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Conservation Program Manager Jobs in Ashland, WI

Fish Biologist

Ashland, WI · On-site

$74K - $116K/yr

... management to allow planning and execution of a variety of biological programs. Requirements Help ... habitat conservation and restoration projects. Note: Your resume must contain sufficient ...

Conservation Program Manager information

See Ashland, WI salary details

$36.1K

$100.6K

$147K

How much do conservation program manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation program manager in Ashland, WI is $100,648.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,500.00 and $124,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation program manager?

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?

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 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 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 job categories do people searching Conservation Program Manager jobs in Ashland, WI look for?

The top searched job categories for Conservation Program Manager jobs in Ashland, WI are:

What cities near Ashland, WI are hiring for Conservation Program Manager jobs?

Cities near Ashland, WI with the most Conservation Program Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Conservation Program Manager job openings in Ashland, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,648 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Lead Wildland Firefighter (Assistant Fire Engine Operator)

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Washburn, WI • On-site

$52K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

These positions will be located at a USDA Forest Service Unit.
The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work and to lead crews performing such work.
See ADDITIONAL INFORMATION section for the Regional contacts.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GW-05
: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-04) in the Federal service; OR A bachelor's degree or 4 years of successfully completed education above high school (120 semester/180 quarter hours) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources, outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science (no more than 6 semester hours in mathematics is creditable); OR An appropriate combination of successfully completed post-high school education (in excess of the first 60 semester/90 quarter hours) and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Served as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring or controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior and/or Operated pump and adjusted controls under close supervision and/or Performed regular maintenance and minor repairs to fire engine and/or Independently, or with one or two other crewmembers, carried out specialized assignments such as tree felling, backfire and burnout, and mobile and stationary engine attack.
For the GW-06: Applicants must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GW-05) in the Federal service; OR One full year (18 semester/27 quarter hours) of successfully completed graduate level coursework that is directly related to the work of the position (such as forestry, range management, agriculture); OR An appropriate combination of graduate level education that is directly related to the position and specialized experience. The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university.
Examples of specialized experience may include: Performed and directed others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and foam application and/or Performed prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up and/or Evaluated initial fire situations, determined rate of spread, potential hazards to property and other improvements and/or Ensured the engine and fire equipment has been kept in full state of readiness for emergency dispatch.
Selective Placement Factors:
Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) AND Successfully completed the NWCG Course # S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior.
Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) and Forest Service - Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) qualifications must be met by the time of selection. Most recent IQCS master record and/or signed Agency Certified task book must be attached to your application. If you are selected, you may be required to submit an updated IQCS master record or signed Agency Certified task book as proof of attainment of IFPM requirements prior to a final verbal offer.
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application. Red cards are not acceptable documentation. Currency Requirement: Required to maintain currency once hired into the position. Currency of NWCG qualifications is not required for selection. If not currently qualified, the applicant must provide documented evidence that they have been fully qualified in the past, and are able to regain currency within one year of being hired. Failure to provide this documentation will result in disqualification.
Primary firefighter positions include the following age requirements: Under age 37 -OR- less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service worked in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position -OR- a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and is requesting a waiver to the maximum age requirement -OR-currently occupy a permanent position with primary fire fighter retirement coverage.
For those who do not currently occupy a permanent Federal position covered under primary fire fighter retirement, you must be under age 37; less than age 37 after subtracting the months of Permanent Federal Service in a primary or secondary firefighter/law enforcement position; or a veteran preference eligible, older than age 37 and requesting a waiver to the requirement.
This position has been identified under the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) or Forest Service Fire Program Management (FS-FPM) and is subject to selective placement factor requirements contained in the Interagency Fire Program Management (IFPM) Standard and Guide when filling this vacancy. IFPM or FS-FPM selective placement factors are made up of a primary and secondary National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) core Incident Management Qualifications and Required Training. The applicant must possess these qualifications at the applicable complexity level to be considered eligible for this position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT COVERAGE: This is a primary/rigorous position covered under the special retirement provisions of 5 USC 8336(c) for the Civil Service Retirement System and of 5 USC 8412(d) for the Federal Employees Retirement System.
WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities. Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment.
To receive consideration for this position, you must provide updated required documents and meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.Education:See QUALIFICATIONS section for education requirements.Employment Type: OTHER