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Conservation Land Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is the leader of a movement to connect everyone in America to the ... Support Philanthropy, Marketing, and Conservation Finance staff as needed and appropriate to ...

Protector of the Community's Natural Resources including Land, Air, Water and Wildlife. Maximize ... Records Management System (RMS). * Maintain chain of custody records and documentation for all ...

... conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise. Red Rock ...

Protector of the Community's Natural Resources including Land, Air, Water and Wildlife. Maximize ... Records Management System (RMS). * Maintain chain of custody records and documentation for all ...

Protector of the Community's Natural Resources including Land, Air, Water and Wildlife. Maximize ... Records Management System (RMS). * Maintain chain of custody records and documentation for all ...

... conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise. Our seed ...

... with USFWS Land-based Wind Energy Guidelines and Eagle Conservation Guidelines. * Accurately ... Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an ...

... with USFWS Land-based Wind Energy Guidelines and Eagle Conservation Guidelines. * Accurately ... Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an ...

Avian Biologist

Minneapolis, MN ยท On-site

$21 - $28/hr

... with USFWS Land-based Wind Energy Guidelines and Eagle Conservation Guidelines. * Accurately ... Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an ...

... with USFWS Land-based Wind Energy Guidelines and Eagle Conservation Guidelines. * Accurately ... Degree: Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, or an ...

Seasonal Construction Laborer

Otsego, MN ยท On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise. Our ...

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Showing results 1-20

Conservation Land Manager information

See Minnesota salary details

$32.8K

$103.4K

$180.2K

How much do conservation land manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation land manager in Minnesota is $103,411.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $125,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a conservation land manager do?

A Conservation Land Manager is responsible for overseeing the protection, maintenance, and restoration of natural lands and habitats. They develop and implement land management plans, monitor ecosystems, manage invasive species, and work to enhance biodiversity. These professionals often collaborate with government agencies, conservation organizations, and the public to ensure sustainable land use and long-term preservation of natural resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation land manager?

To thrive as a Conservation Land Manager, you need expertise in ecology, land management, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant degree and field experience. Familiarity with GIS software, land monitoring tools, and regulatory compliance certifications is often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help coordinate teams and engage stakeholders effectively. These skills are crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, ensuring regulatory compliance, and achieving long-term conservation goals.

What are some common challenges conservation land managers face when balancing ecological goals with public access needs?

Conservation Land Managers often need to strike a careful balance between protecting sensitive habitats and providing safe, enjoyable access for the public. This can involve managing trail networks to minimize environmental impact, educating visitors on responsible recreation, and coordinating with stakeholders such as local government and community groups. Adapting management plans to address invasive species, climate change, and changing visitor patterns are also common challenges. Collaborative problem-solving and adaptive management strategies are key to success in this dynamic role.

What is the difference between Conservation Land Manager vs Wildlife Technician?

AspectConservation Land ManagerWildlife Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; certifications like GIS or habitat managementAssociate's or bachelor's degree in wildlife management, biology, or related field; often requires state-specific wildlife permits
Work EnvironmentFieldwork managing protected lands, collaborating with agencies, overseeing conservation projectsFieldwork monitoring wildlife, collecting data, assisting with habitat surveys
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, land trusts, conservation organizationsWildlife agencies, research institutions, environmental NGOs

While both roles focus on conservation, Conservation Land Managers oversee land use and habitat preservation, whereas Wildlife Technicians primarily assist with wildlife monitoring and data collection. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is land management a good career?

A conservation land manager oversees the preservation and sustainable use of natural areas, often requiring knowledge of ecology, environmental policies, and land management tools. It can be a rewarding career for those interested in environmental protection, with opportunities for fieldwork, collaboration, and certification in related areas. Job stability and growth depend on government and private sector funding and environmental priorities.

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Conservation Land Manager jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Conservation Land Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Conservation Land Manager job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $103,411 per year, or $49.7 per hour.

Project Manager & Estimator - Prescribed Fire & Vegetation Management

MNL

Otsego, MN โ€ข On-site

$68K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Do you enjoy managing projects from proposal through completion while building strong relationships with clients and agency partners? Are you looking for an opportunity to combine project management, estimating, and ecological land management while growing your expertise in prescribed fire? Do you enjoy improving processes, solving complex challenges, and helping build specialized service lines?
About Us
MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.
Our Vegetation Management team provides a wide range of land stewardship services, including prescribed fire, wildfire suppression, invasive species management, forestry, and ecological restoration. Our fire program helps restore native ecosystems through prescribed fire while supporting state and national wildfire response through our on-call suppression program.
The Opportunity
As our Project Manager & Estimator - Prescribed Fire & Vegetation Management, you'll lead the planning, estimating, and delivery of prescribed fire projects while overseeing the administration and continued development of MNL's wildfire suppression program.
This role combines project management, estimating, client relationship management, and technical leadership to support MNL's fire services. You'll manage projects from initial client discussions and proposal development through project completion, financial closeout, and ongoing customer support while helping strengthen and expand MNL's fire capabilities.
While experience with prescribed fire is valuable, we're also interested in candidates with strong project management and estimating experience in vegetation management, natural resources, ecological restoration, construction, or a related field who are excited to develop additional technical expertise in fire services.
What You Will Do
Client & Project Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned clients throughout the life of each project
  • Build long-term client relationships through responsive communication, technical expertise, and reliable project delivery
  • Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, documentation, invoicing, and project closeout
  • Coordinate project execution to ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget
  • Identify opportunities to support future prescribed fire and other Vegetation Management needs

Estimating & Financial Management
  • Prepare estimates, proposals, budgets, and project scopes for prescribed fire and related Vegetation Management services
  • Conduct site visits and evaluate project conditions to develop accurate pricing and execution plans
  • Monitor project financial performance and identify opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency
  • Support annual planning, forecasting, budgeting, and workload management for fire services

Fire Technical Leadership & Program Development
  • Serve as MNL's technical resource for prescribed fire planning, estimating, and project management
  • Manage complex, higher-risk, or strategically important prescribed fire projects
  • Help develop consistent estimating practices, project management processes, and program standards
  • Support and mentor other Project Managers & Estimators as MNL continues expanding its prescribed fire capabilities
  • Stay current on industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and emerging fire management techniques

Wildfire Suppression Program Administration
  • Oversee the administrative management and operational readiness of MNL's wildfire suppression program
  • Coordinate personnel qualifications, equipment readiness, annual training requirements, and deployment documentation
  • Support suppression mobilizations by coordinating required logistics, documentation, and contractual requirements
  • Evaluate program performance following deployments and recommend improvements that strengthen future readiness

Vegetation Management Project Support
  • Support project management and estimating efforts across other Vegetation Management service lines during periods of lower fire activity
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen project delivery and operational consistency across the department

What You Will Need To Be Successful
  • Three or more years of experience in project management, estimating, vegetation management, ecological restoration, natural resources, construction, or a related field
  • Experience preparing estimates, proposals, budgets, contracts, and project scopes
  • Ability to manage multiple projects while balancing customer expectations, financial performance, and operational priorities
  • Strong organizational, communication, decision-making, and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to interpret technical requirements and translate them into accurate estimates and executable project plans
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with internal and external stakeholders
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate project, financial, and contract documentation
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to learn project management and estimating software
  • Ability to travel regularly to project sites and work in both our Otsego, MN office and field environments
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with prescribed fire planning, implementation, or project management
  • Working knowledge of prescribed fire operations, planning requirements, and applicable regulations
  • National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) training or qualifications
  • Experience supporting wildfire suppression operations or program administration

The pay range for this role is:
68,000 - 75,000 USD per year (Otsego Headquarters)