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Director Conservation Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

APSU, Inc.

Director, Communications

Clarksville, TN

The Director of Communications plays a central role in advancing SGI's mission by translating complex conservation science into compelling, accessible content that inspires action. This position is ...

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Director Conservation Scientist information

What is the difference between Director Conservation Scientist vs Conservation Scientist?

AspectDirector Conservation ScientistConservation Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/Ph.D. in environmental science, ecology, or related fields; certifications may include GIS, project managementBachelor's or Master's in environmental science, ecology, or related fields; certifications like GIS are common
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, interacts with stakeholders, often in office and field settingsConducts research, fieldwork, data analysis, often in labs and outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in NGOs, government agencies, conservation organizations for leadership rolesFound in research institutions, government agencies, NGOs for technical and research roles

The main difference is that a Director Conservation Scientist typically holds a leadership position overseeing projects and teams, while a Conservation Scientist focuses on research and fieldwork. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, but their responsibilities and work environments differ significantly.

What are Director Conservation Scientists?

Director Conservation Scientists are senior professionals who lead and oversee conservation science programs within organizations such as environmental NGOs, government agencies, or research institutions. They are responsible for developing and implementing strategies to protect natural resources, habitats, and biodiversity. Their role includes managing research teams, securing funding, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring that conservation projects align with scientific best practices and organizational goals. These directors often serve as key decision-makers and represent their organizations in policy discussions and public outreach.

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

To excel as a Director Conservation Scientist, you need advanced expertise in ecology, conservation biology, research methodologies, and typically a PhD in a relevant field. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and project management systems is common, along with experience in grant writing and scientific publishing. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills set outstanding professionals apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for effectively leading conservation initiatives, securing funding, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders to achieve impactful ecological outcomes.

What are some typical challenges a Director Conservation Scientist faces when managing multidisciplinary teams across different projects?

As a Director Conservation Scientist, one common challenge is coordinating efforts among team members with diverse backgrounds, such as ecologists, policy experts, and data analysts. Ensuring clear communication and aligning goals across various projects can require strategic planning and strong leadership. Additionally, securing funding and balancing multiple stakeholder interests are frequent hurdles. Successfully navigating these challenges fosters a collaborative environment that advances conservation goals and enhances professional development for all team members.
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Director Conservation Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Conservation Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Scientist, Quantitative Ecology - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

sdzwa

Escondido, CA

$113K - $127K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Scientist conducts independent and collaborative conservation research in a specialized area of biological or social science, and/or develops and conducts disease diagnostics and risk assessments for application to wildlife health. This position reports to an Associate Director or Director level or higher in Conservation Science Wildlife Health.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

  • Responsible for the development and oversight of research programs in a specialized field of study, i.e. genomics, ecology, epidemiology
  • Publish papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals, popular literature, and other relevant media outlets.
  • Responsible for program-staff supervision, including supervision of non-employee team members and mentorship of doctoral and post-doctoral candidates.
  • Responsible for preparation and submission of competitive grant proposals and working with Philanthropy team on securing external funding.


WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

The Population Sustainability team at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking a highly accomplished Quantitative Ecologist or Ecological Statistician who brings at least five years of post-doctoral or equivalent professional experience and a strong commitment to applied conservation science. This is a full-time Scientist position that will support our local and global conservation programs. The ideal candidate has a strong background in occupancy and capture–recapture modeling, a solid foundation in general statistical methods, and demonstrated proficiency implementing Bayesian analyses using JAGS, NIMBLE, and/or Stan. Experience with the analysis of movement data (e.g. Hidden Markov Models, Resource Selection Functions) along with spatial or GIS based modeling are highly desirable. They will be comfortable implementing and interpreting statistical models, working with large, complex ecological datasets, and collaborating closely with field biologists and conservation practitioners on study design, data analysis, and publications. This role requires someone who can translate rigorous quantitative analyses into clear, actionable insights that inform wildlife management and conservation decision making and who and can communicate effectively with both scientific and non-technical audiences in a mission driven, interdisciplinary environment.


JOB EXPERIENCE

  • Experience conducting research in a specialized field.
  • Experience with science communication or interpretation of scientific concepts.

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

  • Ph.D. Post Doctorate degree in a specialized area of biological or social science and/or a DVM or equivalent specialized training required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

  • Strong working knowledge of governmental regulations applicable to research, hazardous materials, and safety.
  • Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
  • Strong working knowledge of biological and life science.
  • Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

  • Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
  • Family Passes
  • Complimentary Tickets
  • Local and In-House Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

  • Location: Escondido, CA
  • Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
  • Salary Range: $113,409 to $127,585

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