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Director Conservation Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$80 - $100/hr

Associate Director, Conservation Operations Mississippi River, Louisiana | Jupiter Images JOB TITLE: Associate Director, Conservation Operations POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Associate Director SALARY ...

The Finance Director (Director) serves as senior finance leader for Kentucky, Tennessee, and ... Partner with philanthropy, conservation, operations, leadership and other functional teams to ...

The Finance Director (Director) serves as senior finance leader for Georgia and Florida (referred ... Partner with philanthropy, conservation, operations, leadership and other functional teams to ...

Director of Conservation

Jackson, WY · On-site

$149K - $173K/yr

TITLE: Director of Conservation DEPARTMENT: Conservation Department SUMMARY: The Director of ... operations align with County goals. • Develops and implements countywide conservation strategies ...

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Director Conservation Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director conservation operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director conservation operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of conservation operations do?

A Director of Conservation Operations oversees the planning, implementation, and management of conservation programs and initiatives within an organization. They are responsible for developing strategies to protect natural resources, managing teams of conservation professionals, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Their work often includes budgeting, fundraising, and reporting on project outcomes to senior leadership and external partners. This role is crucial for achieving the organization’s conservation goals and ensuring the effective stewardship of natural habitats.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of conservation operations?

To thrive as a Director of Conservation Operations, you need expertise in conservation management, project leadership, and a relevant degree such as environmental science or natural resources. Familiarity with GIS software, conservation planning tools, and experience with regulatory compliance or grant management are typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities set outstanding leaders apart in this role. These skills ensure effective stewardship of natural resources, successful project delivery, and strong collaboration with diverse partners.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of conservation operations and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Conservation Operations often encounters challenges such as balancing limited resources with ambitious conservation goals, coordinating efforts across diverse teams, and adapting strategies to evolving environmental regulations and stakeholder interests. Effective communication, strategic planning, and fostering strong partnerships with both internal staff and external organizations are crucial for overcoming these hurdles. Regularly monitoring project outcomes and staying informed about best practices in conservation management also help ensure operational success and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Director Conservation Operations vs Conservation Program Manager?

AspectDirector Conservation OperationsConservation Program Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in environmental science, ecology, or related fields; certifications like PMP or project management are commonUsually holds a bachelor's or master's in environmental science, conservation, or related areas; certifications like PMP may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and collaborates with senior leadership in conservation organizations or agenciesManages specific conservation projects, coordinates with teams, and reports to senior staff within conservation programs
Employer & Industry UsageFound in government agencies, NGOs, and large environmental organizationsCommon in NGOs, government agencies, and conservation-focused companies

The main difference is that the Director Conservation Operations oversees the overall strategic and operational aspects of conservation efforts, managing multiple projects and teams, while the Conservation Program Manager focuses on executing specific projects within the broader conservation initiatives.

What are popular job titles related to Director Conservation Operations jobs?

For Director Conservation Operations jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Conservation Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Associate Director, Conservation Operations

On-site

American Rivers, Inc.
Government Relations and Lobbying Services • 51 - 200 employees

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate with the Finance and Grants Management Department to ensure compliance with organizational processes and systems.

  • Track and manage conservation team budgets, support project managers with reports, and ensure timely grant spending and reporting.

  • Support the development of grant proposal budgets, review donor gift tracking, and coordinate fundraising priorities with the Advancement team.


Job description

Associate Director, Conservation Operations

Mississippi River, Louisiana | Jupiter Images

JOB TITLE:Associate Director, Conservation Operations

POSITION CLASSIFICATION:Associate Director

SALARY BAND:B

REPORTS TO: Director of Operations, Conservation

LOCATION: Remote, in states where AR can do business.

About American Rivers
American Rivers is a national conservation organization working to make every river clean and healthy for people and wildlife. We combine evidence-based solutions with enduring partnerships to safeguard the 4.4 million miles of rivers and streams that are essential to our nation’s clean drinking water, extraordinary wildlife, and the strength of our communities. For more than 50 years, our staff, supporters, and partners have been driven by a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers.

The beauty of rivers is that they connect all people and communities – including within ourorganization. The life experiences, knowledge, innovation, and talent that different people bringto our work provides perspectives, experiences, and competencies which are critical to oureffectiveness in protecting wild rivers, restoring damaged rivers, and conserving clean water forpeople and nature.

