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Conservation Fund Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Conservation Fund information

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$60K

$89.8K

$161.5K

How much do conservation fund jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation fund in the United States is $89,770.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $94,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Conservation Fund?

A Conservation Fund is a financial resource established to support the protection, preservation, and restoration of natural environments, wildlife habitats, and cultural resources. These funds are typically managed by nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or partnerships, and are used to acquire land, support conservation projects, and promote sustainable practices. The goal of a Conservation Fund is to ensure that important ecological areas are protected for future generations, while often also providing opportunities for public recreation and education.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive at a Conservation Fund?

To thrive in a role at a Conservation Fund, you need knowledge in environmental science, conservation policy, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree such as environmental studies or natural resource management. Familiarity with GIS tools, grant writing, and fundraising platforms is commonly required. Strong interpersonal communication, collaboration, and organizational skills help build partnerships and effectively manage conservation projects. These skills are vital for securing funding, executing successful initiatives, and advancing environmental preservation goals.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at a Conservation Fund, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals at a Conservation Fund often encounter challenges such as balancing conservation goals with financial constraints, securing long-term funding, and navigating complex stakeholder relationships, including landowners, government agencies, and local communities. Addressing these challenges requires strong project management skills, effective communication, and creative problem-solving. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams and maintaining transparency with stakeholders are essential strategies for overcoming these obstacles and achieving lasting conservation impact.

What is the difference between Conservation Fund vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectConservation FundEnvironmental Scientist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related fieldRequires a bachelor's degree; advanced roles often need a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, conservation projects, fieldwork, policy advocacyResearch labs, government agencies, consulting firms, fieldwork
Employer & IndustryNonprofits focused on conservation and environmental protectionGovernment agencies, private sector, research institutions

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Conservation Fund professionals primarily work in nonprofit conservation projects and policy advocacy, whereas Environmental Scientists often conduct research and analysis in labs or government settings. The roles share similar educational backgrounds but differ in work environment and specific job functions.

More about Conservation Fund jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservation Fund jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Fund job openings:
What states have the most Conservation Fund jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Fund jobs include:
Infographic showing various Conservation Fund job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 35% Full Time, 61% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,770 per year, or $43.2 per hour.
Forestry Specialist (RPF or RPF-Track)

Forestry Specialist (RPF or RPF-Track)

Napa County Resource Conservation District

Napa, CA โ€ข On-site

$93K - $111K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Employer: Napa County Resource Conservation District
Position: Forestry Specialist* (RPF or RPF-Track)
Work Location: Napa, California
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (1.0 FTE). This at-will position is fully funded for one year, and continued employment is contingent on additional funding.
Starting Annual Salary Range: $93,766 to $111,946 (dependent on experience and licensure)
*Working title reflects licensure status, see qualification pathways below
Napa County Resource Conservation District (Napa RCD) is seeking a qualified Forestry Specialist to lead the technical planning, implementation, and project management of projects that improve forest health and wildfire resilience in Napa County. This position requires demonstrated expertise in applied forestry - specifically silviculture, forest stand management, and forest practice - and carries professional-level responsibility for landowner technical assistance, project oversight, regulatory compliance, and community education.
Working closely with the Forest Health & Restoration Program Director, this position ensures that projects are planned in accordance with forestry best practices, comply with the California Forest Practice Act and applicable regulations, and achieve measurable outcomes for forest ecosystem resilience.
This position also serves as a primary point of contact for landowners, partners, agencies, and community stakeholders, and represents Napa RCD at meetings, workshops, and public events.
Note on Candidate Pool: This role requires a background specifically in forestry, silviculture, or forest management. Candidates with experience primarily in wildlife biology, environmental planning, wetlands, general conservation, or other natural resource fields without direct forestry or forest stand management experience are unlikely to meet the minimum qualifications for this position.
Responsibilities
  • Design, manage, and implement on-the-ground forestry projects aimed at enhancing forest health and wildfire resilience. Key activities will include prescription development, project implementation, monitoring, evaluation, reporting and budget tracking.
  • Provide technical assistance to landowners and land managers on forest stand management, including reforestation, fuels management, pest and disease management, and timber harvesting in accordance with the California Forest Practice Act. Assist landowners in developing Forest Management Plans (FMPs), Timber Harvest Plans (THPs), and Nonindustrial Timber Management Plans (NTMPs), and navigating financial assistance programs.
  • Oversee field-based activities and community education efforts, ensuring compliance with safety standards, permitting requirements, and applicable regulations.
  • Serve as subject matter expert and as a primary liaison with landowners, community partners, public agencies, consultants, and contractors.
  • Apply strong forestry and ecological expertise, including GIS, forest inventory and forest management best practices, to advance equitable, effective, and science-based conservation outcomes.
  • Support fund development by identifying funding opportunities and contributing to grant proposals, funding requests, and fee-for-service program development within the forestry program area.
  • Represent Napa RCD and its programming at community meetings and events.
  • Coordinate across Napa RCD teams to integrate forest health and wildfire resilience efforts into broader organizational programs.

