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Conservation Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Conservationist 2

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$5.4K - $6.7K/mo

The California Conservation Corps (CCC) is offering an exceptional opportunity to join the founding ... and directing the critical COMET curriculum. From managing the center-wide corrective action ...

New

$85K - $96K/yr

The Senior Program Manager will work closely with the Southern California Program Director, the Senior Conservation Director, and other conservation and policy staff to align the Salton Sea program ...

District Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$8.7K - $9.8K/mo

The role involves managing budgets, overseeing conservation and emergency response projects, and ensuring compliance with administrative, procurement, and policy requirements. The Director also ...

The Conservation Associate Manager works directly with the Senior Manager of Conservation or the Associate Director of Conservation to design, implement and oversee program(s) in the local mountains ...

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Conservation Director information

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation director?

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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Conservation jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Director jobs in California?

For Conservation Director jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Conservation Director jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Director jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Conservation Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Conservation Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Conservation Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

$18 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Class:                  Water Conservation Representative (Temporary Seasonal Position) 

FLSA Status:             Non Exempt

Definition/Distinguishing Characteristics

Under general supervision, this temporary, seasonal position performs duties related to the District's Water Conservation Program, including educating customers about the District's conservation program and enforcing the District's Water Conservation Ordinance. 

Examples of Duties

The following duties are typical for this classification.  Depending upon the assignment, the temporary employee may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.  Management retains the right to add, remove, or change duties at any time.

  • Responds to customer complaints regarding suspected water waste.
  • Patrols in a District vehicle in search of incidents of water waste and other water abuses.
  • Enforces the District’s current Water Conservation Stage by discussing water use restrictions with customers.
  • Maintains and updates water waste records.
  • Forwards complaints and questions regarding the District’s Water Conservation Ordinance to the Water Conservation Supervisor.
  • Provides literature, water conservation kits and verbal instructions to customers regarding water efficient practices.
  • Maintains regular attendance and adheres to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.

Mental and Physical Requirements

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

  • Travels frequently by automobile in conducting District business.
  • Communicates orally with District coworkers and the public in face-to-face, one-to-one and group settings.
  • Regularly uses a telephone for communication.
  • Regularly uses office equipment such as computers, copiers and fax machines.
  • Ability to carry, reach and life supplies and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Ability to push, pull and maneuver supplies and equipment of varying weights and configurations.
  • Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl and climb during field work.
  • Stands and walks for extended time periods and on uneven terrain.
  • Frequently works out-of-doors with exposure to dust, dirt and summer weather conditions.
  • Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.
  • Occasionally required to change working hours or work overtime.
  • Must wear CalOSHA-approved protective footwear with a minimum ANSI I/75 or equivalent ASTM rating.  This position does NOT qualify for reimbursement for protective footwear under the District’s Protective Footwear Program Procedure.
Qualifications

Knowledge Of:

  • Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Common office computer software and database programs, including the Microsoft Suite of Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint).
  • District’s Water Conservation Ordinance and policies, procedures and operations regarding water conservation.
  • Automatic sprinkler systems.

Ability To:

  • Follow oral and written directions.
  • Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
  • Work without direct supervision.
  • Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
  • Conduct interviews to obtain or exchange information.
  • Operate a computer for word processing, database and department specific software.
  • Keep accurate records and write routine reports.
  • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, outside agencies and the public.
  • Pass pre-employment physical, drug and alcohol examination, and background check.

Education, Experience, Licenses and Certifications:

Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid California Driver’s License issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Proof of good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration.  The driving record will not contribute to an increase in the District’s automobile rates. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Desirable:

Any combination of education and experience which would likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities is acceptable.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

  • Two to three (2-3) years of increasingly responsible work experience in performing customer service and related work, preferably including experience working with a water agency or public utility.

The specific statements shown in each section of this class specification are not intended to be all-inclusive.  They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.