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Watershed Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Service, water and electric utilities, state agencies, conservation organizations, academia, and local governments for nearly a decade and has worked to improve watershed health and reduce ...

Forest Service, water and electric utilities, state agencies, conservation organizations, academia, and local governments for nearly a decade and has worked to improve watershed health and reduce ...

Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission is seeking to hire a Watershed Technician . The selected candidate will be responsible for site visits and inspections of watershed dams across the ...

Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission is seeking to hire a Watershed Technician . The selected candidate will be responsible for site visits and inspections of watershed dams across the ...

Summary Under limited supervision, the Habitat Conservation Coordinator performs a wide variety of ... Coordinates County activities and projects with local and regional watershed and environmental ...

Watershed Assistant

Kingston, NY · On-site

$20.65/hr

... conservation management with emphasis on watershed assessment; initiative; good judgment; willingness to work outdoors under adverse weather conditions. Watershed Assistant page 2 MINIMUM ...

... One Watershed, One Plan comprehensive plans. Develop and oversee installation of structural and non-structural conservation projects. Minimum Qualifications: Four-year degree in geography ...

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Abingdon, VA · On-site

$77K - $104K/yr

They may advise conservation teams on designing and conducting experiments. They may lead a program ... The Watershed Restoration Engineer provides technical and scientific support and leadership as a ...

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Lexington, VA · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

They may advise conservation teams on designing and conducting experiments. They may lead a program ... The Watershed Restoration Engineer provides technical and scientific support and leadership as a ...

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Watershed Conservation information

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$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do watershed conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for watershed 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 is watershed conservation?

Watershed conservation refers to the management and protection of a watershed—an area of land where all water drains into a common waterway, such as a river, lake, or ocean. This work involves preserving water quality, preventing erosion, restoring habitats, and promoting sustainable land use practices to maintain healthy ecosystems. Professionals in watershed conservation often collaborate with local communities, governments, and organizations to implement conservation strategies and educate the public. Effective watershed conservation ensures clean water, supports biodiversity, and protects communities from flooding and pollution.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in watershed conservation, and how can they prepare for them?

Professionals in watershed conservation often encounter challenges such as balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders, navigating regulatory frameworks, and addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources. Success in this role requires strong communication skills to facilitate collaboration among government agencies, community members, and private landowners. Additionally, staying informed about the latest environmental policies and scientific research helps conservationists develop effective strategies and adapt to changing conditions on the ground.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a watershed conservation specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watershed Conservation Specialist, you need a background in environmental science or a related field, with expertise in hydrology, ecology, and water quality management. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, water sampling techniques, and relevant environmental regulations or certifications like Certified Erosion, Sediment, and Stormwater Inspector (CESSWI) is often required. Strong communication, project management, and collaboration skills help you engage with stakeholders and coordinate conservation initiatives. These abilities are vital to designing effective watershed protection strategies and ensuring regulatory compliance while fostering community engagement.

What is the difference between Watershed Conservation vs Watershed Technician?

AspectWatershed ConservationWatershed Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, community outreach, policy advocacyField data collection, site monitoring, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, environmental consulting firmsEnvironmental agencies, research institutions, conservation organizations

Watershed Conservation professionals focus on protecting and restoring watersheds through planning, policy, and community engagement, often requiring a bachelor's degree. Watershed Technicians typically perform field data collection and monitoring tasks, usually with an associate's or bachelor's degree. Both roles are vital in watershed management but differ mainly in scope and responsibilities.

More about Watershed Conservation jobs

What states have the most Watershed Conservation jobs?

States with the most job openings for Watershed Conservation jobs include:

Infographic showing various Watershed Conservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

INTERNAL - Watershed Ranger I, Oakham

General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Oakham, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts' environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family. Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) oversees nearly half a million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting, and enhancing our common wealth of natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all. DCR infrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for - strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at mass.parks@mass.gov. DEPT Info

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for Watershed Ranger I, Oakham Field Office to perform the following duties:

Please submit a cover letter and resume with the online submission of employment qualifications.

            DCR INTERNAL POSTING ONLY

Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. This position may require working weekends, and/or holidays. Schedules/Days off are at the discretion of the supervisor.

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: 

The basic purpose of this work is to provide a variety of resource and visitor services, protective measures and promote compliance with rules and regulations at the agency sites. Incumbents of positions in this series patrol parks, reservations, historic sites, watershed conservation areas, and/or recreation areas to promote compliance with rules and regulations; protect natural and cultural resources and water supplies; enhance visitor experiences through visibility and information; monitors impact of both authorized and unauthorized visitor use; and coordinates with law enforcement officials for appropriate regulatory action. 

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities: 

  • Encourages safe and appropriate use of state lands by patrolling an assigned area by car, boat, bicycle, or foot, promoting compliance with rules and regulations pertaining to the operation and management of watershed and water supply lands, parks, reservations, historic sites, and/or recreation and conservation areas. 

  • Supervises the dissemination of information to visitors pertaining to the protection of water supplies, the use of public land, available services, trail locations, natural areas, special events, and pertinent rules and regulations. 

  • Assists with special functions, organized events, permit monitoring, tours, school groups, special interest groups, and/or programs. 

  • Assess the conditions of trails, roads, and other natural and cultural resources; submit reports with improvement and/or enhancement recommendations to appropriate individuals. 

  • During the fishing season, assist boaters as needed. 

  • Assists the Environmental Quality staff with the Aquatic Invasive Species Control program. 

  • Control crowds in areas where large groups of people gather by cautioning observers and by placing barriers, ropes, etc. in order to maintain public order and ensure special events operations run smoothly. 

  • Cautiously confronts situations that may require the expulsion of disorderly persons from the area and notifications of the appropriate law enforcement officials. 

  • Participates in rescue operations by interviewing others regarding lost persons and searching for lost persons in accordance with agency policy; assists in search function as a searcher, dispatcher, and performs first aid or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) when necessary. 

  • Assists as needed in the prevention, suppression, and control of forest fires. 

  • Performs related duties such as maintaining records and files, maintaining daily field logs, preparing reports, putting up and monitoring surveillance cameras, and assisting maintenance staff as needed. 

  • Performs related duties as assigned. 

Preferred Qualifications: 
1. Possession of a current and valid First Aid/CPR/AED certificate from either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. 

2. Possession of current MA Boating Safety Certificate or equivalent 

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
 


Minimum Entrance Requirements: 
Applicants must have at least (A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.  
Substitutions: 
I. An Associate's degree or higher with a major in park or recreation management, natural resource management, water resources management, environmental education, or park interpretation may be substituted for the required experience.*  
*Education towards such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.  
Special Requirements:  
1. Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license.  
2. Possession of a current and valid CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) certificate from the American Red Cross or the American heart Association.  
3. Possession of a current and valid standard first aid and personal safety certificate and first responder certificate issued by the American Red Cross.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law.  Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements.  We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.