Minimum Qualifications
Candidates must qualify under one of the two pathways below. Both pathways require meaningful, hands-on experience in forestry. Experience in adjacent natural resource fields without a forestry-specific component does not satisfy either pathway.
Track 1 - Licensed Forester (Working Title: Forestry Specialist, RPF)
  • Possession of a valid California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) license issued by the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection; and
  • Four or more years of experience performing applied forestry work, which must include at least one of the following: silvicultural treatment planning, timber harvest operations or planning (THP/NTMP/NTMP-SYP), forest stand inventory and mensuration, reforestation, forest pest and disease management, prescribed fire planning, or range and watershed management with a direct forestry component.
Track 2 - RPF-Track (Working Title: Forestry Specialist, RPF-Track)
  • Demonstrated active pursuit of RPF licensure, possession of an authorized letter from the California State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to sit for the RPF examination, documented eligibility to apply for that authorization (qualifying degree plus required experience hours), or commitment to pursue.
  • Two or more years of progressively responsible forestry experience in one or more of the following: forest stand management, silviculture, timber harvest planning or operations, reforestation, forest pest control, pre-fire engineering or fuels management, or California forest practice regulation; and
All Candidates Must Also Possess
  • Bachelor's degree (or equivalent coursework) in forestry, silviculture, or forest management - or a closely related field with substantial forestry coursework (e.g., forest ecology, forest resources management)
  • Valid driver's license with a good driving record
  • Strong proficiency in written and spoken English
  • Ability to successfully complete a background check
Essential Physical Requirements
The role demands constant alertness, safe work practices, frequent computer use, and extended seating. It involves outdoor work in varied conditions, physical activities like lifting up to 30 pounds, and comprehensive vision capabilities. Frequent travel within Napa County and occasional travel beyond are required, with reasonable accommodations available upon request.
Work Environment
The work environment includes both office and field settings, with noise levels ranging from quiet to moderate in office spaces and potentially moderate to loud at field sites due to equipment. Remote work locations must support professional video meetings with minimal distractions. The role requires frequent fieldwork in outdoor settings with uneven terrain and inclement weather, occasional evening and weekend work, travel to field sites, and occasional off-road driving.
Please click here to view detailed job description.
Why Join Napa RCD?
Impact: Lead and shape forest health and wildfire resilience projects with direct, measurable benefits to Napa County's landscapes and communities.
Growth: Be part of an organization expanding its reach and deepening its conservation impact.
Culture: Work in a positive, inclusive, and collaborative environment with a team that values your expertise.
Competitive Salary: Annual salary range is between $93,766 to $111,946, commensurate with applicable experience and professional qualifications.
Excellent Benefits: Napa RCD's full-time employees receive paid holiday, sick, and vacation leave, CalPERS retirement benefits, fully employer-paid health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance plans, cell phone stipend, and access to a voluntary deferred compensation program.
Your application should include:
  • Resume. Your most recently updated resume, including forestry-specific experience and any relevant certifications or coursework.
  • Cover letter. Describe your forestry background and how your experience prepares you for this role. Please indicate which qualification track you are applying under (Track 1 - RPF, or Track 2 - RPF-Track) and your current RPF licensure status or timeline.
Application Deadline: Open until filled. First screening deadline is July 3, 2026.
Organizational Background and Mission
Napa RCD was established in 1945 as a non-regulatory agency that connects communities and individuals to the technical, financial, and educational resources they need to be excellent stewards of land, water, soil, and other natural resources. Our team consists of administrative professionals and conservation scientists who are skilled at developing, implementing, and monitoring many different types of projects. Learn more: http://naparcd.org
Napa RCD is an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a staff that reflects the full range of communities we serve. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship or immigration status, disability, veteran status, record of arrest or conviction, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.