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Conservation Management Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

My County Parks

Deputy Director

Oxford, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Organizations and agencies concerned with conservation, natural resource management, education, water quality, etc * English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and ...

New

National Audubon Society

$63K - $85K/yr

Aligned with Audubon's overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Senior Manager of Everglades Policy, this individual will provide scientific and technical expertise to ...

Audubon

Range Ecologist

Audubon, IA · On-site

$57K/yr

Develop Habitat Management Plans for private lands enrolled in conservation programs * Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts. * Collaborate with colleagues across the ...

Audubon

Program Manager, Mississippi River

Audubon, IA · On-site +1

$73K - $82K/yr

S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, Environmental Protection Agency ...

National Audubon Society

$75K - $89K/yr

Experience working with agencies such as the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsConservation Management JobsConservation Management Jobs in Iowa

Conservation Management information

See Iowa salary details

$30.1K

$34.7K

$39.4K

How much do conservation management jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation management in Iowa is $34,695.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,400.00 and $35,700.00 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 Iowa?

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Conservation Management jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Conservation Management job openings:

Conservation Management jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Management job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,695 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Wildlife Management Specialist

Riverton, IA • On-site

Pheasants Forever
Environmental Consulting Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Pheasants Foreverexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Work Location:
Iowa DNR Nishnabotna Wildlife Unit (Fremont County)
2321 330th Ave, Riverton, IA 51650
Application deadline: September 6, 2026
Salary: $17.00 per hour
Typical Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – 40 hours per week
Anticipated Start Date: 2-4 weeks post successful job offer
End Date: One year from start date
JOB DESCRIPTION:  This role is designed to provide foundational experience in habitat management, maintenance and technical skills, wildlife surveys, and landowner relations. The PF Wildlife Management Specialist will work with other wildlife unit personnel and be under the general direction of the Natural Resource Biologist. This position will assist with the promotion and implementation the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP) in addition to performing a variety of maintenance and technical tasks at the wildlife management unit. The employee is expected to efficiently display a high level of initiative and commitment towards completing assignments. Overnight travel will occasionally be required on special projects outside of the assigned unit counties. Watch this video to see a day in the role of a Wildlife Management Specialist.
Examples of typical job duties may include:
  • Perform wildlife habitat management activities including: Wetland management, prairie management, native prairie seeding, food plot development, edge feathering, tree/brush removal, spraying, disking, mowing, etc. using large farm machinery, chainsaws, and other hand tools.
  • Prescribed fire implementation for ecological purposes.  This duty will require fire-line construction, fire-line holding, and mop-up activities.  Performance of these tasks will require the employee to periodically work under physically stressful and adverse conditions.  Proficiency in the use of basic wildland firefighting equipment will be needed. 
  • Wildlife Surveys & Monitoring including: Waterfowl banding, deer spotlight routes, august roadside surveys, chronic wasting disease sampling, etc.  Collecting of biological data occasionally will require early or late in the day work scheduling.
  • Contact targeted landowners enrolled the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and follow-up with landowners interested in enrolling into the Iowa Habitat and Access Program (IHAP). Provide technical support, assistance with contracting, and ensuring the planned habitat work has been completed.
  • General area maintenance involving mowing, sign posting, fence building, fence removal, tree/brush control, noxious weed control etc.  These activities require the ability to use simple power equipment; drills, saws, hand tools, chain saws, trimmers, small mowers etc.   
  • Special assignments may require some overnight travel as part of a crew, to accomplish large scale fence removal, fence building or tree removal projects outside of the assigned unit counties.  These assignments will require the ability to work well with others, work out of doors under all types of weather conditions, and to withstand physically demanding work, i.e., lifting, bending and hauling.             
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Degree in wildlife biology, animal ecology, or another closely related natural resource field. 
  • Passion for conservation and outdoor fieldwork.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating responsible behavior, attention to detail, and the capacity to work with minimal supervision.
  • Display professionalism, integrity, and accountability, with strong initiative, effort, and commitment to completing assignments efficiently.
  • Able to travel on overnight duties and work on weekends, holidays, nights, and evenings as required.
  • Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
  • Able to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors and co-workers.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT BENEFITS:
  • Proven pathway to full-time careers — this position has a strong track record of placement into full-time permanent roles with DNR, Pheasants Forever, and other conservation organizations.
  • Build valuable, hands-on technical skills while working alongside experienced DNR professionals.
  • Grow your professional network and form lasting connections across the conservation field.
  • Gain real-world, outdoor experience doing meaningful, on-the-ground conservation work.
  • Experience a unique dual-agency role, with opportunities to engage in trainings, collaboration, and annual staff meetings with both DNR and Pheasants Forever.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PACKAGE:
Pheasants Forever offers a competitive benefits package. Employee Benefit Package information can be found here:  Employee Benefit Summary pdf
To Apply: Please combine your cover letter, resume, and three references into one Word document or PDF file before uploading as part of your application on our recruitment website at pheasantsforever.org/about-us/careers.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must possess or be able to acquire a pesticide applicator’s license and S130-190 basic firefighter training certification, special requirements shall be met within 90 days of hire if not currently possessed. Successful applicant will also be encouraged to obtain a commercial driver’s license, Iowa DNR chainsaw safety certification, and first aid & bloodborne pathogen training.
If you have additional questions, please contact Brian Hickman, SW District Supervisor, at 712-250-0518, or brian.hickman@dnr.iowa.gov.
 
Pheasants Forever, Inc and Quail Forever is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, age, disability status, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including but not limited to selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.

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