated with conservation work.
  • Ability to prepare and/or interpret construction plans, specifications and estimates, budget worksheets, billing invoices, design and construction manuals, plat books, aerial photography and slides, USGS quadrangles, and other sources of resource information.
  • Knowledge of pertinent laws, statutes, regulations, and terminology.
  • Ability to maintain accurate and complete records and prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
  • Ability to comprehend and interpret a variety of documents including billing invoices, reports, accounting records, state and other statutes and regulations, technical guides and manuals, etc.

Outagamie County offers Benefit options and paid time off for team members that work 20+ or more hours per week. Learn more today by visiting:
Outagamie County Diversity Statement:
Outagamie County is committed to developing, nurturing, and sustaining an equitable community and workforce where all individuals can thrive. We pledge to amplify the voices of under-represented communities or those who were historically excluded, by removing barriers that result from racial, social injustice and inequities. We strive to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion are embedded at all levels of Outagamie County programs and departments through acknowledging, analyzing, and addressing the root causes of inequities. We will create and advance equitable polices, practices and procedures, including, but not limited to County services, recruitment and retention, policies and practices, budgeting and procurement. We commit to being transparent and will continually evaluate and update our values when identified goals and objectives are not being achieved or sustained. Outagamie County will strive to create an inclusive environment where every community member feels like he/she/they belong.
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, THE COUNTY WILL PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES AND ENCOURAGES BOTH PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES AND INCUMBENTS TO DISCUSS POTENTIAL ACCOMMODATIONS WITH THE EMPLOYER.
OUTAGAMIE COUNTY OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE AND HIGHLY COMPETITIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE TO ITS EMPLOYEES.
LEVELS OF BENEFITS CAN VARY BASED ON EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND EMPLOYEE GROUP.

Medical Coverage
Outagamie County currently offers eligible employees a Low-Deductible Health Plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA). Each of these plans are available for single or family coverage at affordable rates.
Dental Coverage
Eligible employees may choose either single, limited family, or family coverage.
Vision Coverage
Outagamie County offers single, employee plus one, employee plus children, and family voluntary vision insurance for those that are benefit eligible. Vision insurance coverage provides an opportunity for employees to save money on routine vision exams, contacts, eyeglass frames, and lenses.
Life Insurance
Outagamie County provides group life insurance for full-time employees. The cost of this coverage is paid for in full by the County.
Voluntary Short-Term Disability Insurance
Short-Term Disability pays the employee a portion of his or her income for a specified period of time, as determined by the plan. The Short-Term Disability plan provides coverage for injuries and illnesses that occur outside of work. The premium for this coverage is paid entirely by the employee and is available to active employees that meet the hours threshold requirements.
Long-Term Disability Insurance
All regular, non-union full-time employees are eligible for long-term disability coverage. Premiums are fully paid by the County.
Wisconsin Retirement System
Wisconsin Retirement Program helps provide for financial security during retirement. Monthly annuity payments at retirement are calculated using years of creditable service, average earnings (based on three highest years of earnings), formula factors, age at retirement and selected annuity option.
The retirement plan consists of two parts: an employee-required portion and an employer-required portion. Outagamie County pays the employer portion, and employees are responsible for paying the employee-required portion, which is determined by the state each year. Enrollment is required for eligible employees. Eligibility is determined based on Wisconsin Retirement System plan rules.
Deferred Compensation
Deferred Compensation allows employees to set aside pre-tax earnings toward retirement. Employees can save up to 100% of their compensation, to a maximum of $23,500 annually, or as little as $10.00 per paycheck. The amount deferred reduces year-end state and federal income tax base. All the earnings will accrue tax-deferred until such time as the assets are withdrawn, generally at retirement, termination, or other special circumstances. There is also an after-tax 457 Roth contribution option.
Flexible Spending Account Plan
The Flexible Spending Account Plan saves money by allowing the employee to pay for certain medical related expenses and dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis, reducing annual taxable income resulting in Federal, State, Social Security, and Medicare tax savings.
Employee Assistance Program
Outagamie County has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The services offered as part of the County's plan are a benefit provided at no cost to its employees and their immediate family members to help deal with life's stresses. EAP consists of caring individuals who are certified counselors. They offer professional support and direction towards resolving problems or concerns. They can also help by referring the employee to another resource if assistance is needed beyond the EAP.
Paid Time Off
Outagamie County offers several paid time off benefits that include: vacation, personal holidays, national holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave and military leave.
Employee and Family Clinic
Primary Health Services, Acute Health Care and Physical Therapy are available to employees and dependents ages 12 months and up (age 13 and up for physical therapy), who are covered on a county health plan. A Health Coach is available to all employees, and to dependents covered under a county health plan age 14 and older. There is an onsite location and a shared clinic site location.
Fitness Center
Located at the downtown campus, a brand new fitness center with treadmills and other gym equipment is available to all employees from 5am to 10pm daily.
Pet Insurance
Please note that the pet insurance offers are discounts offered to Outagamie County employees and are not programs sponsored by Outagamie County. Please contact the companies directly for any questions, concerns or service issues.
If you would like to learn more, please click below about the benefits.
Values of Excellence (Recognition Program)
A program designed to celebrate the big wins, the daily efforts and everything in between of our county employees, which such a great place to grow, work, and thrive together. Where anyone as a county employee can recognize someone for a job well done!
Continuing Education
Outagamie County encourages continuing education by offering Education Reimbursement. This reimbursement is intended to provide assistance to the employee for out-of-pocket expenses for continuing education for the mutual benefit of the employee and Outagamie County, not covered in the departmental budget.
Any Outagamie County employee in good standing, averaging twenty (20) hours or more per week during the six (6) months prior to the start of the course, is eligible to apply. This statement is not all-inclusive in regard to tuition reimbursement.
01
Do you have your FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate? If no, you will be required to get within 12 months of hire.
  • Yes
  • No

02
Please describe your experience in high proficiency in CAD drafting and topographic field surveying.
03
Do you have experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, Hydraulic Engineering Software (HEC-RAS, etc.), Hydrology Engineering Software (HydroCAD, HEC-HMS, etc.) and GIS?
Required Question