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Conservation Director Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

State of Minnesota

Physical Plant Director

Stillwater, MN · On-site

$84 - $121/hr

Drive Resource Conservation: Directing and reviewing sustainability, energy, fuel, and water conservation programs. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications To be qualified for and considered for this ...

Minnesota Careers

Physical Plant Director

Stillwater, MN · On-site

$40.23 - $57.94/hr

Drive Resource Conservation: Directing and reviewing sustainability, energy, fuel, and water conservation programs. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications To be qualified for and considered for this ...

Renville County

SWCD Resource Conservationist

Olivia, MN · On-site

$55 - $75/hr

Develop projects with landowners and Renville County Public Works and provide technical expertise for the development of conservation * Supervise and direct workload of subordinate SWCD staff, as ...

Renville County

SWCD Resource Conservationist

Olivia, MN · On-site

$32.16 - $43.78/hr

Develop projects with landowners and Renville County Public Works and provide technical expertise for the development of conservation * Supervise and direct workload of subordinate SWCD staff, as ...

Audubon

Communications Associate

Audubon, MN · Hybrid

$26.06 - $29/hr

About Audubon The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with ... Work with the Vice President and Executive Director, and other members of the Upper Mississippi ...

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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 Minnesota?

The most popular types of Conservation jobs in Minnesota are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Conservation Director jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Conservation Director job openings:

Conservation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Director job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

Agronomy & Conservation Specialist

Pheasants Forever

Austin, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Application Deadline:  September 15, 2026
Anticipated Start Date: October/November 2026
Description: In partnership with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Pheasants Forever we are seeking a candidate who is motivated to build working relationships with farmers, associated agriculture advisors & consultants, and conservation partners.  Working in southeast Minnesota to prepare farm management plans that integrate conservation, agriculture, technology, and economics.  A goal of these farm management plans is to showcase alternative management practices that increase farm profitability and conservation opportunity.  Examples of alternative management practices that have been used successfully in Minnesota include cover crops, diverse crop rotation, hay plantings, variable rate inputs, prairie and shrub plantings, and wetland restoration.
In this agronomist type position, you will be responsible for one-on-one farm site visits, identifying and evaluating marginally productive cropland using agriculture technology, making maps and plans to improve areas on the farm, identifying & presenting grants and cost share opportunities, and monitoring project success.  Organizing and hosting workshops, field days, and other outreach efforts for public and professional audiences will further support farmer recruitment and is highly recommended.  Building and maintaining professional relationships within the agriculture community is paramount. 
You will be a Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever employee based out of a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Service Center with regular travel within a ten-county coverage area. Overnight travel will be required.
*Once the candidate is trained and working independently, telework is allowable up to fifty percent of the time or as negotiated between candidate and manager.  During the training period, the candidate will need to report to their USDA office every day. * 
Essential Job Duties:
  • Understand and relay how the use of economic information and precision data can be used to develop profitable conservation solutions on working lands.
  • Lead in the recruitment of farmers interested in conservation solutions.
  • Work cooperatively with Farm Bill Biologists to facilitate voluntary program identification, enrollment, and implementation.
  • Possess a working knowledge of data collection, management and software platforms to conduct and interpret analyses of precision data and economic inputs to calculate Return on Investment (ROI) and profitability at a sub-field level.
  • Increase coordination and efficiency in implementing voluntary conservation programs by fostering trust and credibility among farmers and the broader agriculture industry.
  • Create and deliver education and outreach activities and events to promote voluntary conservation opportunities with agricultural producers and trusted advisor audiences.
  • Collaborate with local USDA office to promote and implement Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) and Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) programs.  Write conservations plans and provide technical assistance to help landowners implement these voluntary programs.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Initiative to make initial contacts, cold calls and develop new relationships using various methods.
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently without direct supervision with diverse clientele.
  • Customer relations and interpersonal skills, ability to communicate challenges and success with team members, supervisor, and partners.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of modern farm equipment and techniques, technology, agronomic and conservation practices common to the region.
  • Commitment to maintain high standards and address issues in a timely, professional manner.
  • Experience with ArcGIS with the ability to import and export data, create, and edit shapefiles to create professional looking maps is preferred.
  • Valid driver’s license required; Use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided);
  • The ability to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
Education and Experience Guideline: Applicants for this position should possess a bachelor’s degree in Precision Agriculture, Agronomy, Ag Systems Technology, Ag Business, Natural Resources or Wildlife Management, or other related field.  Candidates with an associate degree and two or more years of relevant experience will be considered.  Candidates without a bachelor’s or associate degree should have five-plus years of relevant experience in agriculture.
Starting Salary: $49,500 to $65,500 Commensurate with experience.  New graduates will be at the low end of this scale, while candidates with experience post college are eligible for the upper end of this scale.  This role has annual performance-based raises and benefits include:
  • Health, vision, dental and more insurance coverage plans are available.
  • 401(k) Retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%.
  • Student Loan Assistance program of up to $200/month for eligible employees.
  • Paid Time Off accrued at 15 days (120 hours) per year for new employees (increasing after 3 years).
  • Bereavement/Family/Sick Leave of 6 days (48 hours) per year.
  • 13 Paid holidays.
  • see our benefits summary at www.pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume and three references into a single Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at www.pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers.
 Contact: Josh Pommier, PF/QF Minnesota Private lands Manager, at 320-292-5860 or jpommier@pheasantsforever.org.
 
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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