ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Conservation Program Manager Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

CGI Inc.

Director Consulting Services

Fairfax, VA

... data management, scientific research systems, permitting and compliance workflows, conservation initiatives, climate resilience programs, or modernization of mission-support technologies. Your ...

V2X

Energy Manager

Springfield, VA · On-site

Support includes program management, workforce and security support services, logistics ... Development of energy conservation reports. Security Clearance Requirement: This position requires ...

Stafford County, VA

Planner II

Stafford, VA

$76K - $104K/yr

Assists with the County Land Conservation Program; * Serves as staff assistant to various boards ... or similar. 04 Do you have experience managing Conditional Use Permit and/or Zoning ...

Stafford County

Planner II

Stafford, VA

$72K - $126K/yr

The position requires excellent organizational, writing, presentation, and management skills. The ... Assists with the County Land Conservation Program; Serves as staff assistant to various boards ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConservation Program Manager JobsConservation Program Manager Jobs in Virginia

Conservation Program Manager information

See Virginia salary details

$34.1K

$102.9K

$162.1K

How much do conservation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation program manager in Virginia is $102,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $132,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Conservation Program Manager vs Conservation Scientist?

AspectConservation Program ManagerConservation Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; project management experienceMaster's or Ph.D. in ecology, environmental science, or related field; research experience
Work EnvironmentProject planning, community outreach, collaboration with agencies and NGOsField research, data analysis, scientific reporting
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, conservation organizations

The Conservation Program Manager focuses on planning, implementing, and managing conservation projects, often working with communities and stakeholders. In contrast, the Conservation Scientist primarily conducts research, analyzes ecological data, and contributes to scientific knowledge. Both roles are vital in conservation efforts but differ in their focus and daily activities.

What are some common challenges Conservation Program Managers face when balancing multiple projects and stakeholders?

Conservation Program Managers often manage several projects simultaneously, each with its own timelines, goals, and stakeholders, such as government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. Balancing these demands requires strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks while maintaining clear communication among all parties. Navigating differing stakeholder interests and securing consistent funding can also be challenging, but these are typically addressed through strategic planning and collaborative problem-solving. Developing adaptive management strategies helps address unforeseen challenges and ensures conservation goals are met effectively.

What are Conservation Program Managers?

Conservation Program Managers are professionals who plan, implement, and oversee projects aimed at preserving natural resources, wildlife, and habitats. They coordinate conservation efforts by working with government agencies, nonprofits, communities, and other stakeholders. Their responsibilities often include managing budgets, supervising staff, monitoring project progress, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Conservation Program Managers also play a key role in developing strategies, securing funding, and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation programs.

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

To thrive as a Conservation Program Manager, you need expertise in environmental science, project management, and grant writing, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in conservation. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication skills help you build partnerships and guide teams effectively. These abilities ensure successful program delivery, effective resource management, and the achievement of conservation goals.
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Program jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Conservation Program jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Conservation Program Manager jobs in Virginia? For Conservation Program Manager jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Program Manager jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Program Manager jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Conservation Program Manager jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Conservation Program Manager job openings:
Conservation Program Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Program Manager job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,888 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Senior Manager, Ocean Policy

