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Conservation Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

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 ...

American Conservation Experience

$17.50 - $19/hr

Conservation Crew Leader Location: This position is based out of Sacramento, Ridgecrest, or ... Senior Project Manager Schedule/Hours: Full-time. Flexible Schedule with varying shifts; 40 hours ...

American Conservation Experience

$17.50 - $19/hr

Conservation Crew Leader - Backcountry Trails Location: This position is based out of Sacramento ... Senior Project Manager Schedule/Hours: Full-time. Flexible Schedule with varying shifts; 40 hours ...

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Conservation Manager information

See California salary details

$20.1K

$55.6K

$95.5K

How much do conservation manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation manager in California is $55,624.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,658.00 and $66,587.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conservation Manager?

To thrive as a Conservation Manager, you need a solid background in environmental science, ecology, or natural resource management, typically supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, project management tools, and environmental regulations is often required, along with certifications like Certified Conservation Professional (CCP) being advantageous. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills are essential for coordinating teams, engaging stakeholders, and securing project funding. These skills and qualifications are critical for successfully implementing conservation initiatives and ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources.

What does a Conservation Manager do?

A Conservation Manager is responsible for protecting and managing natural habitats, wildlife, and resources. They develop and implement conservation plans, oversee restoration projects, and work with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to ensure sustainable use of natural areas. Their role often involves monitoring wildlife populations, managing budgets, and educating the public about conservation efforts. Conservation Managers play a key role in preserving biodiversity and addressing environmental challenges.

What is the difference between Conservation Manager vs Environmental Specialist?

AspectConservation ManagerEnvironmental Specialist
CredentialsDegree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; certifications like Certified Conservation ProfessionalSimilar degrees; certifications such as Certified Environmental Professional
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, project management, collaboration with agencies and communitiesResearch, analysis, reporting, often in office or lab settings
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, conservation organizationsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, private sector

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Conservation Managers primarily oversee conservation projects and manage teams to protect natural resources. Environmental Specialists often conduct research, analyze data, and develop environmental policies. The roles complement each other but differ in scope and daily activities.

What are some common challenges Conservation Managers face when balancing environmental goals with stakeholder interests?

Conservation Managers often navigate complex situations where ecological objectives must be balanced with the needs of local communities, government agencies, and private landowners. Negotiating these interests requires strong communication and conflict-resolution skills, as well as the ability to develop practical, science-based management plans that consider economic and social factors. Building relationships and fostering collaboration among diverse groups is a key part of the role, and successfully managing these dynamics is crucial to achieving long-term conservation outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs in California? The most popular types of Conservation jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Conservation Manager jobs in California? For Conservation Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Conservation Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Conservation Manager job openings:
Conservation Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,624 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Field Conservation Manager

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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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