1

Conservation Land Manager Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation. * Experience negotiating agreements. * Knowledge of fire as a prescribed management tool ...

Land Steward

Kirtland, OH ยท On-site

$48K - $58K/hr

The Land Steward contributes to the management of 3,500 acres of natural areas and 1,500 acres of conservation easements. This role serves as a field leader during the implementation of invasive ...

Land Steward

Kirtland, OH ยท On-site

$48K - $58K/yr

The Land Steward contributes to the management of 3,500 acres of natural areas and 1,500 acres of conservation easements. This role serves as a field leader during the implementation of invasive ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Conservation Land Manager information

See Ohio salary details

$31.8K

$100.4K

$174.9K

How much do conservation land manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation land manager in Ohio is $100,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $121,700.00 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 are popular job titles related to Conservation Land Manager jobs in Ohio?

For Conservation Land Manager jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Conservation Land Manager job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,379 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Southern Ohio Program Manager

Nature

West Union, OH โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Southern Ohio Program Manager is part of TNC's Conservation Team and implements projects and programs that lead to measurable conservation outcomes on-the-ground while supporting visitor experience. They will become part of a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results.

The Program Manager is responsible for directing stewardship activities at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve and other southern Ohio preserves, and managing associated spatial data, ensuring high-quality visitor experiences, complying with Forest Stewardship Council certification standards, and managing a cohesive team to meet shared objectives. A key responsibility also involves effectively communicating our conservation mission to government officials and local citizens, while fostering engagement with regional partners and tribal communities connected to southern Ohio.

Additional duties include, but may not be limited to:

  • Programmatic scope requires cross-boundary work and relationship management.

  • Manages multi-disciplinary staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.

  • Establishes clear directions and set stretch objectives for direct reports.

  • Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.

  • Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

  • Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

  • Negotiates and writes agreements and leases.

  • Develops and manages budgets, negotiates and contracts with vendors, and supports fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.

  • Performs and directs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, and fire management.

  • Responds to public inquiries, attends public meetings and addresses complaints.

  • May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and uneven terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.


To effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, the Program Manager is expected to live within a 30 minutes of the Edge of Appalachia, near West Union, Ohio, so they can respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve, including but not limited to security, equipment failures, and other issues that arise.On-site housing is available, and we prefer the successful candidate will take advantage of this option.

We're Looking for You:

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, 65,000 acres in Ohio have been conserved for people and nature. We're looking for a collaborative partner who thrives in an environment based on fostering and building relationships within TNC, across the state chapter, and with external partners. That includes being comfortable networking with varied groups, such as: private landowners, conservation partners, local officials, donors, board members and the public to inspire support for the Conservancy's priorities.

If this sounds like you, this is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world's leading conservation organization!

What You'll Bring:
  • BA/BS degree and 5 years' experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.

  • Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.

  • Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/orgovernment agencies.

  • Excellence in communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.

  • Experience with ArcGIS and ArcGIS Field Maps for data management.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Cross cultural experience is appreciated.

  • Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.

  • Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.

  • Knowledge of ecological land management principles/restoration principles, including invasive species ecology, silviculture, and fire management.

  • Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

  • Experience negotiating agreements.

  • Knowledge of fire as a prescribed management tool, and able to support implementation fire strategies as developed.

  • Knowledge of flora and fauna of Appalachian Ohio.

  • Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver's license.

  • Ability to creatively leverage resources.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $74,000 - $78,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

What We Bring:


Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.