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Entry Level Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Conservation information

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$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do entry level conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level conservation in the United States is $36,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $38,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Conservationist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Conservationist, you generally need a background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, data collection tools, and basic field equipment is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help individuals collaborate effectively and adapt in diverse outdoor settings. These skills and qualifications are crucial for carrying out conservation projects, accurately monitoring ecosystems, and supporting environmental sustainability initiatives.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry-level conservation professional?

As an entry-level conservation professional, you will typically assist with fieldwork such as habitat restoration, species monitoring, or invasive species control. You may also help collect and analyze environmental data, maintain equipment, and participate in community outreach or educational programs. Collaboration with experienced conservationists, scientists, or land managers is common, offering valuable learning opportunities and exposure to various conservation techniques. The role often involves both outdoor and office-based tasks, with the chance to contribute meaningfully to long-term conservation goals.

What are entry level conservation jobs?

Entry level conservation jobs are positions in the environmental and natural resource field that require minimal prior experience or specialized training. These roles often involve activities such as fieldwork, data collection, habitat restoration, and assisting with conservation projects. Many positions are with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or environmental consulting firms. They provide valuable hands-on experience for those looking to pursue a career in conservation, and typically require a strong interest in the environment and a willingness to work outdoors in various conditions.

What is the difference between Entry Level Conservation vs Entry Level Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level ConservationEntry Level Environmental Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's degree, some certifications preferredHigh school diploma or associate's degree, certifications like EPA or OSHA often required
Work EnvironmentFieldwork outdoors, conservation sites, parksField and laboratory work, environmental sites, testing facilities
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, conservation organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites

Entry Level Conservation and Entry Level Environmental Technician roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments focused on environmental work. However, Conservation roles often emphasize outdoor, hands-on conservation projects, while Environmental Technician positions may involve more laboratory and testing responsibilities. Both roles serve the broader environmental industry but cater to slightly different skill sets and job functions.

More about Entry Level Conservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Conservation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs? The most popular types of Conservation jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Conservation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Conservation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 17% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.
PennEnvironment Clean Water and Conservation Associate

PennEnvironment Clean Water and Conservation Associate

The Public Interest Network

Philadelphia, PA โ€ข On-site

$38K - $39K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 hours ago


Job description

PennEnvironment Clean Water and Conservation Associate
Department: State
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Reporting To: Flora Cardoni
Compensation: $38,250 - $39,500 / year
Description
PennEnvironment is looking for a skilled and savvy organizer to build public support for clean water and conservation campaigns to preserve Pennsylvania's incredible natural heritage. This includes PennEnvironment's campaigns to preserve our parks, forests, and public lands, and our efforts to protect and restore Pennsylvania's incredible rivers, lakes and streams from major sources of pollution.
The Clean Water and Conservation Associate will help defend our cornerstone conservation programs from attack at the federal and state level; work to promote and increase stewardship of our public lands and open spaces; and tackle the threats of fracking, encroaching development and illegal polluters that endanger our waterways, our wildlife, and our health.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work with coalitions: Work with organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum that are invested in protecting Pennsylvania's natural heritage, wildlife species, and rivers and streams to demonstrate support and engage them in our strategies and campaigns to achieve our conservation and water campaign goals.
  • Organize events and work with volunteers: Organize webinars, community events and public meetings. Recruit organizations and members of the public to attend and participate.
  • Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize media events and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaigns.
  • Lobby elected officials: Coordinate strategy with champions in Congress or in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Make a convincing case to legislators to support important conservation and clean water policies, and to oppose proposed rollbacks. When a critical vote is happening on our water and conservation campaigns, work to demonstrate the support you've been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win.
  • Recruit new people to your team: Help build our team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
  • Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns. Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move.

Qualifications
Entry level candidates are encouraged to apply. Though we expect you to take your campaign and run with it, we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have a commitment to protecting the environment and a love of nature as as well as leadership experience, top-notch writing and public speaking skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge.
Details
Compensation and Benefits
The starting annual compensation for this position is $38,250-$39,500 in the first year. PennEnvironment offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Location
Philadelphia, PA preferred but would also consider top candidates in Pittsburgh, PA.
We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for summer or fall 2026 start.
Why work with PennEnvironment? Check out 10 reasons: https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/why-work-with-us/
Our Mission and Values
PennEnvironment and Environment America are part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://environmentamerica.org/pennsylvania/core-values/ for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.
PennEnvironment is an equal opportunity employer.