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Conservation Officer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Cincinnati Nature Center

Major Gifts Officer

Milford, OH · On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

Cincinnati Nature Center is looking to add to the Development Team with a new Major Gift Officer ... Conservation . Successful candidates will love cultivating relationships while being a ...

New

Jonathan Rose Companies

Asset Manager

Independence, OH

$120/hr

... conservation to reduce our use of natural resources and toxins. Our social impact is achieved by ... Attends meetings and provide support to the Senior Director of Asset Management, CFO and COO as ...

All JobsConservation Officer JobsConservation Officer Jobs in Ohio

Conservation Officer information

See Ohio salary details

$22.3K

$72.2K

$173.5K

How much do conservation officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation officer in Ohio is $72,185.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $93,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation officer?

Conservation Officers are law enforcement professionals responsible for protecting natural resources, wildlife, and public lands. They enforce environmental laws, educate the public about conservation, and ensure compliance with regulations related to hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Conservation Officers often patrol parks, forests, and waterways, investigate environmental crimes, and collaborate with other agencies to promote sustainable resource use. Their work helps preserve ecosystems and maintain biodiversity for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation officer?

To thrive as a Conservation Officer, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, wildlife management, and law enforcement, typically backed by a relevant degree and sometimes POST certification. Familiarity with GIS mapping, evidence collection tools, and regulatory databases is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and excellent communication are vital for interacting with the public and resolving conflicts. These skills ensure the effective protection of natural resources, enforcement of environmental laws, and productive community engagement.

What are some common challenges conservation officers face in the field and how can they prepare for them?

Conservation Officers often encounter challenging situations such as working in remote locations, dealing with unpredictable weather, and interacting with individuals who may be violating environmental laws. They must be prepared for physical demands, potential confrontations, and the need to make quick decisions under pressure. Staying physically fit, continuously updating knowledge of laws and local ecosystems, and participating in regular training can greatly help Conservation Officers navigate these challenges safely and effectively.

What is the difference between Conservation Officer vs Wildlife Technician?

AspectConservation OfficerWildlife Technician
Required CredentialsEnvironmental or natural resource degree, certifications in conservationWildlife biology or related degree, field-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community outreach, enforcement activitiesField surveys, data collection, habitat management
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsResearch institutions, wildlife agencies, NGOs

Both Conservation Officers and Wildlife Technicians work in natural environments and require related degrees. Conservation Officers often focus on enforcement and community engagement, while Wildlife Technicians primarily handle field data collection and habitat management. They share similar certifications and work in overlapping settings, but their roles differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is becoming a conservation officer hard?

Becoming a conservation officer typically requires completing relevant education such as a degree in environmental science, wildlife management, or a related field, along with passing physical and written exams. The job can be competitive and often involves on-the-job training, certifications, and experience in law enforcement or natural resource management.

What degree do you need to be a conservation officer?

Conservation officers typically need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, wildlife management, biology, or a related field. Relevant skills include knowledge of local ecosystems, law enforcement, and often certification in first aid or law enforcement training, depending on the jurisdiction.

What does a conservation officer do?

A conservation officer enforces laws and regulations related to wildlife, natural resources, and environmental protection. They conduct patrols, investigate violations, educate the public, and may require certifications in law enforcement or environmental science. Their work often involves outdoor activity and collaboration with agencies to preserve ecosystems.
More about Conservation Officer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Officer jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Conservation Officer jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Officer jobs in Ohio?

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

What job categories do people searching Conservation Officer jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Officer jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Conservation Officer jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Conservation Officer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Officer jobs in OH?

For Conservation Officer jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Conservation Officer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Officer job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,185 per year, or $34.7 per hour.

Major Gifts Officer

Milford, OH • On-site

Cincinnati Nature Center
See more jobs at Cincinnati Nature Centerexternal

$62K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Have you ever dreamed about working in the woods? If so, today is your lucky day! Cincinnati Nature Center is looking to add to the Development Team with a new Major Gift Officer. We are excited to bring on a team member who loves nature, enjoys being outside, and wants to further the mission by Inspiring Conservation. Successful candidates will love cultivating relationships while being a participatative, contributing team member.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Director of Development and as a member of the Development team, the full-time Major Gifts Officer is responsible for maintaining and growing a solid base of individual donors. During the transformative $60 million From Great to Extraordinary campaign, the Major Gift Officer (MGO) plays a crucial role in securing the philanthropic leadership necessary to realize CNC’s long-term vision., this position is responsible for managing a portfolio of approximately 85 high-potential prospects. The MGO will deploy a strategic, full-lifecycle fundraising approach, from identification and qualification through cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, including legacy and planned-giving engagement.