Senior Manager, Ocean Policy

CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL

Arlington, VA • On-site, Remote

$136K - $166K/yr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Senior Manager, Ocean Policy
Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.
POSITION SUMMARY - This position is open for consideration in the following locations in the Americas, with preference for candidates based in time zones that can accommodate calls with colleagues in Europe and Africa: Arlington-US, Brazil(remote), Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guyana, Mexico, Suriname, Peru
Over the last 10 years, CI has developed a comprehensive Blue Climate program spanning over 20 countries dedicated to identifying and addressing science and policy priorities for oceans and climate globally. The Blue Climate program within the Center for Oceans at CI works closely with our field programs across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa to design and implement innovative approaches to (1) implement nature-based climate adaptation solutions that improve coastal and marine communities' livelihoods and resilience while also conserving ecosystems and biodiversity; and (2) conserve and restore coastal blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass meadows) for climate change mitigation. The Blue Climate program also has key leadership roles in advancing climate mitigation and adaptation priorities into national and regional coastal management and science through the International Blue Carbon Institute, Blue Carbon Initiative, the International Partnership for Blue Carbon, the Global Mangrove Alliance and the Global Green-Gray Community of Practice, and policy with the Center for Policy and Incentives.
Under the supervision of the Director, Ocean Policy, the Senior Manager, Ocean Policy, is a self-motivated, creative team member integral to the long-term growth and success of CI's Blue Climate program and Ocean Policy team. The Senior Manager, Ocean Policy will support the development, implementation and management of strategic international policy-based approaches and programs to achieve CI's Ocean Policy goals spanning coastal resilience, climate mitigation, green-gray infrastructure, blue carbon ecosystems and ocean-climate integration. Together with the Director, Ocean Policy, they will work with CI's Center for Policy and Incentives to ensure alignment with CI's larger international and national policy programs and priorities, including providing technical inputs and guidance on ocean-climate issues. The position will also work closely with teams across CI including other programs within the Center for Oceans and the Moore Center for Science and Solutions to ensure alignment and integration of ocean policy priorities with all related CI programs and topic areas, including biodiversity, finance, and community fisheries.
RESPONSIBILITIES
International Ocean Policy
  • Manage strategic policy initiatives to achieve CI's Ocean Policy goals spanning coastal resilience, green-gray infrastructure, blue carbon, and other ocean-climate areas which integrate and align international and national policy goals.
  • Work closely with CI's Center for Policy and Incentives to ensure ocean-climate strategies and approaches are aligned with international and national policy programs and priorities.
  • Play a key role in project development, fundraising, implementation, communications, and broader capacity building for the Ocean Policy program.
  • Contribute to the drafting and revision of CI ocean policy positions, policy briefs, guidance documents, and other technical resources.
  • Play a key role in representing the Center for Oceans within the CI delegation to international policy meetings related to climate, biodiversity, and oceans, such as the UNFCCC climate COP and intersessional meetings. Additionally, support CI's strategic engagement in these spaces (e.g., side events, meetings with countries and partners).
  • Support the development and management of relationships and partnerships with government representatives and like-minded organizations to accelerate and achieve CI ocean policy objectives in close coordination with CI's international policy team and relevant country programs.

Ocean Policy Advancement in Priority Countries
  • In partnership with CI country programs, the International Blue Carbon Institute, and the Center for Policy and Incentives, support the development and implementation of national or regional ocean policy objectives and programs which are aligned with and inform CI's Blue Climate and broader policy priorities.
  • Provide CI programs and partners with strategic support, technical expertise, and/or capacity building for the integration of coastal ecosystems into Nationally Determined Contributions and implementation plans, national climate and ocean policy, greenhouse gas inventories, NBSAPs and other related components of ocean-climate policy.
  • As needed, facilitate in-person and virtual meetings, workshops, and related events with national governments and local partners to advance the priorities of CI country programs in alignment with national objectives.
  • Support the Ocean Policy Director in scoping new policy activities in accordance with existing CI programs.

Blue Climate Program
  • Contribute to strategy development, planning processes, fundraising, team initiatives/special projects, reporting and communication efforts as needed.
  • Coordinate with other teams across the Blue Climate network team to ensure programmatic alignment and synergies between CI projects.

Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Frequent international travel (25% or more) is required.
  • Ability to work in remote locations or under difficult working conditions.
  • This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
  • Requires working remotely with colleagues in other locations and time zones.
  • Flexible working hours: Frequent early morning and evening meetings, and occasional work over weekends, to accommodate colleagues in other time zones or high-level policy events.
  • This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Bachelor's degree
  • 5 to 7 years of experience working in international climate and/or ocean policy mechanisms and fora.
  • Understanding of government processes and the overall policy engagement environment.
  • Strong organization, project management, and prioritization skills.
  • Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse, international team.
  • Experience partnering with, and influencing, key stakeholders and building strong partnerships across public and private sectors and civil society.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, and ability to effectively communicate complex information to a diverse audience.
  • Enthusiasm and capacity for learning scientific and related basis for specific conservation outcomes as needed to support policy priorities and processes.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English.

Preferred
  • Bi-lingual or multilingual in official UN languages.
  • Expertise in coastal blue carbon and marine ecosystems, climate change science, and/or nature-based solutions
  • Master's degree or other advanced degree in environmental policy or related field.
  • Experience working globally in a range of cultural settings.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.
This position will remain open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on June 30, 2026.
See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE
Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

Apply