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Conservation Management Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Project Management 5.Assists the Director with the planning and implementation of Field Conservation projects, including animal collections, head-start activities, releases, research programs ...

Nsw Corp

Regional Conservation Officer - BCT

Orange, CA · Hybrid

$112K - $124K/yr

BCT program delivery, managing projects and partnerships as well as stakeholder engagement, education, communication, conservation assessment and agreement management. About You * You have a passion ...

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Conservation Management information

See California salary details

$31.6K

$36.5K

$41.5K

How much do conservation management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation management in California is $36,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,000.00 and $37,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is conservation management?

Conservation management refers to the planning and implementation of strategies to protect, preserve, and sustainably use natural resources and ecosystems. This field involves monitoring habitats, restoring degraded environments, and managing wildlife populations to ensure long-term ecological health. Conservation managers work with government agencies, non-profits, and communities to balance human activities with environmental protection. Their goal is to maintain biodiversity, support ecosystem services, and address issues like climate change and habitat loss.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in conservation management?

To thrive in Conservation Management, you need a solid background in environmental science, ecology, or natural resource management, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, field survey equipment, and data analysis tools is typically required, along with certifications such as Certified Conservation Professional (CCP). Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills help you engage stakeholders and manage conservation projects effectively. These competencies are essential for making informed decisions, fostering collaboration, and ensuring the successful preservation of natural resources.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in conservation management, and how can new hires prepare to address them?

Conservation management professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing ecological preservation with the needs of local communities, navigating complex regulatory environments, and securing funding for projects. New hires can prepare by developing strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, staying informed about relevant environmental policies, and gaining practical experience in both fieldwork and project management. Being adaptable and open to interdisciplinary collaboration is also key to effectively addressing the dynamic issues that arise in conservation settings.

What is the difference between Conservation Management vs Wildlife Conservation?

AspectConservation ManagementWildlife Conservation
CredentialsDegree in environmental science, ecology, or related fields; certifications in conservation practicesSimilar credentials; often includes wildlife biology or ecology certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, project planning, habitat restoration, policy developmentFieldwork, research, species monitoring, habitat protection
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, NGOs, parks, conservation organizationsWildlife agencies, NGOs, research institutions

Conservation Management focuses on developing and implementing strategies to preserve ecosystems and habitats, often involving habitat restoration and policy work. Wildlife Conservation specifically emphasizes protecting individual species and their populations through research and direct intervention. While both roles overlap in environmental protection, Conservation Management has a broader scope including habitat-level strategies, whereas Wildlife Conservation concentrates on species-specific efforts.

What do conservation managers do?

Conservation managers oversee efforts to protect and restore natural environments and wildlife. They develop management plans, monitor ecosystems, coordinate with stakeholders, and may use tools like GIS and data analysis to ensure sustainable practices. Strong knowledge of ecology, environmental policies, and fieldwork skills are essential for this role.

What is the best degree to work in conservation management?

A bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, forestry, or a related field is typically required for conservation management roles. Advanced positions may require a master's degree or higher, along with skills in data analysis, GIS, and fieldwork. Relevant certifications and experience can also enhance job prospects.

What jobs can I get with a conservation management degree?

A conservation management degree prepares individuals for roles such as conservation officer, environmental planner, wildlife biologist, park ranger, or habitat restoration specialist. These jobs often require fieldwork, data analysis, and knowledge of environmental policies and tools like GIS software.

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Management jobs in California?

For Conservation Management jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Conservation Management jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Management jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Conservation Management jobs?

Cities in California with the most Conservation Management job openings:

Conservation Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Management job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,455 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

SFZOO
See more jobs at SFZOOexternal

$71K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Division: Conservation
Reports To: Director of Field Conservation
FLSA Status: Exempt, Regular Full Time, Non-Union
Compensation: $71,000 Annually


