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Conservation Program Coordinator Jobs in California

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

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 ...

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Conservation Program Coordinator information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conservation Program Coordinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Program Coordinator, you need a solid background in environmental science or a related field, strong project management abilities, and experience with conservation initiatives. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and environmental regulations, as well as certifications like Certified Conservation Professional (CCP), are often required. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital for effectively managing conservation projects, securing funding, and ensuring sustainable environmental impact.

What is the highest paying job in conservation?

The highest paying roles in conservation often include senior positions such as Conservation Director, Environmental Manager, or Chief Sustainability Officer, which typically require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills. These roles can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially in large organizations or corporations with a focus on environmental impact and sustainability initiatives.

What are Conservation Program Coordinators?

Conservation Program Coordinators are professionals who plan, implement, and manage projects aimed at preserving natural resources, wildlife, and habitats. They often work with government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups to develop conservation strategies, monitor progress, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. Their responsibilities may include organizing educational programs, securing funding, and coordinating volunteers or staff. Effective communication and project management skills are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Conservation Program Coordinator vs Environmental Educator?

AspectConservation Program CoordinatorEnvironmental Educator
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; certifications like CPR or project management are commonBachelor's degree in environmental education, environmental science, or related field; teaching certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community outreach, program planning, often in outdoor or community settingsClassroom, community centers, outdoor educational programs, focus on teaching and engagement
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, conservation organizationsSchools, museums, environmental centers, nonprofit education programs

While both roles focus on environmental issues, Conservation Program Coordinators primarily manage and implement conservation projects and community outreach, whereas Environmental Educators focus on teaching and raising awareness through educational programs. The roles often overlap in skills and environment but differ in primary responsibilities.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain executive positions in large corporations, investment bankers, and top-tier legal or medical professionals often reach or exceed this level, especially with bonuses, profit sharing, or ownership stakes.

What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?

The Conservation Program Coordinator role is unlikely to disappear entirely by 2030, but some manual or administrative conservation tasks may be automated or outsourced as technology advances. Jobs heavily reliant on routine data entry or manual fieldwork could decline, while roles requiring specialized knowledge, community engagement, and adaptive management are expected to grow. Staying updated with GIS tools, environmental policies, and data analysis skills will be important for future conservation professionals.

What is the responsibility of a program coordinator?

A Conservation Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing conservation projects and initiatives. They coordinate with stakeholders, monitor progress, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, often using tools like data management software and requiring strong organizational skills.

What are some common challenges faced by Conservation Program Coordinators in managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Conservation Program Coordinators often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing priorities, managing limited resources, and ensuring effective communication among diverse stakeholders. Staying organized and setting clear timelines are essential, as is being adaptable when unforeseen issues arise, such as changes in funding or environmental conditions. Building strong relationships with team members, volunteers, and partner organizations also helps in navigating these challenges and maintaining project momentum.
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Program jobs in California? The most popular types of Conservation Program jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Conservation Program Coordinator jobs in California? For Conservation Program Coordinator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Program Coordinator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Program Coordinator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Conservation Program Coordinator jobs? Cities in California with the most Conservation Program Coordinator job openings:
Conservation Program Coordinator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Program Coordinator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Field Conservation Manager

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 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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