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Conservation Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

National Aquarium

SVP Chief Mission Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200K - $250K/yr

Reporting to the President & CEO, the SVP, CMO leads mission-critical programs that integrate animal welfare, conservation science, operational excellence, and strategic relevance to advance the ...

Socket.dev

SVP Chief Mission Officer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

Reporting to the President & CEO, the SVP, CMO leads mission-critical programs that integrate animal welfare, conservation science, operational excellence, and strategic relevance to advance the ...

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All JobsConservation Scientist JobsConservation Scientist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Conservation Scientist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$81.7K

$92K

$98.3K

How much do conservation scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation scientist in Silver Spring, MD is $92,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,400.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation scientist?

A conservation scientist works with natural resources and the environment in a wide range of industries, including forestry, soil management, and agriculture. As a conservation scientist, your job duties typically include collecting and analyzing data, working closely with landowners, foresters, and government agencies, and developing detailed reports on your findings. Conservation scientists spend time working in the field and an office, and play a pivotal role in determining proper land use and managing resources to prevent damage to the environment.

What types of organizations typically employ conservation scientists, and how does the work environment differ among them?

Conservation Scientists are employed by a range of organizations, including government agencies, non-profit environmental groups, consulting firms, and private land management companies. The work environment can vary significantly; for example, government roles often involve fieldwork in public forests or rangelands and collaboration with other agencies, while non-profits may focus more on advocacy, community outreach, and research projects. Consulting positions might require balancing multiple clients and conducting environmental assessments for land development projects. Regardless of the setting, most Conservation Scientists split their time between outdoor fieldwork and office-based data analysis and reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Scientist, you need a strong background in environmental science, ecology, and resource management, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, and data analysis systems is commonly required, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Ecologist. Outstanding communication, problem-solving skills, and collaboration are crucial for working with diverse stakeholders and conveying scientific findings effectively. These competencies are essential for developing and implementing conservation strategies that protect ecosystems and ensure sustainable resource use.

What is the difference between Conservation Scientist vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectConservation ScientistEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in environmental science, forestry, or related field; often requires knowledge of conservation practicesBachelor's or master's in environmental science, biology, or related field; broader focus on environmental issues
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in forests, parks, and protected areas; some office work for planning and researchFieldwork, laboratory, and office settings; diverse environments depending on projects
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizations, parks, and forestry servicesGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, research institutions, NGOs

Conservation Scientists focus on managing and protecting natural resources, often working directly in the field to implement conservation strategies. Environmental Scientists have a broader scope, addressing various environmental issues through research, policy, and fieldwork. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

Are conservation scientists in demand?

Conservation scientists are in demand due to increasing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable resource management. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as governments and organizations prioritize conservation efforts and environmental policies, often requiring skills in data collection, analysis, and environmental regulations.

Do I need a degree to become a conservation scientist?

A conservation scientist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or a related field. Advanced positions or specialized roles may require a master's degree or higher, along with skills in data analysis, fieldwork, and environmental regulations.

What do you do as a conservation scientist?

A conservation scientist studies and develops strategies to protect natural resources, ecosystems, and wildlife. They conduct field research, analyze data, and collaborate with government agencies or organizations to implement conservation plans, often using tools like GIS and requiring knowledge of environmental policies. Their work typically involves fieldwork, data collection, and reporting to support sustainable environmental practices.
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The top searched job categories for Conservation Scientist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

Conservation Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Scientist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,971 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Land & Water Conservation Fund Records Management Specialist - AmeriCorps

Washington, DC • On-site

Conservation Legacy
Non-Profits • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Conservation Legacyexternal

Full-time

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Description
Position Title: Land and Water Conservation Fund Records Management Specialist - AmeriCorps
Conservation Legacy Program: Stewards Individual Placements
Site Location: Stewart Lee Udall Department of the Interior Building, 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20240
Terms of Service:
  • Start Date: 09/28/26
  • End Date: 10/01/27
  • AmeriCorps Slot Classification: 1700 Hours

Purpose:
Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards), a program of Conservation Legacy, provides individuals with AmeriCorps service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants serve with federal agencies, tribal governments, and nonprofits to provide institutional capacity, develop community relationships, and support ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the NPS Land and Water Conservation Fund will host a Records Management Specialist.
The NPS Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program supports outdoor recreation through grants to states and local governments across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Properties funded through this grant program are required to be encumbered for outdoor recreation use in perpetuity which necessitates various ongoing stewardship requirements. This AmeriCorps position will support the overall administration of the LWCF Stateside Assistance program through improving access and discoverability of records pertaining to these properties and the original grants which encumbered them. While the member will primarily work directly with program staff day-to-day in resolving records management issues, their work will ultimately have a broader impact on the program's ability to better serve our grantees and promote outdoor recreation nationally.
Description of Duties:
The member will work closely with the Records and Information Management Specialist to perform a variety of records management functions including:
  • Appraisal and arrangement of federal records, including assisting with transfers of records to Federal Records Centers and/or the National Archives
  • Supporting the digitization of analog records
  • Completing inventories for program records for intellectual control
  • Contributing to the management and/or development of various electronic information systems
  • Assisting staff with requests for historical program records
  • Providing input on proposed records and information management policies and procedures

Qualifications
  • United States citizen, United States national, or a lawful permanent resident alien
  • At least 17 years of age
  • Has received a high school diploma or equivalency certificate; or has not dropped out of elementary or secondary school to enroll as an AmeriCorps participant, and agrees to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent prior to using the education award
  • Agrees to provide information to establish eligibility and to complete a National Service Criminal History Check.
  • Has received a Bachelor's degree.
  • Ability to lift minimum of 40 lbs (weight of a standard records box).
  • Ability to work independently on projects.
  • Preference for candidates with previous records management, information management, library science, and/or archival experience.
  • Preference for candidates with interest in outdoor recreation and/or federal grants management.
  • Preference for candidates with a Master's degree in a related field.

Our Commitment:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full consideration of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential job functions. Physical requirements may include periodic overnight travel, non-traditional work hours, ability to move across varied terrain, use program-specific tools and a range of technology on an infrequent or frequent basis. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Time Requirements:
  • Typically, this position is expected to serve 9 am to 5 pm, but exact service schedules may vary. A half hour lunch break will not be counted towards AmeriCorps service.
  • Member may be required to participate in national, state, or local service projects or events as part of their service term.

Orientation and Training:
  • Member will receive an orientation that includes training on AmeriCorps prohibited and unallowable activities.
  • Member will complete additional NPS-required trainings for system access.
  • Member will receive additional on-the-job training for specific records management tasks, as needed.
  • Professional Development Fund of $5,000.00 for travel and training.

Benefits:
  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,395.00
  • Living Allowance of $600.00 per week.
  • Additional Benefit of $400.00 per week.
  • Healthcare Coverage if Eligible
  • Childcare Coverage if Eligible
  • Loan forbearance if Eligible
  • Interest Payments if Eligible

Evaluation and Reporting:
  • As an AmeriCorps member, performance will be evaluated on whether the member has completed the required number of hours, the member has satisfactorily completed assignments, and if the member has met other performance criteria that were clearly communicated at the beginning of the term of service.
  • Reporting requirements include, but are not limited to, bi-weekly timesheets and accomplishment tracking.

Supervisor Name and Contact Information:
Stewards Contact Information: Emma Nehan-Springstead, enehan@conservationlegacy.org
NPS Contact information: Joy Pierce, 771-233-1557, joy_pierce@nps.gov
Conservation Legacy is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodations due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.

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