SUMMARY: Under the direction of the Director of Field Conservation, the Field Conservation Manager oversees the daily operations of the Zoo's Field Conservation head-start programs. The position serves as the department's primary operational leader, providing leadership for departmental personnel; coordinating conservation projects and operational priorities; managing staffing, budgets, grants, and resource allocation; and ensuring the successful planning and execution of animal collections, releases, research activities, and other conservation initiatives. The Manager works closely with the Director to implement departmental goals while supporting Field Conservation Supervisor(s) in maintaining high standards of animal care, operational excellence, and conservation outcomes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Personnel Leadership
1.Under the direction of the Director of Field Conservation, directly supervises Field Conservation Supervisors, Conservation Specialists, interns, volunteers, and temporary staff, including recruitment, interviewing, onboarding, training, coaching, scheduling, goal development, performance management, and professional development.
2.Assists with daily husbandry operations as needed.
3.Establishes daily and long-term work priorities, delegates responsibilities, monitors progress, and ensures departmental objectives are achieved efficiently, safely, and in accordance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
4.Promotes a collaborative, respectful, and positive work environment while fostering staff growth, accountability, and effective communication.
5.Coordinates staffing schedules and coverage to ensure uninterrupted support of Field Conservation head-start programs and departmental operations.
Project Management
5.Assists the Director with the planning and implementation of Field Conservation projects, including animal collections, head-start activities, releases, research programs, scientific studies, outreach activities, and other departmental initiatives.
6.Oversees project logistics, staffing assignments, equipment needs, timelines, permitting requirements, and coordination with internal departments and external conservation partners.
7.Works closely with the Director to establish program priorities, manage competing deadlines, and ensure successful execution of multiple concurrent conservation programs.
8.Supports Field Conservation Supervisors by coordinating resources, removing operational barriers, and facilitating communication necessary to achieve departmental goals.
Department Operations
9.Oversees departmental purchasing, inventory management, equipment acquisition, and operational readiness for current and upcoming conservation programs.
10.Assists the Director with maintaining financial records for conservation programs, including tracking expenditures, invoices, grant budgets, purchases, and allocation of expenses across grants, contracts, and departmental accounts.
11.Coordinates infrastructure improvements, facility readiness, and operational planning for upcoming conservation projects, animal collections, and releases.
12.Ensures departmental compliance with institutional policies, permit requirements, safety standards, animal welfare guidelines, and agency reporting obligations.
Grants, Research, & Partnerships
13.Assists the Director in identifying funding opportunities and preparing grant proposals, project budgets, supporting documentation, and other funding applications.
14.Assists with administration of awarded grants, including maintaining grant records, monitoring project deliverables, ensuring compliance with grant requirements, and preparing quarterly, annual, and final grant reports.
15.Oversees the collection, organization, quality assurance, analysis, and submission of scientific data to collaborating agencies, funding organizations, and research partners.
16.Leads or collaborates on scientific analyses, technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, and other scholarly products that advance wildlife conservation and the Zoo's conservation programs.
17.Independently develops and delivers professional presentations for scientific conferences, agency meetings, AZA programs, partner organizations, donors, and public outreach events.
18.Represents the department at partner meetings, professional conferences, scientific workshops, AZA programs, and other collaborative forums.
Communication & Reporting
19.Assists the Director in preparing agency reports, permit reports, institutional reports, annual summaries, and other required program documentation.
20.Works with the PR and Marketing Departments to draft written summaries, promotional materials, and communications highlighting the Zoo's conservation programs, scientific accomplishments, partnerships, and funding impacts.
Additional Responsibilities
Serves as acting departmental lead in the Director's absence.
Assists with strategic planning, development of new conservation initiatives, and implementation of departmental goals.
Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
QUALIFICATIONS: Comprehensive knowledge of amphibian and reptile husbandry, wildlife conservation programs, zoological operations, aquatic life support systems, biosecurity practices, animal health, conservation regulations, and project management principles.
Demonstrated ability to:
Lead and develop driven teams.
Coordinate multiple complex conservation projects simultaneously.
Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining accountability.
Develop competitive grant proposals and administer grant-funded projects.
Lead scientific analyses, prepare technical reports, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications.
Prepare and deliver professional scientific presentations.
Build collaborative relationships with internal departments, regulatory agencies, research institutions, and conservation partners.
Maintain accurate financial, operational, and scientific records.
Communicate effectively with staff, researchers, agency personnel, donors, and the public.
Strong organizational, leadership, interpersonal, project management, and communication skills are required.
EDUCATION, TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, wildlife management, zoology, conservation biology, or a closely related field required. Master's degree preferred. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in zoological animal management, wildlife conservation, applied conservation, or a related field. Minimum of three years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff. Experience coordinating multi-partner conservation projects, grant-funded programs, scientific research, and regulated wildlife conservation programs is highly desirable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; use hands to handle equipment and animals; and communicate effectively. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The position requires frequent work outdoors under varying environmental conditions, including inclement weather, and occasional travel to field sites that may involve hiking over uneven terrain.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Work is performed in animal holding facilities, laboratories, quarantine areas, office environments, and outdoor field settings. Employees are regularly exposed to varying weather conditions, biological materials, disinfectants, and potentially hazardous animals. The noise level is typically moderate.

APPLICATION: Please apply via our web site at www.sfzoo.org. Please attach a cover letter with your resume detailing your experience as it relates to this position.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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