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Conservation Genetics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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How much do conservation genetics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for conservation genetics in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is conservation genetics?

Conservation genetics is a scientific field that applies genetic methods to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity. It focuses on understanding genetic diversity within and between populations of species, assessing risks such as inbreeding, and guiding management decisions to maintain healthy, resilient populations. Conservation geneticists often work with endangered species to help preserve genetic variation, which is crucial for long-term survival and adaptability. Their research informs conservation strategies, breeding programs, and habitat restoration efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in conservation genetics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in conservation genetics often encounter challenges such as limited access to high-quality genetic samples from endangered species, small population sizes leading to low genetic diversity, and logistical difficulties in fieldwork. Addressing these issues typically involves collaborating closely with local conservationists, utilizing non-invasive sampling techniques, and applying advanced genetic analysis methods to maximize the information gained from available data. Additionally, effective communication with policy makers and interdisciplinary teams is crucial to ensure that genetic findings are translated into actionable conservation strategies.

What Are Different Kinds of Conservation Genetics Jobs?

Conservation genetics is a growing field, so there are many different opportunities to become a conservation geneticist if you have the proper skills. Acquiring a position with a post-secondary institution allows you to conduct research and fieldwork with the support of that institution. Various conservation organizations, such as Greenpeace and the WWF, may hire conservation geneticists to protect endangered species or other vulnerable plants and animals. Other geneticists working with governments or schools may work on engineering plant or animal genes in order to protect them from certain diseases or climate change. Some conservation geneticists have qualifications in epigenetics, which studies how genes interact with an environment.

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

To thrive as a Conservation Geneticist, you need a strong background in genetics, evolutionary biology, and ecology, usually supported by an advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in a related field. Familiarity with molecular genetics techniques, bioinformatics software, and statistical analysis tools like R or Python is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in interpreting complex data and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure accurate genetic assessments that inform conservation strategies and promote biodiversity preservation.

What is the difference between Conservation Genetics vs Wildlife Biologist?

AspectConservation GeneticsWildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Genetics, Biology, or related field; often includes genetics certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Wildlife Biology, Ecology, or related field; may include fieldwork certifications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research institutions, conservation organizationsField sites, nature reserves, research stations
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, conservation agencies, NGOsGovernment agencies, environmental consultancies, NGOs

While both roles focus on wildlife and conservation, Conservation Genetics specializes in genetic research to inform species preservation, whereas Wildlife Biologists conduct field studies to understand animal behavior and ecology. Conservation Genetics often involves laboratory work, whereas Wildlife Biologists spend more time in the field. Both careers are vital for conservation efforts but serve different functions within the industry.

What cities are hiring for Conservation Genetics jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Genetics job openings:
What states have the most Conservation Genetics jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Genetics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Conservation Genetics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, 69% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
2026 SCCLV Youth Crew Member

2026 SCCLV Youth Crew Member

Conservation Legacy

Salida, CO โ€ข On-site

$15.16/hr

Part-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description
Position Title: Youth Crew Member
Location: Chaffee, Saguache, Rio Grande, Alamosa, Conejos, or Costilla County
Session 1:
โ€ข Start Date: 06/01/2026
โ€ข End Date: 06/25/2026
Session 2:
โ€ข Start Date: 07/06/2026
โ€ข End Date: 07/30/2026
Purpose:
Southwest Conservation Corps (SCC) is a program of the non-profit service organization, Conservation Legacy. SCC provides youth and young adults opportunities to complete conservation projects primarily on public lands. While serving with SCC, members receive training on job skills, conflict resolution, leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Programs are developed using a step ladder approach to provide a progression of skill development based on a member's needs.
The SCC Los Valles (SCCLV) office is located on the ancestral lands of the Ute people, who continue to survive and thrive on these lands today. The SCCLV office is in Salida, CO with satellite operations in Alamosa, CO. SCCLV serves the Upper Arkansas River Valley and the San Luis Valley: the two valleys, or los valles. The Los Valles Youth Program engages high school youth, ages 15-18, to complete impactful conservation projects in the communities they reside in. We currently serve Chaffee, Saguache, Alamosa, Conejos, and Costilla counties.
Position Summary:
Crews are run county by county and complete a variety of local conservation and service projects. Members must reside in the county to serve on the specific county crew. The typical schedule is four days on followed by three days off. Depending on proximity to the work site, crews either return to town each day, or camp at the project site (we refer to this as a "hitch") for its duration. The day starts with a stretch circle and safety meeting, includes two fifteen-minute breaks and a half hour break for lunch. The opportunity is available to participate in Session 1 (June 1 - June 25), Session 2 (July 6 - July 30) or work in both sessions, pending availability.
Description of Duties
โ€ข Perform strenuous physical tasks related to environmental conservation and restoration projects.
โ€ข Serve outdoors in all types of weather and successfully adapt to various climates.
โ€ข Effectively learn and apply new environmental conservation and restoration skills.
โ€ข Actively participate in environmental education activities.
โ€ข Practice appropriate safety procedures in all tasks assigned.
โ€ข Use, maintain, and repair hand tools as necessary.
Responsibilities:
Participant and Hitch Behavior

โ€ข Serve effectively as a member of a team despite potentially stressful and difficult conditions.
โ€ข Willingness and ability to complete all aspects of the program.
โ€ข Wear PPE at all times during workday
โ€ข Contribute to a safe learning environment, no harassment of any kind.
โ€ข Appropriately represent SCC to the public and project partners.
Risk Management and Judgement
โ€ข Follow directions by others so that you can successfully manage hazards.
โ€ข Ask clarifying question when you do not understand a task.
โ€ข Maintain focus during workday, both while traveling and serving in varied weather conditions.
โ€ข If taking prescription medications, participants must be able to maintain proper dosage.
Environmental Ethics & Outdoor Skills
โ€ข Learn and safely perform fundamental outdoor living and skills as appropriate to the project.
โ€ข Learn and adhere to LNT principles.
Substance Free
โ€ข Alcohol and drugs are prohibited while participating in SCC activities, and while on organization property.
Qualifications:
โ€ข Applicants must be currently enrolled in high school AND be between 15 - 18 years old.
โ€ข Applicants 18 and older must be able to pass a criminal history background check.
Benefits
โ€ข $15.16/hour, paid biweekly.
  • Food, uniforms, and personal protective equipment provided while in the field.

Physical Requirements:
Conservation Legacy is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to perform essential functions. Some positions may require periodic overnight travel, non-traditional 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.Ability to safely drive an organizational vehicle may also be required for some positions. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during application or recruiting process, please send a request to the hiring manager.
Supervisor Name and Contact Information:
Hannah Rousseau | Program Coordinator
hrousseau@conservationlegacy.org
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.