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Forest Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology ...

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology ...

Additional services include field assessments, including forest conservation compliance, site assessments, mitigation site searches, watershed assessments, monitoring mitigation sites, using GIS and ...

Regulatory Specialist

Laurel, MD ยท On-site

$80K - $116K/yr

Leading and preparing Forest Conservation Plan, Critical Area, and Tier II submissions in accordance with the State and Municipal requirements. * Performing quality assurance/ quality control reviews ...

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Forest Conservation information

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$12

$20

$33

How much do forest conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest conservation 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Forest Conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Forest Conservation, you need a background in environmental science, ecology, or forestry, often supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with GIS software, data collection tools, and forest management systems is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills help professionals work effectively with diverse stakeholders and communities. These abilities are crucial for developing sustainable conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term health of forest ecosystems.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in forest conservation?

Professionals in forest conservation often encounter challenges such as balancing ecological preservation with the needs of local communities and industries. Fieldwork can involve navigating remote or rugged terrain, dealing with unpredictable weather, and addressing threats like illegal logging or invasive species. Collaboration with government agencies, NGOs, and local stakeholders is common, requiring strong communication and negotiation skills. Additionally, conservationists must stay updated on environmental regulations and scientific advances to effectively protect and restore forest ecosystems.

What is forest conservation?

Forest conservation is the practice of planning and maintaining forested areas with the goal of preserving their biodiversity, ecological health, and sustainability for future generations. It involves protecting forests from deforestation, managing resources responsibly, and restoring damaged ecosystems. Forest conservation professionals work to balance human needs with environmental protection, often collaborating with governments, communities, and organizations. Their efforts help combat climate change, support wildlife habitats, and ensure clean air and water.

What is the difference between Forest Conservation vs Forest Ecology?

AspectForest ConservationForest Ecology
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Forestry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, conservation projects, policy advocacyResearch, data analysis, field studies
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, NGOs, conservation organizationsResearch institutions, universities, environmental agencies

Forest Conservation focuses on protecting and managing forest resources through policies, preservation efforts, and sustainable practices. Forest Ecology emphasizes understanding forest ecosystems, studying interactions among organisms and their environment. While both roles involve forests, Conservation is more applied and policy-oriented, whereas Ecology is research-focused. Professionals often collaborate but have distinct primary objectives.

More about Forest Conservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Forest Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Forest Conservation job openings:
What states have the most Forest Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Forest Conservation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forest Conservation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Wildlife Works - Future Talent

Wildlife Works - Future Talent

Wildlife Works

Burlington, VT โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Weโ€™re building a community of future talent aligned with community-driven conservation

About Wildlife Works

Wildlife Works is a pioneer in REDD+ forest conservation, delivering premium carbon credits and biodiversity stewardship units through community-led projects around the world. Our portfolio protects over 500,000โ€ฏha in Kenyaโ€™s Kasigau Corridor and 300,000โ€ฏha in the DRCโ€™s Mai Ndombe, driving impact through verified credits and strong local partnerships. We are the global leader in community-driven forest conservation, working across Colombia, Panama, Indonesia and beyond. In Colombia, since 2018 we've helped protect over 800,000 hectares across four REDD+ projects in the Amazon and Pacific ecoregions, partnering closely with Indigenous and Afroโ€‘Colombian communities through full transparency, FPIC processes, and creating sustainable income opportunities like women-run handicraft ventures. In Panama, we maintain a local office and apply the same communityโ€‘centered, market-based model to support forest protection and generate carbon credits. In Indonesia, our Gerbang Barito REDD+ project in Central Kalimantan not only conserves biodiverse forest but also builds resilience by delivering emergency aidโ€”medical care, food, and suppliesโ€”when floods struck, demonstrating how conservation efforts extend into vital community support. Across all regions, our approach blends avoided deforestation funding with investments in education, health, womenโ€™s empowerment, and sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that local peoples are at the heart of longโ€‘term forest stewardship.

Wildlife Worksโ€™ conservation projects drive direct financing to forest communities to fund their own economic development while preventing millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere annually.

By joining our Talent Pool, you will:

  • Be considered for future internship opportunities across our global teams
  • Gain early visibility into meaningful, mission-driven work
  • Connect with an organization committed to long-term impact

Important to know:
This is not an active internship opening. When opportunities arise, we will reach out directly to candidates whose interests and profiles align.

Call to Action:
If youโ€™re curious, motivated, and driven by purpose, weโ€™d love to hear from you.

Join our Talent Pool today!