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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 ...

Binder Park Zoo

Seasonal Food Lead

Battle Creek, MI

$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

Senior Zookeeper - Area 2

Grand Rapids, MI

$20.62 - $24.03/hr

... as directed by animal care leadership. They also assist with the development and writing of ... Conservation * Education * Community * Celebrate * Compassion BENEFITS AT JBZ * We offer incredibly ...

Marriott

Director of Engineering

Detroit, MI · On-site

Accountable for managing the budget, capital expenditure projects, preventative maintenance and energy conservation. Develops and implements strategies that will deliver products and services, which ...

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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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.

Conservation Coordinator

Detroit Zoological Society

Royal Oak, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Conservation Coordinator
General Description
The Conservation Coordinator administers the daily operations of field conservation programs of the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS).
Under the general supervision of the DZS Director of Conservation, the Conservation Coordinator will provide administrative and logistical support to implement the DZS Conservation Action Plan. The Conservation Coordinator will assist in facilitating conservation projects and activities locally, nationally, and internationally, ensuring successful implementation through partner communication, meeting facilitation, task and project tracking, and documentation management. The Conservation Coordinator will be responsible for helping to assess and improve the conservation of wildlife populations; contributing to knowledge of species conservation status, needs and conservation action effectiveness; and cooperating with internal and external partners on field conservation project development and administration.
The Conservation Coordinator will support, both publicly and privately, the principles and mission of the Detroit Zoological Society. They will support, adhere to and enforce DZS policies and standards, and will always demonstrate a high level of integrity and professionalism.
This job description is by no means all-inclusive and may be subject to change during a performance period. It will be reviewed and modified as needed to ensure effective operations and successful execution of DZS mission.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and conduct applied field conservation projects and activities aimed at understanding, protecting, and supporting wildlife populations and habitats, and furthering knowledge of conservation status, needs and conservation action effectiveness.
  • In coordination with the Director of Conservation, implement the DZS Conservation Action Plan and other aspects of the DZS conservation philosophy and focal conservation initiatives.
  • Consult and cooperate with internal and external conservation partners (i.e., non-governmental organizations and non-profits, government entities, communities, universities, independent researchers).
  • Work collaboratively within and among multiple DZS departments and divisions – including Life Sciences, Education, Operations, Marketing and Communication, Guest Relations and Development – to plan and implement DZS conservation programs and initiatives.
  • Assist in data collection and data management to track progress and metrics for DZS conservation projects and partnerships to ensure strategic goals are being met.
  • Assist in producing annual reports on conservation programs and investments.
  • Conduct educational presentations in both formal and informal settings.
  • Develop and provide presentations at professional meetings.
  • Assist the Director of Conservation in the development of new, strategic DZS conservation projects and partnerships in support of the DZS Conservation Action Plan and DZS Strategic Plan.
  • Support AZA activities, including participating in relevant collaborative conservation programs such as Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE).
  • Share results of conservation activities through publication of scientific and popular articles.
  • Assist in purchasing equipment and supplies, and monitoring budgets.
  • Travel to local, national, and international field conservation sites to evaluate and participate in applied conservation projects with partners.
  • Work independently, with review from DZS Director of Conservation.
  • Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications
Minimum
  • Bachelor’s degree in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Two years of experience working in field conservation, ecological research, and/or managing zoo/aquarium-based conservation programs.
Preferred
  • Master’s degree in zoology, ecology, conservation biology, or a closely related discipline.
  • Demonstrated background in wildlife conservation project management.
  • Knowledge of Great Lakes and/or global environmental and ecological threats.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and facilitation skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, balance competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
  • Experience coordinating programs, projects, or events with diverse audiences.
  • Comfortable with both independent work and cross-team collaboration.
  • Strong proficiency with Microsoft Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams).
  • Familiarity with project management software, ArcGIS, and emerging conservation technologies (e.g., autonomous recording units (ARU); trail cameras; traditional and AI-based data processing).

Working Conditions
Work is performed indoors and outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions, with risk of zoonotic disease transmission, and with exposure to computer monitors. Weekend, evening, and holiday work will be required as necessary. National and international travel is required for this position for extended periods of time in variable climates and working conditions.
Physical Requirements
This position requires sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stooping for extended periods, the ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds and the use of standard office equipment and the computer.
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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