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Conservation Director Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Shorehaven

Maintenance Director

Sterling Heights, MI · On-site

$62K - $72K/yr

The Maintenance Director renders quality maintenance services which meet resident needs and ... Ensures implementations of ongoing preventive maintenance and energy conservation programs.

Alvarez & Marsal

Director, Restructuring

Troy, MI · On-site

Implementing cash conservation guidelines and controls. * Training, mentoring and performance evaluation of junior staff. At A&M you will have the opportunity to work on the most disruptive ...

Alvarez and Marsal

Director, Restructuring

Troy, MI · On-site

Implementing cash conservation guidelines and controls. * Training, mentoring and performance evaluation of junior staff. At A&M you will have the opportunity to work on the most disruptive ...

Binder Park Zoo

Seasonal Ride Operator

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

Inspire them to conserve. REPORTS TO: Operations Manager, Director of Operations SEASONAL OR NONSEASONAL: Seasonal, Non-benefited FLSA STATUS: Hourly, Non-Exempt POSITION SUMMARY: Provide exceptional ...

Tri-State Energy, Inc.

Regionally, TSE delivers Direct Install Programs, Engineered Solutions Programs, Energy Savings ... Interest and experience in energy conservation and engineering a plus. * Understanding systems and ...

New

Courtyard Atlantic City

Location Courtyard Atlantic City 1212 Pacific AveAtlantic City, NJ 08401 Overview The Director of ... Actively participate in energy conservation programs. * Review all guest and meeting planner ...

New

Binder Park Zoo

Seasonal Food Lead

Battle Creek, MI · On-site

$14 - $19/hr

We are passionate about educating on wildlife conservation and looking for enthusiastic people to ... Assists with food preparation as directed, operating food production equipment as required to ...

John Ball Zoo

Chief Executive Officer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

... conservation, education, guest experience, and environmental stewardship. The CEO will partner with the Board of Directors and executive leadership team to advance the Zoo's strategic vision, guide ...

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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 Michigan?

The most popular types of Conservation jobs in Michigan are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Conservation Director jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Conservation Director job openings:

Conservation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Director job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Senior Director of Animal Care

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

Senior Director of Animal Care The Senior Director of Animal Care plans, directs, and oversees all activities of animal care operations at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide direction and oversight for all animal care team operations, including animal care, exhibit design, species planning, staff recruitment and training, team building, guest interaction activities, and inter-department relations.
  • Oversee recruitment and selection of the animal care team management staff.
  • Supervise taxonomic curators and evaluate employee performance.
  • Work collaboratively with the Associate VP of Life Sciences and the Director of Welfare on protocols, assessments, plans, and initiatives that ensure optimal animal care, health, and wellbeing for all taxonomic groups.
  • Instill a culture of trust, safety, and communication amongst the entire animal care team in collaboration with the Life Sciences leadership team.
  • Contribute to the development and implement policies and practices to ensure safe, effective policies and procedures of animal care, management, exhibition, transport, acquisition, disposition, and emergency response in coordination with the VP of Life Sciences.
  • Implement Living Animal Plan in coordination with taxonomic curators and VP of Life Sciences.
  • Ensure that all animal care facilities, policies, animal husbandry practices, and safety protocols exceed USDA licensing standards and AZA accreditation standards.
  • Oversee Detroit Zoo and BINC staff participation in cooperative management programs, such as studbooks, Species Survival Plans, and Taxon Advisory Groups.
  • Work closely with the Director of Conservation on initiatives including conservation goal setting, staffing field work, AZA Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) involvement, and planning.
  • Working knowledge of dive safety operations.
  • Contribute to strategic and other organizational planning.
  • Approve acquisition and disposition of animals.
  • Work closely with all members of the Life Sciences department to advance animal wellbeing and conservation research.
  • Prepare, submit, and monitor budgets.
  • Maintain records and provide written and verbal reports as required.
  • Represent the DZS at local, national, and international organization meetings and conferences.
  • Work across departments to elevate and ignite the DZS mission, vision, and core values.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology, biology, animal behavior, or a closely related discipline.
  • Ten (10) years of progressive management experience in a zoo or related facility.
  • Seven (7) years of experience caring for captive wildlife.
  • Experience in zoo and/or aquarium curatorial capacities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Possess an affinity for animals and the capacity to make decisions based on the best interest of the animal, population, or species.
  • Must have strong decision-making and problem-solving skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills and practical time management skills.
  • Proven communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
  • Strong working knowledge of USDA licensing standards and AZA accreditation standards and programs
  • Proven ability to advocate for the institution among various stakeholders.
  • Goal orientation, high energy with comfort demonstrating calculated risk-taking tolerance and strong decision-making ability.

Preferred
  • Advanced degree in zoology, biology, animal behavior, or a closely related discipline.

Working Conditions
The regular work schedule requires flexibility, including weekend and evening responsibilities. The work environment is generally comfortable, and much work is done inside in an office environment, but it may require work outdoors with exposure to seasonal weather conditions for special events, tours, and openings. The position may require occasional travel to other locations and will be exposed to computer monitors and the output from heating and cooling systems and fluorescent lighting.
Physical Requirements
This position may require the individual to sit for long periods and perform physical effort daily, such as walking, bending, stooping, and standing for an extended period. This role must also be able to use the telephone and computer and must be able to lift and move 50 pounds.
The individual must be able to perform the job's essential functions satisfactorily with or without accommodations. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
Just as we value and celebrate biodiversity, the DZS celebrates the diversity of our human community. We are committed to ensuring that our programs and facilities are fully accessible to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace for all.

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