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Conservation Operations serves as a key operational partner to assigned team leaders in the Conservation Division. American Rivers works across the country to protect and restore rivers through restoration projects, policy campaigns and partnerships. American Rivers is in the process of instituting upgraded operational systems and tools to support a growing organization; this position will be integral to implementing effective and efficient processes that enable our mission as Conservation teams grow. With a strong focus on grants and financial operations, the position ensures that our conservation work is executed efficiently and in compliance with organizational policies and applicable laws and regulations. The role maintains a comprehensive understanding of conservation team activities and translates this into effective operational execution, driving consistency, accountability, and high-quality outcomes. This position is a key integrator between Conservation teams and our centralized Business Strategy and Operations Division and Advancement Division.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES Finance and Grants Management
  • Coordinate with the Finance and Grants Management Department of the Business Strategies and Operations Division to ensure teams are operating in compliance with enterprise processes and systems.
  • Ensure timely and accurate invoicing (accounts payable), time and expense reporting, and grant reporting (support compilation of back up documentation as needed and requested by the grants management team).
  • Track and manage conservation team level budgets and support project managers by delivering tools and reports to track budgets at the project and grants levels.
  • Ensure that all grants are spent down in compliance with donor restrictions and on time, implement extension requests as needed. Ensure that staff time is properly distributed and allocated across available funding sources.
Fundraising Support
  • Support the development of grant proposal budgets, coordinating with the project manager and Advancement team to ensure accurate and complete budgets.
  • Review donor gift tracking that is managed by the Advancement team.
  • Coordinate on fundraising priorities with Advancement team based on budget gaps identified for teams and projects.
Contracting and Risk Management
  • Ensure that standard procedures and laws are followed for all procurement and contacting activities, coordinating with the AR Legal and Risk Management Department.
  • Flag work that requires additional legal review and consultation (e.g. project work that may require additional insurance coverages).
Additional Cross-Divisional Coordination
  • Steward team projects through project approval and funding phases, ensuring that organization staff are properly notified and consulted about new work.
  • Coordinate with Conservation team leads and Director of Operations, Conservation on emerging operational needs as teams grow.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education: Associate or Bachelor’s degree required
  • Experience: 7+ years of experience in managing budgets, grants, and/or contracts with complex compliance requirements, preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization.
  • Technical: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and proficiency with core enterprise software tools (accounting and budgeting software, project management software, and/or CRM).

Candidates who are unsure if they meet all minimum qualifications or who have transferrable skills andexperience beyond the conservation sector are encouraged to apply.

LOCATION

Remote

COMPENSATION

American Rivers offers marketable compensation that reflects the qualifications and experienceof the selected candidate. The salary range for this position is $73,200 – 89,400, annually, dependingon experience and qualifications.Pay rates are offered in compliance with all applicable state wage and hour regulations. We provide a comprehensive Total Rewards package to our full-time, regular employees,including:

  • Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and lifeinsurance.
  • Financial Security: After one year of service, American Rivers begins contributing a 3%employer contribution. There is no vesting schedule for employer contributions asemployees are 100% vested upon participation.
  • Time Off: Four weeks of paid leave, eleven paid holidays, three floating holidays, andsick leave.

At American Rivers, we are committed to supporting our employee’s well-being, professional growth, and financial security, ensuring they can thrive both at work and in life.

COMMUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY
  • At American Rivers, our core values drive everything we do – we Lead with Collaboration andTrust, Infuse Equity and Justice, Deliver Results, and Ensure Staff and Volunteers Thrive. Weare committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, andempowered to make a difference.
  • Our culture prioritizes work-life thriving through Focus Fridays (no internal meetings),professional development opportunities, a home office stipend and our comprehensive leavepolicies, including sabbatical leave (every seven years) and paid parental leave (six weeks w/one year of service).
  • We also ensure leadership stays connected to staff needs through an internal advisory group,fostering open communication and continuous improvement.
  • At American Rivers, our people are our strength, and we are dedicated to building a thriving, inclusive workplace where everyone can grow and contribute to our mission.

American Rivers is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request reasonable accommodation, please contact the Human Resources department at 202-243-7040 or recruitment@americanrivers.org . Please note that one week’s advance notice is preferred.

Applicant must be legally allowed to work as an employee in the United States.American Rivers is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Candidates of all personal and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

This posting will close on Aug 28th.

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