ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Conservation Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Conservation Experience

$17.50 - $19/hr

Conservation Crew Leader - Backcountry Trails Location: This position is based out of Sacramento ... Required Experience and Qualifications: * 6 months - 1 year of experience working in field ...

Wyoming Outdoor Council

Conservation Director

Lander, WY · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Working with the deputy director, develop annual work plans and programmatic goals on priority conservation issues, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities to your team.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConservation Worker Jobs

Conservation Worker information

See salary details

$5

$24

$35

How much do conservation worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for conservation worker in the United States is $24.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are conservation workers?

Conservation workers are professionals who help manage, improve, and protect natural resources such as forests, parks, rangelands, and other outdoor areas. Their duties often include planting trees, maintaining trails, controlling invasive species, preventing soil erosion, and assisting with wildlife habitats. They typically work under the supervision of conservation scientists or foresters and may be employed by government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or private landowners. Conservation workers play a crucial role in preserving ecosystems and ensuring that natural areas remain healthy and accessible for future generations.

What are careers in conservation?

Careers in conservation involve protecting natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems through activities such as habitat restoration, environmental education, and research. Conservation workers often work outdoors, use tools and data collection methods, and may require certifications or training in environmental science or related fields.

What are some common challenges Conservation Workers face in the field, and how can they be addressed?

Conservation Workers often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating remote or rugged terrain, and managing physically demanding tasks like planting, trail maintenance, or invasive species removal. To address these challenges, workers should be prepared with proper gear, maintain strong physical fitness, and follow rigorous safety protocols. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as projects are typically completed in groups, and collaboration ensures both efficiency and safety.

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

To thrive as a Conservation Worker, you need knowledge of natural resource management, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or relevant fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GPS devices, power tools, and data collection systems is commonly required, and some positions may value certifications in first aid or pesticide application. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for working effectively outdoors and collaborating with diverse groups. These abilities ensure safe, efficient conservation efforts and help protect natural habitats and resources.

What jobs can you do in conservation?

Conservation workers can perform roles such as habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, environmental education, and park maintenance. These jobs often require outdoor work, physical activity, and knowledge of ecological practices, with certifications like First Aid or specialized training sometimes preferred.

What Is a Conservation Worker?

A conservation worker is a person who works to conserve natural habitats, such as national or state parks or wildlife preserves. In this job, your duties are to restore a physical environment, such as a national forest or coastal area, to a natural state and provide public education and outreach to increase awareness about conservation efforts. You may assist with monitoring tree health in forests or other natural habitats and apply land management strategies under the supervision of conservation technicians. Qualifications for the job include a mix of career experience, such as volunteer or summer work maintaining trails or parkland, and a high school education. Necessary skills include physical stamina and verbal communication.

What is the difference between Conservation Worker vs Environmental Technician?

AspectConservation WorkerEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma; often additional certifications in environmental testing
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, fieldwork focused on natural habitatsIndoor and outdoor; environmental sampling and data collection
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for fieldwork and conservation rolesMore technical, data-focused roles

Conservation Workers primarily focus on outdoor conservation activities, habitat restoration, and manual labor, while Environmental Technicians often handle environmental testing, data collection, and analysis. Both roles support environmental protection but differ in technical requirements and work settings.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Conservation workers typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with specialized roles like environmental consultants, project managers, or contractors in the conservation field who have advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These positions often involve consulting, project oversight, or technical expertise and may require working on large-scale projects or in remote environments.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A conservation worker typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized skills or certifications. High-paying roles in fields like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship may reach that level without a degree, but conservation work generally offers lower wages and relies on experience and physical labor. Achieving such income usually requires advanced skills, business ownership, or high commission-based roles.
More about Conservation Worker jobs
What states have the most Conservation Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Worker jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Conservation Worker jobs? For Conservation Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Conservation Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 22% Full Time, 70% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,396 per year, or $24.7 per hour.
Conservation Specialist

