ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Conservation Genetics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

Geneticist

Lamar, PA

$89K/yr

Join the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and apply your expertise in conservation genetics to help protect and restore aquatic species. As a Geneticist, you will use cutting-edge genomic and ...

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Geneticist

Lamar, PA · On-site +1

$89K - $116K/yr

S. Fish and Wildlife Service and apply your expertise in conservation genetics to help protect and restore aquatic species. As a Geneticist, you will use cutting-edge genomic and environmental DNA ...

Cherokee Federal

Researcher V

Gainesville, FL · On-site

$72K/yr

Conservation Genetics Specialist * Aquatic Biology Researcher * Invasive Species Molecular Analyst * Wildlife Genomics Researcher Legal Disclaimer: Cherokee Federal is an equal opportunity employer.

Clemson

Geneticist

Clemson, SC

Time-Limited (TLP) Staff Minimum Education 1st Doctoral / Professional Degree - Genetics (quantitative, experimental design, population, and/or breeding pipeline optimization) conservation or ...

Clemson University

Geneticist

Clemson, SC · On-site

Time-Limited (TLP) Staff Minimum Education 1st Doctoral / Professional Degree - Genetics (quantitative, experimental design, population, and/or breeding pipeline optimization) conservation or ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience JobsEarth Science JobsScientific Specialist JobsConservation Genetics Jobs

Conservation Genetics information

See salary details

$12

$20

$33

How much do conservation genetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for conservation genetics in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is conservation genetics?

Conservation genetics is a scientific field that applies genetic methods to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. It focuses on understanding genetic diversity within and between populations of species, assessing risks such as inbreeding, and guiding management decisions to maintain healthy, resilient populations. Conservation geneticists often work with endangered species to help preserve genetic variation, which is crucial for long-term survival and adaptability. Their research informs conservation strategies, breeding programs, and habitat restoration efforts.

What are different kinds of conservation genetics jobs?

Conservation genetics is a growing field, so there are many different opportunities to become a conservation geneticist if you have the proper skills. Acquiring a position with a post-secondary institution allows you to conduct research and fieldwork with the support of that institution. Various conservation organizations, such as Greenpeace and the WWF, may hire conservation geneticists to protect endangered species or other vulnerable plants and animals. Other geneticists working with governments or schools may work on engineering plant or animal genes in order to protect them from certain diseases or climate change. Some conservation geneticists have qualifications in epigenetics, which studies how genes interact with an environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in conservation genetics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in conservation genetics often encounter challenges such as limited access to high-quality genetic samples from endangered species, small population sizes leading to low genetic diversity, and logistical difficulties in fieldwork. Addressing these issues typically involves collaborating closely with local conservationists, utilizing non-invasive sampling techniques, and applying advanced genetic analysis methods to maximize the information gained from available data. Additionally, effective communication with policy makers and interdisciplinary teams is crucial to ensure that genetic findings are translated into actionable conservation strategies.

What is the difference between Conservation Genetics vs Wildlife Biologist?

AspectConservation GeneticsWildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Genetics, Biology, or related field; often includes genetics certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field; may include fieldwork certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, conservation organizationsField sites, nature reserves, research stations
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, conservation agencies, NGOsGovernment agencies, environmental consultancies, NGOs

While both roles focus on wildlife and conservation, Conservation Genetics specializes in genetic research to inform species preservation, whereas Wildlife Biologists conduct field studies to understand animal behavior and ecology. Conservation Genetics often involves laboratory work, whereas Wildlife Biologists spend more time in the field. Both careers are vital for conservation efforts but serve different functions within the industry.

More about Conservation Genetics jobs

What cities are hiring for Conservation Genetics jobs?

Cities with the most Conservation Genetics job openings:

What states have the most Conservation Genetics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Conservation Genetics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Conservation Genetics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Genetics jobs are:

Conservation Genetics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Genetics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Conservation Genetics

Columbia, MO • On-site

University of Missouri
Education • 10K+ employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

367th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about University of Missouriexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Hiring Department
School of Natural Resources
Job Description
Starting Date: September 1, 2027, or as negotiated
Responsibilities: As part of the Johnny Morris Institute of Fisheries, Wetlands, and Aquatic Systems ( fwas.missouri.edu ), this is a tenure-track position in the School of Natural Resources ( www.snr.missouri.edu ), in partnership with the Division of Biological Sciences ( biology.missouri.edu ) at the University of Missouri (MU).
The successful candidate will develop an exciting and high-impact, nationally/internationally recognized, externally funded research program in the field of conservation genetics, with an emphasis in fisheries, that will complement existing strengths in fisheries, conservation, evolutionary biology, and biological sciences.
The position will strengthen growing education programs, collaborate with other established MU research centers to garner major grants, form innovative new partnerships with private and public partners, and contribute greatly toward improving grant and publication metrics considered in the Association of American Universities' (AAU) rankings. Teaching may include undergraduate courses such as conservation genetics, fisheries, population dynamics, aquaculture, and graduate courses related to the individual's expertise (3-4 courses per year).
This position will complement and collaborate with faculty in the Johnny Morris Institute, the School of Natural Resources, and the Division of Biological Sciences, as well as other colleges and departments across the MU campus. Collaborative efforts will also develop with scientists from the Missouri Department of Conservation, the USDA Forest Service Northern Forest Research Station (housed on campus), the USGS Missouri Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit (housed on campus), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (facilities in Columbia), and the USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center (facilities in Columbia).
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Ph.D. in Fisheries, Ecology, Evolution, Genetics, Biology, Conservation Biology, or a closely related discipline by the time of appointment.
Candidates will be evaluated on: a strong background in genetics, fisheries, and conservation; a strong record of impactful peer-reviewed publications; teaching experience; and a level of grantsmanship that reflects high productivity relative to the applicant's career stage. The area of expertise should complement existing institutional strengths in ecology, evolution, genetics, and conservation. The candidate should have a demonstrated interest in working with state and federal agencies and other private and public stakeholders.
Application Materials
To apply for this position, please visit the MU web site at http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ - Job ID 60698. Please submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, narrative of teaching philosophy (approximately 2 pages), narrative of current and future research interests (approximately 2 pages), and the names and contact information of three references.
Review of applications will begin on 31 October 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. For additional information about the position, please contact Dr. Rick Relyea, Director of the Johnny Morris Institute, ( rick.relyea@missouri.edu ).
Sponsorship Information
Employment visa sponsorship may be available for this position.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.
University of Missouri logo

About University of Missouri

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Missouri, based in Columbia, MO, US; is a public, land-grant research institution with an established reputation in academic excellence, industry relevance, and societal impact. Founded in 1839, it was the first public university located west of the Mississippi River. The institution spans various industries in the education sector with its multitude of undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs across various disciplines. The University's mission is centered on improving lives, enhancing communities, advancing health, and fostering excellence through its teaching, research, and engagement activities. U-M has some significant achievements under its belt including pioneering the world's first school of journalism and being one of the only six public universities in the US that accommodates medicine, veterinary medicine, and law in one campus.

Industry

Education

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MO, US

Year founded

1839

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All University of Missouri Jobs

What University Of Missouri employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply