ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Conservation Writer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Works with the PR and Marketing Departments to draft written summaries, promotional materials, and communications highlighting the Zoo's conservation programs, scientific accomplishments ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsConservation Writer JobsConservation Writer Jobs in California

Conservation Writer information

What is a conservation writer?

A Conservation Writer creates content that promotes environmental awareness, sustainability, and conservation efforts. They write articles, reports, blogs, grant proposals, and educational materials for nonprofits, government agencies, and media outlets. Their work often involves researching environmental issues, interviewing experts, and translating scientific data into engaging and accessible content. Conservation Writers may also collaborate with photographers, designers, and advocacy groups to support conservation initiatives through storytelling.

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

To thrive as a Conservation Writer, you need strong research, writing, and editing skills, ideally supported by a background in environmental science, journalism, or a related field. Familiarity with digital publishing platforms, content management systems, and SEO best practices is often required, and certification in science or environmental writing can be beneficial. Creativity, adaptability, and the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language are key soft skills that help you connect with diverse audiences. These competencies are crucial for producing compelling content that raises awareness, educates the public, and supports conservation initiatives.

What kind of projects do conservation writers typically work on, and who do they collaborate with?

Conservation Writers often work on a variety of projects such as educational articles, grant proposals, reports, social media campaigns, and public outreach materials for nonprofits, research institutions, or government agencies. They regularly collaborate with scientists, policy experts, editors, graphic designers, and outreach teams to ensure content accuracy and impact. This role may include both independent writing and teamwork, depending on the organization. Being a Conservation Writer offers the opportunity to contribute directly to environmental causes by making complex information accessible and actionable to the general public.

What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Writer jobs in California? The most popular types of Conservation Writer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Conservation Writer jobs in California? For Conservation Writer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Writer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Writer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Conservation Writer jobs? Cities in California with the most Conservation Writer job openings:
Conservation Writer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Writer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Field Conservation Manager

SFZOO

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 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

(Ref: 143)