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Conservation Policy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Division: Conservation Reports To: Director of Field Conservation FLSA Status: Exempt, Regular ... Ensures departmental compliance with institutional policies, permit requirements, safety standards ...

Resources Legacy Fund

California Policy Officer

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

From climate resilience to land and water conservation to community well-being, we help visionary ... The Policy Officer, in collaboration with the programs team, engages in statewide policy ...

CA Conservation Corps

Crew Supervisor

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$3.4K - $5.7K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

The Conservationist 1 is a crew supervisor position with the following duties: Supervise, train and ... policies and holding Corpsmembers accountable for their behavior. Recommend disciplinary action ...

CA Conservation Corps

District Director

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$8.7K - $9.8K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The role involves managing budgets, overseeing conservation and emergency response projects, and ensuring compliance with administrative, procurement, and policy requirements. The Director also ...

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All JobsConservation Policy JobsConservation Policy Jobs in California

Conservation Policy information

See California salary details

$56.7K

$108.1K

$128.3K

How much do conservation policy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation policy in California is $108,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,600.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Conservation Policy vs Conservation Scientist?

AspectConservation PolicyConservation Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Policy, Political Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentPolicy offices, government agencies, NGOsResearch labs, field sites, environmental organizations
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, NGOs, advocacy groupsResearch institutions, environmental agencies, academia

Conservation Policy focuses on developing and advocating for policies to protect natural resources, often working in government or NGO settings. Conservation Scientists conduct research and fieldwork to understand ecosystems and inform conservation efforts. While both roles aim to preserve the environment, Conservation Policy emphasizes policy development, whereas Conservation Scientists focus on scientific research and data collection.

How does a conservation policy professional typically collaborate with stakeholders and government agencies?

Collaboration is a key aspect of working in Conservation Policy. Professionals in this role regularly engage with stakeholders such as local communities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies to develop and advocate for effective policy solutions. This often involves organizing public consultations, drafting policy documents, and participating in multi-agency meetings to ensure diverse perspectives are considered. Building and maintaining these relationships is essential for achieving policy goals and advancing conservation initiatives.

What is conservation policy?

Conservation policy refers to the set of laws, regulations, and strategies developed and implemented by governments and organizations to protect natural resources and biodiversity. These policies aim to manage the use of land, water, wildlife, and other resources sustainably to ensure their preservation for future generations. Conservation policy professionals work on creating, analyzing, and promoting policies that balance environmental protection with economic and social needs. Their work often involves collaborating with stakeholders, conducting research, and advocating for responsible resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a conservation policy role, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Conservation Policy role, you need a solid understanding of environmental science, policy analysis, and regulatory frameworks, often supported by a degree in environmental policy or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and legislative tracking systems is typically required. Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills help professionals effectively advocate for conservation measures. These skills are crucial for developing, promoting, and implementing policies that protect natural resources and balance diverse interests.

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Policy jobs in California?

For Conservation Policy jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Conservation Policy jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Policy jobs in California are:

Conservation Policy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Policy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,145 per year, or $52 per hour.

Field Conservation Manager

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 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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