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Conservation Photography Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conservator

Landover, MD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Produce comprehensive written treatment documentation and high-quality digital photographic documentation before, during, and after treatment. * Coordinate conservation activities with the Head of ...

Conservator

Landover, MD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Produce comprehensive written treatment documentation and high-quality digital photographic documentation before, during, and after treatment. * Coordinate conservation activities with the Head of ...

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Conservation Photography information

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$8

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How much do conservation photography jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for conservation photography in the United States is $19.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do conservation photographers make?

Conservation photographers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the scope of projects. Many work freelance or for environmental organizations, and income can vary widely based on portfolio quality, client base, and additional skills such as editing or grant writing.

What is the difference between Conservation Photography vs Wildlife Photographer?

AspectConservation PhotographyWildlife Photographer
CredentialsOften requires photography skills, environmental knowledge, and sometimes conservation certificationsPrimarily photography skills; formal credentials are less common
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural habitats, collaboration with conservation groupsWildlife habitats, studios, or travel for nature shoots
Industry UsageUsed by NGOs, environmental organizations, and media to promote conservationUsed in magazines, documentaries, and commercial work focusing on wildlife

Conservation Photography focuses on promoting environmental awareness and conservation efforts, often working with organizations to highlight ecological issues. Wildlife Photography centers on capturing images of animals in their natural habitats, primarily for artistic or commercial purposes. While both roles involve outdoor work and photography skills, Conservation Photography emphasizes advocacy and education, whereas Wildlife Photography emphasizes capturing compelling images of wildlife.

How to get into conservation photography?

Conservation photography is a specialized field that combines photography skills with environmental awareness. To enter the field, develop strong photography skills, gain knowledge of ecological issues, and build a portfolio focused on conservation topics. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or working with environmental organizations can also help establish credibility and connections in the industry.

What is conservation photography?

Conservation photography is a specialized field that uses photography to advocate for the protection and preservation of the natural world, wildlife, and ecosystems. Conservation photographers aim to raise awareness about environmental issues, document endangered species and habitats, and inspire action to address ecological threats. Their work often supports scientific research, environmental campaigns, and educational initiatives. By capturing compelling images, conservation photographers help tell important stories and influence public opinion and policy decisions related to conservation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation photographer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Photographer, you need strong technical photography skills, a solid understanding of conservation issues, and often a background in environmental science or journalism. Proficiency with digital cameras, photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop, and sometimes certification in drone operation or multimedia storytelling tools is common. Standout soft skills include creativity, perseverance, and the ability to communicate compelling narratives visually and verbally. These abilities are crucial for producing impactful imagery that raises awareness, drives change, and effectively supports conservation initiatives.

How does a conservation photographer typically collaborate with scientists and conservation organizations on projects?

Conservation photographers often work closely with scientists and conservation organizations to accurately document environmental issues and tell compelling visual stories. This collaboration may involve joining field research teams, attending conservation initiatives, or participating in data collection efforts to ensure their work authentically represents the subject. Effective communication and mutual respect are key, as photographers must understand scientific objectives while also translating complex topics into accessible images for the public. These partnerships can lead to long-term relationships and open doors to new project opportunities, making collaboration a critical aspect of career growth in this field.
More about Conservation Photography jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservation Photography jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Photography job openings:
What states have the most Conservation Photography jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Photography jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Photography jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Photography jobs are:
Infographic showing various Conservation Photography job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,815 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

CLT HTG M215 Cultural Materials Science I: Analytical Imaging and Documentation in the Cons of Mater

University of California, Los Angeles

Malibu, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago


UCLA rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 76 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

186th of 617 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position description
The UCLA/Getty Interdepartmental Program in the Conservation of Cultural Heritage at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) invites applications for a lecturer position to teach the following course during the Fall quarter, 2026. The quarter begins on September 21 and ends on December 11. This appointment also provides opportunities for interaction with colleagues, laboratory facilities and research infrastructure at UCLA and the Getty Villa. Through its collaboration with the Getty Conservation Institute, as a unit in the UCLA Cotsen
Institute of Archaeology, and located in the UCLA Fowler Museum, the Conservation Program is part of a vibrant center of archaeological and cultural scholarship.
Conservation of Cultural Heritage (CLT HTG) M215 - Cultural Materials Science 1: Analytical Imaging and Documentation in Conservation of Materials
Units: 4.0
(Formerly numbered Conservation of Archaeological and Ethnographic Materials M215.) (Same as Materials Science M213.) Lecture, two hours; laboratory, two hours. Basic and advanced techniques on digital photography, computer-aided recording tools, and scientific imaging to determine and document condition (defects) and technological features of archaeological and ethnographic materials. Development of basic theoretical knowledge on imaging and photonics technology and practical skills on conservation photo-documentation, analytical (forensic) photography, and advanced new imaging technologies. Letter grading.
The appointment will be at the lecturer level and will be located in the Program's research and training laboratories at the Getty Villa in Malibu. Duties include preparation and delivery of lectures and laboratory practical sessions. The Program Laboratory Manager will assist the lecturer in lecture and laboratory sessions.
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of experience in conservation photography. Preference will be given to candidates who have previous academic teaching experience both in delivering theoretical lectures and developing and supervising work in a photography studio. Strong candidates will have a demonstrable commitment to the Program's core values of collaboration, sustainability, and diversity, equity, & inclusion
Qualifications
Basic qualifications
Candidates should hold a graduate degree in the natural sciences or area related to conservation science.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter (Optional)
  • Statement of Research (Optional)
  • Reference check authorization release form - Complete and upload the reference check authorization release form
  • UCLA Mission Statement - As the nation's premier public research university, UC's mission is the creation, dissemination, preservation and application of knowledge for the betterment of our global society. We have a particular responsibility to the people of California which we express in the excellence of the education we provide, the impact of the research we do, the comprehensive, life-saving medical services we provide, and the public service mission we are devoted to. The University of California promotes the social mobility of its students, equips them with the tools and experience that furthers their ambitions, and regards their accomplishments across the life span as evidence of the profoundly positive impact of higher education.
    The UCLA campus has expressed these goals in its strategic plan as follows:
    Deepen our engagement with Los Angeles
    Expand our reach as a global university
    Enhance our research and creative activities
    Elevate how we teach
    Become a more effective institution
    Prompt for candidates for recruitment:
    Reflecting on your personal and professional experiences, highlight your past contributions and future commitments to advancing UCLA's mission as embodied in the 2023-28 strategic plan. These accomplishments and ambitions may be discussed in the context of describing your teaching, scholarship, and service
  • Statement of Teaching (Optional)

Reference requirements
  • 2 required (contact information only)

2-3 reference contact information required.
Apply link: https://recruit.apo.ucla.edu/JPF11113
Help contact: bronson@ioa.ucla.edu
About UCLA
As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Job location
Malibu, CA

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