Direct reports: None

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

MAJOR GIFTS (80%)

  • Manage a portfolio of 85+ individuals building and maintaining strong relationships leading to increased giving—re-acquire past donors and acquire new donors
  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, close and steward major gifts through direct personal contact and visits
  • Execute moves management approach to your portfolio and develop custom strategies for each donor to generate new and higher levels of giving, recording detailed relationship activities in CRM system (Altru)
  • Offer tailored giving options that align with donor interests and financial goals
  • Organize and support donor recognition events and legacy society gatherings.
  • Coordinate an effective program for recognition, involvement, and stewardship of major and special gifts
  • Meet annual goals for meaningful connections, solicitations, closed gifts, amount raised
  • Work collaboratively with senior leadership, board members, and volunteer committees to align donor strategy with campaign goals.
  • Maintain meticulous donor records and engagement tracking in the CRM system.
  • Partner with Senior Major Gift Officer, Director of Development, and campaign leadership to shape and refine major-gift and legacy-giving strategies.
  • Provide input on prospect research, wealth-capacity assessments, donor segmentation, and pipeline development.
  • Participate in campaign planning, gift-pipeline forecasting, and periodic review of portfolio performance.

PLANNED GIVING (20%)

  •  
  • Manage the legacy-giving program (e.g., Rowe Legacy Society), including planning and executing stewardship, recognition, and donor cultivation specific to planned gifts.
  • Engage with prospective legacy donors to discuss and cultivate planned gifts, such as estate gifts, bequests, donor-advised funds, and other long-term giving vehicles.
  • Work with leadership and legacy-giving committees to develop and implement a comprehensive legacy-giving strategy, tailored to donor interests and the long-term needs of CNC.
  • Create and maintain legacy-donor communication and stewardship plans to deepen donor commitment over time and ensure appropriate recognition and engagement.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

  • Partner with Senior Major Gift Officer, Director of Development, and campaign leadership to shape and refine major-gift and legacy-giving strategies.
  • Provide input on prospect research, wealth-capacity assessments, donor segmentation, and pipeline development.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.

This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

REQUIRED  SKILLS AND ABILITIES

SKILLS

  • Understanding of (or willingness to learn) planned and legacy giving vehicles, such as estate gifts, bequests, donor-advised funds, etc.
  • Proficient in Word, Power Point, Excel, and other related software
  • Experience with MS Office products required and experience with Blackbaud software a plus, willingness to learn other software as needed
  • Use of copy machines, postage machines, telephone, and other general office equipment
  • Collaborative working style utilizing strong organzational and customer service skills
  • Demonstrated and thorough knoweldge of current development practices
  • Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; high emotional intelligence; professionalism and excellent judgment.
  • Strategic thinker: capacity to assess donor capacity, craft moves-management strategies, and steward long-term donor relationships.
  • Self-driven, organized, and able to work autonomously while collaborating as part of a small and dynamic, mission-driven team.
  • Demonstrated experience or strong potential in major gift fundraising, with ability to manage a portfolio, build relationships, and close gifts.

ABILITIES

  • Be a passionate advocate for nature to articulate the mission of Cincinnati Nature Center
  • Engage with high-net-worth individuals or families; ability to develop and articulate compelling, donor-centered proposals.
  • Communicate effectively and professionally including oral, written, and listening methods
  • Manage time and multiple priorities to meet deadlines
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
  • Exhibit good judgement, honesty, integrity, and responsibility
  • Flexible and resilient working in a dynamic campaign environment, including willingness to participate in off-hours events, donor meetings, tours, and stewardship activities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High school diploma and commensurate experience or Bachelor’s degree preferred
  • Prior major-gift or high-net-worth donor experience strongly preferred but not strictly required, ideal for early- to mid-career fundraisers with demonstrated potential.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Combination of office-based work and occasional fieldwork: donor site visits and tours may involve walking on nature trails and other field related activities.
  • Ability to engage in donor outreach and stewardship events, possibly outside typical office hours (evenings/weekends).
  • Local, in-town travel required. Some travel to regional conferences may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature Center business.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS

  • Mission Support: Inspiring Conservation through personal experiences, education, and care for the land.
  • Essential Qualities: Must enjoy nature, be energized by finding creative solutions, and possess a sense of humor, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Background Checks: Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of BCI and FBI background checks.  Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state law, under code 5104.013.
  • CPR & First Aid: Certification must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
  • Professional Learning, Development, and Required Training:  Employees shall engage in ongoing professional learning and development as well as shall complete ongoing required training relevant to safety, certification, and best business practices.
  • Special Events: From time to time, employees shall be required to support special events which may fall outside of the normal work schedule including weekends/evenings. 

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