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Conservation Construction Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Conservation Experience

$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 ...

Pulama Lanai

$21.69 - $28.53/hr

Knowledge of ungulate fence construction and repair. Preferred Job-Specific Required Experience and ... conservation, and weed/invasive plant control work. * Specific knowledge of and experience ...

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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 Jul 12, 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:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Construction jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Construction jobs are:
Conservation Construction jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Construction job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
Backcountry Trails Conservation Crew Leader

Backcountry Trails Conservation Crew Leader

American Conservation Experience

$17.50 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

American Conservation Experience (ACE) is a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to providing rewarding environmental service opportunities that harness the idealism and energy of a volunteer labor force to help restore America's public lands. ACE has a national reputation for providing exceptional training and support to enable young adult crews to safely and economically implement technically complex and physically demanding conservation projects for the US Forest Service, BLM, National Park Service, USFWS and numerous state and local land management partners.
Job Title: Conservation Crew Leader - Backcountry Trails
Location: This position is based out of Sacramento, Ridgecrest, or Coachella Valley, CA. Field projects will take place on public lands throughout California and the Pacific West region.
Department/Division: CREW, Pacific West
Status: Regular Full-Time (Non-Exempt)
Reports To: Senior Project Manager
Schedule/Hours: Full-time. Flexible Schedule with varying shifts; 40 hours/week with additional hours as needed. Typical schedules are either four, 10-hour days/3 days off or eight, 10 hour-days/6 days off.
Travel: Yes, extensive regional travel required.
Start Date: August 2026
Position Summary:

Develop your crew leadership and conservation skills leading a group of motivated young adults on a wide range of natural resource management projects throughout public lands in the state of CA. ACE Pacific West is currently recruiting for Crew Leaders to lead crews on high elevation trail and restoration projects in the Sierra Nevada and the Cascades during the summer of 2026. Project locations include the Pacific Crest Trail, John Muir Trail, and more. We are looking for folks with backcountry experience (long-distance hikers, etc.) and trail construction/maintenance experience including crosscut saw work and dry stone masonry. ACE will consider permanent as well as seasonal hires for this position.
As the primary front-line staff of the ACE Pacific West Field Operations Team, Crew Leaders lead diverse teams of young adults in completion of environmental conservation and restoration projects. Crew Leaders train and lead crew members in conservation work skills, basic environmental education, and outdoor living skills, and engage their crews in environmental work projects that address critical land management and environmental needs. Work is almost exclusively outdoors, involves strenuous physical labor in all weather conditions and climates, and typically involves "spike" camping for several days at a time in remote wilderness locations. The position requires extensive travel to public lands across the Pacific West and may involve working for other ACE offices/locations for temporary periods. All Crew Leaders receive a minimum of one week of intensive training with additional on-site supervision and training from skilled ACE and agency partner staff throughout their tenure with possible additional advanced training in chainsaw skills, trail construction, griphoist and rigging, wilderness first aid, restoration and more.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Lead, manage, and hold corps members accountable while serving on conservation projects.
  • Lead, train, and supervise a conservation corps team during conservation work projects, which may include: constructing and maintaining trails, constructing and maintaining fences and outdoor facilities, restoring wildlife habitat, maintaining public parks, campgrounds, and recreation areas, planting trees, conducting native plant revegetation, eradicating exotic/invasive plant species, surveying, conducting ecological testing and monitoring, mapping and monitoring using GPS technology, wildfire restoration, and restoring forest health and reducing wildfire risk through tree thinning using powered equipment.
  • Arrange environmental education activities and opportunities and help inspire the next generation of conservation and public lands stewards.
  • Support, coach, mentor and supervise members in both technical and interpersonal professional development.
  • Hike, backpack, camp and cook outdoors while at front country and wilderness spike camps.
Collect, record, and submit accurate, detailed project data.
  • Accurately complete project field paperwork including weekly reports, safety sheets, incident reports, end-of-week checklists, feedback forms and others as necessary.
Ensure personal and corps members safety while in the field, especially as it relates to running chainsaws and other dangerous power tools.
  • Arrange details of transportation, tools, equipment, camp/field living arrangements, field communication, and work project completion. Responsible for leading rig-up and de-rig before and after a project. Serves as primary transport for crew to worksites and camp during projects.
  • Maintain and repair hand and power tools and other equipment as necessary.
  • Responsible for enforcing the use of appropriate safety procedures in all tasks.
  • Manage and replace items as needed in the cook set, first aid kit, and personal protective equipment (PPE) set.
  • Safely transport crew and equipment in ACE vehicles with trailers.
Responsible for producing high quality work and guaranteeing successful project outcomes.
  • Collaborate and communicate with ACE Project Managers and project partners to ensure that ACE crews safely complete the highest quality of work and achieve established project outcomes.
  • Foster a culture and environment that positions ACE for success and ensures that ACE is the program of choice for partners, members and staff.
  • Other duties as assigned; Responsibilities and tasks outlined are not exhaustive and may change as determined by ACE.
Required Experience and Qualifications:
  • 6 months - 1 year of experience working in field conservation positions, preferably within a Conservation Corps and with a record of advancement to assistant leadership or leadership positions.
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate. BA/BS degree from an accredited college/university preferred.
  • Must secure First aid/CPR certification within 14 days of employment and maintain certification.
  • Ability to camp on a project for two to four weeks at a time.
  • Experience in field work performing environmental restoration, trail construction and maintenance, and other conservation tasks.
  • Experience leading, training, and supervising teams of diverse individuals.
  • Ability to drive vehicles/trucks and trailers in a variety of road conditions.
  • Knowledge of environmental conservation skills, basic environmental education, and outdoor living/camping skills.
  • Experience performing a wide variety of heavy manual labor for extended periods of time, often under adverse conditions and in various climates.
  • ​Working knowledge of young adult development, team-building and motivational techniques.
  • Experience serving as a positive role model and mentor for team members.
  • Ability to adapt to the surrounding work environment and conditions that can change frequently.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Corps members, partner agency staff, and the general public.
  • Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to understand and follow ACE systems and processes including supervisor key responsibilities.
  • Ability to receive and provide constructive feedback.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain records and reports.
  • Must maintain a positive, constructive work environment conducive to team dynamics including timely, effective communication with project partners, supervisors, and crew members.
  • Commitment to ACE's mission of public service through youth development and volunteerism.
  • A deep and continuing interest in the welfare and professional development of ACE participants.
  • Ability to perform the essential duties of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
Other Requirements:
  • Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
  • Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record.
  • Proficient in English.
  • Ability to pass a federal criminal background check.
  • Willing to abide by ACE Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. ACE reserves the right to drug test at any time.
Physical Demands, Work Environmental and Working Conditions:
  • Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms, talks and hears. Manual dexterity required for use of hand and power tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain, and camp overnight under field conditions.
  • Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus.
  • Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 50 lbs., ability to move up to 60 pounds.
  • Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates.
  • ​Travel: This position requires domestic travel.
Compensation: Starting hourly pay of $17.50/hour - $19.00 /hour (depending on experience) for 40 hours/week + overtime if applicable.