Conservation Specialist

New Mexico Highlands University

Las Vegas, NM • On-site

$58K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Conservation Science Center (CSC) is a program within the NM Forest & Watershed Restoration Institute and is actively seeking candidates with a strong land stewardship ethic who value community advocacy and engagement. This position works with the CSC Program Manager and supports long-term community recovery efforts following the Hermit's Peak / Calf Canyon wildfire by supporting educational trainings in restoration practices, workforce development, and engaging with youth and adult audiences. We welcome candidates with an enthusiasm for participatory, human-centered programming and culturally responsive communications. This position will require strong interpersonal skills with collaborators of diverse ages, socioeconomics, and cultural backgrounds; and an ability to cultivate new and strengthen existing community partnerships. Candidates should be comfortable working with northern NM rural communities. Additionally, this position includes adapting scientific concepts into immersive hands-on activities for local youth and landowners to increase accessibility to research and restoration practices.
Key responsibilities include:
  • Support the implementation of Fire-Informed Restoration Education for New Mexico (FIRENM) programming;
  • Engage landowners to build and expand landowner networks for Landscape Stewardship Planning efforts, FIRENM field sites, YCC and youth engagement programming, and other community-based initiatives;
  • Manage, plan, and implement K-12 initiatives, including the annual STEM Showdown with NM MESA, Mora Outdoor School, Northern NM Regional Envirothon, and similar outdoor education programming, etc.;
  • Pilot and adapt culturally responsive curricula for northern NM youth and adult populations;
  • Pilot and refine citizen science monitoring for landowners;
  • Co-develop conservation leadership professional development for NMHU STEM majors and local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Embrace principles of fairness, cultural appreciation, and respectful engagement in programing, workplace interactions, and communications;
  • Facilitate FIRENM event planning, workshop logistics and field site preparation, including cross-program communications and planning within NMFWRI, and with partner organizations;
  • Spearhead K-12 initiatives, including project planning and logistics with community partners
  • Support citizen science monitoring related to FIRENM practices;
  • Cross-collaborate with STEM grant teams at NMHU to leverage resources; pilot conservation leadership initiatives;
  • Develop and maintain partnerships with formal and informal educators, higher education partner institutions, state/federal/nonprofit community partners, private landowners, etc.;
  • Represent CSC professionally and participate in community meetings, webinars, relevant Communities of Practice, community boards, and working committees;
  • Assist with reviewing, editing and revising curricula materials, technical guides and other educational materials developed by the CSC and FIRENM teams;
  • Work with NMFWRI staff and NMHU faculty to support field classes, webinars and in-person trainings
  • Maintain Wilderness First Aid certification, participate in field crew safety trainings, and other internal professional development opportunities to maintain a holistic skillset and provide cross-program support as time allows;
  • Support grant/program review and administration, maintain project budgets, record keeping, and other administrative tasks;
  • Maintain regular attendance and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues in office, field, and online working environments;
  • Additional duties as assigned by the CSC Program Manager.

Minimum Job Requirements:
Education: Master's degree in ecological restoration, forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resources management, wildlife biology, or a closely related field, OR B.S. in one of these fields with 2 years substantial and in-depth, directly related training and work experience.
Experience: One (1) year experience in engaging diverse audiences, e.g. youth programming, community advocacy and/or environmental education
Experience: Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience: Two (2) years' experience in environmental education or community engagement in the southwest; experience working with diverse stakeholders. Spanish speaker a plus!
Experience working with New Mexican landowners, and an understanding of restoration principles for improved habitat and/or ecosystem function.
Special Conditions for Eligibility:
  • Must possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license
  • Must be willing to occasionally work weekends, evenings, and odd hours, as required
  • Must be willing to travel, at times to remote locations
  • Continued employment is contingent on grant funding

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Familiarity with ecological restoration and ecological science concepts
  • Formal or informal outdoor education experience and some curriculum development
  • Technical expertise in field safety and situational awareness
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Adaptability and creativity
  • Good self-care and ability to handle stress
  • Effective time management and ability to achieve goals and independently undertake tasks with some direct supervision.
  • Ability to work in rural communities and in rural locations.
  • Ability to work as a member of team with diverse skills and backgrounds.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
  • Proficient in Microsoft office

Physical Demands:
  • Standing - Frequently
  • Sitting - Frequently
  • Walking (cross country) - Frequently
  • Bending - Occasionally
  • Squatting - Occasionally
  • Kneeling - Occasionally
  • Lifting (30 lbs. or less) - Occasionally

Working Environment:
Work is performed in in an office on the campus of a regional public university, and in field sites. The possibility for hybrid work combining office and telework exists, if appropriate. Anticipate 50% outdoors, 50% indoors.

Apply