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Conservation Planning information

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$56K

$103.2K

$157K

How much do conservation planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation planning in the United States is $103,218.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is conservation planning?

Conservation planning is the process of identifying and prioritizing areas, resources, or actions to protect natural habitats, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. It involves assessing ecological data, stakeholder interests, and potential threats to create effective strategies for conservation. Professionals in this field work to balance environmental protection with human needs, often collaborating with government agencies, non-profits, and communities. The ultimate goal is to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources and healthy ecosystems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in conservation planning?

To thrive in Conservation Planning, a strong background in environmental science, ecology, or natural resource management, often with a relevant degree, is essential. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact assessment tools, and regulatory frameworks is typically required. Excellent communication, collaboration, and project management skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills are crucial for developing effective conservation strategies, influencing stakeholders, and ensuring sustainable environmental outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in conservation planning, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in conservation planning often encounter challenges such as balancing ecological goals with stakeholder interests, limited funding, and navigating complex regulatory frameworks. Addressing these challenges typically involves strong collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and other environmental organizations to build consensus and secure resources. Effective communication skills, adaptability, and a solid understanding of both ecological science and policy are essential for overcoming obstacles and achieving successful conservation outcomes.

What is the difference between Conservation Planning vs Environmental Planning?

AspectConservation PlanningEnvironmental Planning
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in ecology, environmental science, or related fieldsRequires degrees in environmental science, urban planning, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, ecological assessments, habitat conservation projectsUrban development projects, policy development, environmental impact assessments
Industry UsageConservation organizations, government agencies focused on habitat preservationMunicipalities, consulting firms, government agencies involved in land use planning

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Conservation Planning primarily emphasizes habitat preservation and species conservation, often involving fieldwork. Environmental Planning covers broader land use and development considerations, including urban and infrastructure projects. Understanding these differences helps professionals and employers align skills with job requirements.

How to become a conservation planner?

To become a conservation planner, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, geography, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in GIS and data analysis, and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.

What does a conservation planning do?

A conservation planner develops strategies to protect and manage natural resources and ecosystems. They analyze environmental data, collaborate with stakeholders, and create plans that balance ecological preservation with human needs, often using tools like GIS and environmental regulations. Their work supports sustainable land use and biodiversity conservation.
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Conservation Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Planning job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,218 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Conservation Technician

National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Bedford, VA • On-site

$20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Conservation TechnicianID:AVA1-020Location:BedfordProgram:ACE
Wage/Hr:$20.50Hours/Week:24Minimum Age:55

Disclaimer: This is not a federal position. This role is offered through a partnership agreement and does not constitute an NRCS hiring action.

This position is a non-federal role funded through an existing agreement between NRCS and NEW Solutions. The enrollee will provide direct support to farmers and landowners, enabling the implementation of conservation practices on the ground. This role contributes to NRCS's mission by enhancing capacity in field offices and ensuring timely assistance to producers. It is designed to free up NRCS staff for emergency and high-priority responses, not to replace federal staff.

This role helps ensure continued progress on conservation planning, practice implementation, and technical assistance, especially in high-demand or disaster-affected areas. It aligns with the Administration's priorities for farmer-first, field-facing, and partner-enabled capacity expansion.

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). These are experienced professionals who provide technical and professional assistance to the Department of Agriculture for the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program.

Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period, Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period.

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?ACES Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?ACES Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the USDA-NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 10 year(s) of experience in Natural resources planning, conservation planning and engineering designs. OR AA Degree in Agriculture, Chemistry, Biology

  • Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel
Duties:

Provide assistance to the Rustburg Service Center (USDA NRCS) staff by assisting with the current CTA General and Farm Bill workload. Support activities within Area II when there are workload situations that will impact the whole Area.

  • Help with Farm Bill activities that will support the implementation of applications and contracts by using the standard conservation and assessment tools available in the Field office, i.e., Conservation Planning (I&E) activities, CART, CD, NRCS-CPA-52, develop conservation maps, etc.   30%
  • Engineering design - survey & layout of conservation practices; Conservation practice inspection / check-out to support Farm Bill programs and contracts; Assist in the training of new USDA NRCS staff.   30%
  • Help develop CTA General conservation plans using the standard conservation and assessment tools available in the Field office, i.e., Conservation Planning (I&E) activities, CART, CD, NRCS-CPA-52, etc.   25%
  • Assist with FSA Compliance Reviews within Area II boundaries; Assist with any emergency programs, i.e., Emergency Conservation Program for site visits, designs, layout and inspections.   15%

Other:
  • Complete annual agency and department training (i.e., any AgLearn training that is assigned to the individual).
  • Overnight travel: .
  • Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.