Benefits: ACE offers competitive medical and ancillary plans (health, mental health, dental, vision and other supplemental benefits). ACE Staff members are also eligible to participate in ACE's retirement plan with a 3% employer contribution.
Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to accrue up to 80 hours of paid vacation time annually during your first two years of continuous employment, then it increases to 120 hours annually. ACE observes 13 paid annual holidays (floating holiday flexibility). ACE provides 10 days (or 80 hours) of paid sick time annually.
Additional Benefits:
Outdoor Perks: As an ACE staff member, you will be eligible to receive pro deals which include deep discounts on outdoor gear providing 30 - 50% off retail prices on 100s of established outdoor gear brands.
Meals Provided-You will receive three meals (plus snacks)/day while on project at no cost to you.
Trainings and Certifications - Crew Leaders receive industry recognized certifications provided by ACE including:
  • Wilderness First Responder (WFR) - equivalent cost of approximately $800 and is a three-year certificate with recertification options.
  • Depending on projects, you may receive a 32-hour Chainsaw Training based on the NWCG S-212 training with the possibility of receiving an official Forest Service Saw Certification.
Housing: Shared dormitory housing option available during off-project days (employed individuals only).
To Apply: Please submit a resume, one-page cover letter and contact for three professional/academic references to the application link. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. Applicants must follow all application instructions in order to be considered for this opportunity. This position may close at any time.
If you meet at least 70 percent of the qualifications, we want to hear from you!

ACE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information when you are hired to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.
Employment or Service with ACE is based upon ability, qualifications, attitude, and job-related factors. Every qualified employee, member, or applicant has the same opportunity for recruitment, hire, training, transfer, promotion, compensation, demotion, termination, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, pregnancy, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, medical condition, marital or parental status, political affiliation, ethnicity, hair texture or style, arrest record, caste, hereditary status, endogamy, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

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