1

Conservation Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A member of ASC's conservation team, the Community Building Manager will work closely with the Conservation Director to implement outreach strategies, identify partnership and engagement ...

A member of ASC's conservation team, the Community Building Manager will work closely with the Conservation Director to implement outreach strategies, identify partnership and engagement ...

Conservation Technician

Waupaca, WI · On-site

$31.60 - $34.39/hr

This position works under the direct supervision of the County Conservationist. Essential Responsibilities Depending on the operational needs of the department, the individual in this position may be ...

Senior Director, Conservation

Oakland, CA · On-site

$153K - $171K/yr

The Senior Director of Conservation will engage with members of conservation milestone and initiative teams across Audubon to align priorities and implement collaborative conservation initiatives ...

The Senior Director of Conservation will engage with members of conservation milestone and initiative teams across Audubon to align priorities and implement collaborative conservation initiatives ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Conservation Director information

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

To thrive as a Conservation Director, you need expertise in environmental science, natural resource management, and policy, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, project management tools, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital for effectively leading conservation initiatives, securing funding, and building partnerships that drive impactful environmental outcomes.

What are some of the common challenges Conservation Directors face when balancing ecological goals with organizational priorities?

Conservation Directors often need to navigate competing interests between ecological preservation, budget constraints, and organizational objectives. Balancing long-term conservation goals with the immediate needs of stakeholders—such as donors, board members, and community partners—can be challenging. Success in this role relies on strong communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills to align diverse interests while advancing conservation outcomes. Collaboration with scientists, policy-makers, and local communities is also key to developing effective, sustainable strategies.

What does a Conservation Director do?

A Conservation Director is responsible for overseeing and managing conservation programs, projects, and policies to protect natural resources and biodiversity. They develop and implement strategies to conserve land, water, wildlife, or habitats, often working for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or environmental groups. Their duties typically include supervising staff, collaborating with stakeholders, securing funding, and advocating for conservation initiatives. Conservation Directors also monitor the effectiveness of programs and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Conservation Director vs Conservation Coordinator?

AspectConservation DirectorConservation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field; experience in conservation projectsSimilar educational background; entry to mid-level experience in conservation efforts
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing programs, managing teams, liaising with stakeholdersImplementing projects, coordinating activities, supporting fieldwork
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, environmental organizationsNonprofits, community groups, government agencies

The Conservation Director focuses on strategic leadership, program development, and managing teams, while the Conservation Coordinator handles on-the-ground project implementation and coordination. Both roles require relevant environmental credentials and work within similar organizations, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Conservation Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservation Director jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs? The most popular types of Conservation jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Conservation Director jobs? The top employers for Conservation Director jobs are:
What states have the most Conservation Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Conservation Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Full Time, and 87% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.
Conservation Director

Conservation Director

Izaak Walton League of America

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

The Conservation Director at the Izaak Walton League of America is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the organization's national conservation strategy, programs, and policy initiatives in alignment with its mission to protect natural resources. The position leads and coordinates conservation staff and programs focused on issues such as clean water, habitat protection, sustainable agriculture, and public lands, while working closely with League leadership, members, and grassroots chapters to translate science and policy into community-based action. The role also represents the organization in external partnerships, advocacy efforts, and public forums, helping to shape and promote conservation policy at local, state, and federal levels, while strengthening collaboration, expanding impact, and ensuring the effectiveness of the League's conservation priorities nationwide.

View the full job description and how to apply.