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Conservation Pilot Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Urban Specialist

Lancaster, OH · On-site

$24.21 - $31.29/hr

Description Fairfield County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is seeking an Urban ... Small Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Certificate *OEPA-Div of Surface Water - Level 1 ...

Monitor emerging marketing, communications, and customer experience trends; identify, pilot, and ... Advanced degree (Masters, MBA) * Strong knowledge of Enbridge Gas Inc. energy conservation programs ...

Asset Manager

Independence, OH · On-site

$120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... conservation to reduce our use of natural resources and toxins. Our social impact is achieved by ... PILOT), legal activities and handling various state tax issues. Work Experience Requirements:

Conservation Pilot information

See Ohio salary details

$47.1K

$124.5K

$191.1K

How much do conservation pilot jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation pilot in Ohio is $124,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $147,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation pilot?

A Conservation Pilot is a specialized aviator who flies missions to support environmental and wildlife conservation efforts. Their duties may include conducting aerial surveys, monitoring wildlife populations, detecting illegal activities like poaching or deforestation, and assisting in habitat protection. They often work for government agencies, conservation organizations, or research institutions. The role requires both piloting skills and knowledge of conservation practices. Conservation Pilots may operate in remote areas and challenging conditions to support environmental sustainability.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a conservation pilot?

To thrive as a Conservation Pilot, you need a commercial pilot’s license, strong navigational abilities, and experience flying in challenging environments, often tailored by specialized training in aerial surveillance or low-level flying. Familiarity with GPS mapping equipment, aerial photography tools, and flight planning software is typically required, along with certifications such as an instrument rating or FAA Part 137 for certain conservation operations. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and quick decision-making skills help pilots coordinate with ground teams and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. These qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe and effective support of conservation projects, such as wildlife monitoring, firefighting, or habitat surveys, often carried out in remote or rugged locations.

What types of organizations employ conservation pilots, and what is the typical work environment?

Conservation Pilots are commonly employed by government agencies, wildlife conservation nonprofits, environmental consulting firms, and private contractors that support conservation efforts. The work environment often includes operating from small regional airports, remote landing strips, or temporary field bases, with much of the job spent flying over diverse terrains such as forests, wetlands, and savannahs. Pilots may work independently or as part of multidisciplinary teams, collaborating closely with wildlife biologists, rangers, and ground support crews. The role can involve irregular hours and periods of intensive fieldwork, but it offers the reward of directly contributing to environmental preservation and diverse natural resource management projects.

Infographic showing various Conservation Pilot job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $124,462 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

$24.21 - $31.29/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Description Fairfield County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is seeking an Urban Specialist to review and approve new drainage, erosion, and sediment control permits (DESC) for local communities. Duties Conducts DESC inspections and reports to ensure compliance with local regulations. Inspects and approves grade on construction projects.

Provide recommendations and/or guidance for DESC sites to comply with local regulations. Conducts site investigations to answer individual requests for information on soils, erosion, drainage, and engineering related problems. Inspects construction sites for compliance with Ohio EPA NPDES Phase II Permit and local regulations.

Inspects infrastructure on construction sites for compliance with local regulations. Assists with review of subdivision and/or large construction projects Attends meetings associated with local communities' DESC program. Attends, as assigned, meetings of local, state, and federal agencies where soil, water, and related natural resource problems are discussed.

Assists with coordinating sampling/monitoring of outfalls associated with Illicit Discharge Detection/Elimination program. Create social media content related to District programs. Assists with coordination of site inspections to ensure compliance with post construction runoff controls.

Assists with coordinating district staff to create presentations, workshops, meetings, and community events. Assist with ensuring that reports and data collection is accurate. Assist with annual reporting and audits.

Assists with coordinating GPS mapping projects. Assists with coordinating district drone mapping projects. Assists communities to ensure compliance with local MS4 permit requirements.

Assists with District's pesticide application program. Assists with District's stream monitoring program. Assists with the creation of social media content related to District programs.

Qualifications Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in agriculture, engineering, soil science, forestry, natural resources, environmental science or a closely related discipline. Minimum of 2-year experience in fields of construction, plan review, inspections, environmental review or other similar disciplines. A valid Ohio Driver's license and insurability to drive District vehicles are required.

Licensure or Certification Eligible and obtain Certified Erosion, Sediment and StormWater Inspector (CESSWI) within 6 months. *Ohio Commercial Pesticide Trained Service Provider *Small Unmanned Aircraft System Remote Pilot Certificate *OEPA-Div of Surface Water - Level 1 Qualified Data Collector *ODNR - Ohio Stream Quality Monitoring Supplemental Information Other Duties and Responsibilities: Develops/Maintains basic skill levels for utilizing GPS/GIS technology Performs other related duties as required or assigned. Maintains Division of Soil and Water and Fairfield County approved timekeeping systems for time.

Assists with maintenance of District drones. Hazardous or Physically Demanding Working Conditions of the Position: Occasionally performs duties in inclement or severe weather Occasionally works around heavy equipment Occasionally deals with unhappy customers Occasionally works early, late, and/or weekends outside of normal business hours to complete fieldwork or to present programs. Occasionally traverses rough/muddy terrain Occasionally works within road right-of-way Occasionally applies pesticides Occasionally works near bodies of water.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills (*indicates developed after employment) Knowledge of: Construction practices, Ohio EPA construction general permit, MS4 permit, erosion and sediment control BMPs and District policy and procedures, Social media content creation. Ability to: Work in adverse weather conditions, review site plans, help solve drainage issues, be able to clearly communicate, both written and oral, with staff, agency partners, contractors, developers, teachers, students, and/or citizens. Repeatedly Lift 50 pounds.

Defend professional judgements with contractors and developers as they relate to local regulations and permits. Skill in: Operation of data collection equipment, oral and written communication with attention to detail, basic photography techniques, Arc Pro, Microsoft Office, file organization, use of maps (aerial photography, topographic maps, soil maps, etc.), ArcGIS online, SwiftComply software*, OpenGov*, CommunityCore*, Pix4D mapper*, Pix 4D React* software.