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Conservation Land Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Seasonal Steward participates in land management activities on ABRP, other preserves, and projects on public conservation lands. This seasonal position is 8 months in duration (October 6, 2026 ...

$17.50 - $19/hr

... land management partners. Job Title: Conservation Crew Leader Location: This position is based out of Sacramento, Ridgecrest, or Coachella Valley, CA. Field projects will take place on public lands ...

Land Management Agent

Soldotna, AK ยท On-site

$37.43/hr

... conservation of land, forests and other natural resources. 9. Develops land planning tools and ... Drafts RFPs, manages contracts, develops project reports and oversees project work. 16. Reviews and ...

$17.50 - $19/hr

... land management partners. Job Title: Conservation Crew Leader - Backcountry Trails Location: This position is based out of Sacramento, Ridgecrest, or Coachella Valley, CA. Field projects will take ...

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Conservation Land Manager information

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$33.5K

$105.6K

$184K

How much do conservation land manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation land manager in the United States is $105,585.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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.

How to become a conservation land manager?

To become a conservation land manager, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, forestry, or a related field is required. Relevant experience in land management, conservation practices, and knowledge of GIS tools are also important, along with certifications such as the Certified Wildlife Biologist or Certified Land Steward. Gaining practical experience through internships or volunteer work can improve job prospects in this field.
More about Conservation Land Manager jobs

What cities are hiring for Conservation Land Manager jobs?

Cities with the most Conservation Land Manager job openings:

What states have the most Conservation Land Manager jobs?

States with the most job openings for Conservation Land Manager jobs include:

Infographic showing various Conservation Land Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,585 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Director, Land Management

The Wilderness Society / Outdoors.org

Greenville, ME โ€ข On-site

$86K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

The Appalachian Mountain Club is a nonprofit organization focused on fostering the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. Through its extensive landholdings and conservation programs, including the Maine Woods Initiative, AMC works at the intersection of conservation, recreation, and science to address climate change and protect the Northeast's natural resources.
This position aligns both paid and unpaid staff to move AMC's mission and four strategic priorities:
  • Inspire joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences
  • Protect critical landscapes for the well-being of people and the outdoors
  • Cultivate and sustain a robust, welcoming community
  • Foster access to the outdoors

The Director of Land Management is responsible for the strategic oversight, stewardship, and operational management of the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) landholdings across five states, including the Maine Woods Initiative (MWI), which is 130,000 acres within the Maine 100-Mile Wilderness. This role leads the development and implementation of integrated land management strategies that advance AMC's Forest management, easement compliance, conservation, recreation, research, and climate goals.
Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation, the Director will oversee multidisciplinary teams responsible for forest management, infrastructure, public access, ecological stewardship, and land-based operations. The role requires strong leadership, cross-functional coordination, and the ability to align on-the-ground management with AMC's broader organizational strategy and external partnerships.
Based in Maine, this role requires regular travel across AMC's landholdings throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York, including fieldwork in remote and rugged environments. Occasional evening and weekend commitments are required to support partner engagement and events. An AMC vehicle is provided for all field-based travel.
What You Will Be Doing at AMC
Strategic Land Management Leadership
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive land management strategy across AMC's regional land portfolio (ME, NH, MA, NY, NJ or applicable footprint).
  • Integrate forest management, conservation science, recreation access, and climate/carbon objectives into unified land stewardship plans.
  • Ensure alignment with AMC's conservation priorities, including the Maine Woods Initiative and broader regional impacts.
  • Oversee easement and certification compliance with AMC's landownership, forest certification, and carbon sales.
  • Lead land acquisition work to further AMC's conservation goals near its ownership through the acquisition of inholdings and abutting properties where and when applicable

Maine Woods Initiative (MWI) Oversight
  • Provide senior leadership for land management operations across AMC's MWI properties.
  • Support implementation of sustainable forestry, habitat conservation, watershed protection, and public access programs.
  • Coordinate with research, policy, and partnership teams to advance MWI as a national model for conservation and working lands.
  • Oversee a team of natural resource professionals stewarding this key conservation asset of the AMC
  • Act as a liaison between external stakeholders, key AMC partners, and regional coalitions

Operational and Program Management
  • Oversee day-to-day land management operations, including:
    • Forest and habitat management
    • Infrastructure (roads, bridges, and rec infrastructure, buildings)
    • Public access and recreation management
    • Land protection compliance (easements, certifications, regulatory requirements)
  • Establish and monitor performance metrics for land stewardship outcomes.
  • Ensure effective use of contractors, vendors, and internal staff resources.
  • Oversee relationships with Forest Management contractors like Huber Resources Corporation in the management of MWI.

Team Leadership and Organizational Development
  • Lead and manage a team of land managers, foresters, and operations staff across multiple states.
  • Build staff capacity, establish clear accountability structures, and support professional development.

Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Partner with other Conservation division leads including the Director of Policy, Director of Trails, and the Director of Research to integrate land-based work into AMC's broader mission.
  • Support fundraising, donor engagement, and grant development by articulating the impact of land management programs.
  • Collaborate on research initiatives, including academic partnerships (e.g., field station development) in conjunction with the Research team.

External Relations and Partnerships
  • Represent AMC in regional land management forums, state agencies, and partnerships.
  • Maintain strong relationships with regulators, local communities, industry partners, and conservation organizations.
  • Support development of strategic partnerships that enhance land stewardship outcomes.

Financial Oversight
  • Develop and manage operating and capital budgets for land management programs.
  • Ensure financial discipline and alignment with organizational priorities.
  • Identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and revenue generation (e.g., timber, carbon, grants).

What AMC Is Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in forestry, natural resource management, environmental science, or related field (advanced degree preferred).
  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in land management, forestry, or conservation operations.
  • Be a licensed Maine Forester or the Ability to obtain a license, exceptions may be considered with strong qualifications.
  • Demonstrated experience managing large, multi-state land portfolios or equivalent complexity.
  • Strong leadership and team management experience across distributed teams.
  • advanced knowledge of forest management, conservation planning, and land stewardship best practices.
  • Experience with regulatory frameworks, certification systems (e.g., FSC), and conservation easement frameworks
  • Land acquisition and transaction experience
  • Experience with working forest conservation models, carbon markets, or climate-focused land management.
  • Familiarity with the Northern Forest region and Maine working forest landscape.
  • Experience integrating research, recreation, and conservation objectives on large landscapes.
  • Strong background in partnership development and external representation.

What AMC Can Offer You
Salary: $86,944 - $121,741
We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.
Benefits
  • Health Plan: Generous employer contributions through Cigna with optional vision and dental.
  • Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability.
  • Career Progression: The potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort.
  • Retirement: Mandatory 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule.
  • Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of paid earned time and up to 11 paid company holidays.
  • Other Team Member Perks:
  • 30% discount on AMC Merchandise
  • Free Annual AMC Membership
  • 10 Free nights at AMC locations
  • Educational Assistance
  • Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply:
Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies please.
The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.
The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons, or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.