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Watershed Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Abingdon, VA

$77K - $104K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Stewardship Coordinator

Asheville, NC · On-site

$27.58 - $33.18/hr

... Conservation District holds. This position will work as part of the Farmland Preservation Team and work with many partners and landowners to help protect watershed health, and working farms and ...

Stewardship Coordinator

Asheville, NC · On-site

$27.58 - $33.18/hr

... Conservation District holds. This position will work as part of the Farmland Preservation Team and work with many partners and landowners to help protect watershed health, and working farms and ...

Showing results 21-40

Watershed Conservation information

See salary details

$32K

$36.9K

$42K

How much do watershed conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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 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.

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 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 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.
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 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,939 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Nature

Abingdon, VA

$77K - $104K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

We're Looking for You:

The Watershed Restoration Engineer will work collaboratively with technical specialists from TNC, the USFS, other agencies, NGOs, and private consultants including hydrologists, biologists, engineers, recreation managers, and others as necessary. This position coordinates with key partners and external relations with respect to aquatic restoration programs. They may also serve as the project liaison with city, county, state, and federal agencies. They will serve as Technical Monitor on project implementation - administering and evaluating contractor efforts and assessing technical progress in relation to the established schedule and specifications. Assures contractor performance complies with the plans and specifications required in the contract. Consults with contractor personnel to resolve difficult and complex, unforeseen problems and latent conditions that develop during the project. They will provide oversight of third-party project preparation and implementation, as well as administration of A & E contracts. They may advise conservation teams on designing and conducting experiments. They may lead a program or project relative to conservation planning, research and stewardship. They collaborate with other scientists and institutions to enhance Conservancy practices.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Watershed Restoration Engineer provides technical and scientific support and leadership as a subject matter resource (SMR). The position will provide technical support to a multi-agency watershed restoration in partnership with the George Washington - Jefferson National Forest. They will perform project development and implementation activities including watershed analysis, stream and road-stream crossing assessment, survey, design, and preparation of construction drawings and contracts. The project portfolio will focus significantly on road-stream crossing restoration for Aquatic Organism Passage using U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Stream Simulation Design methodology. Other project work is expected to include channel and floodplain restoration through large wood augmentation, natural channel design techniques, dam removal, road realignment, and more.


This position will be based out of the Alleghany Highlands Program office in Lexington Virginia with the expectation that the staff would report to the office one to two days per week and reside somewhere in or near western Virginia where the office and field work are located.

What You'll Bring:
  • Master's Degree in science related field and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Registered Professional Engineer with 5 years relevant experience strongly preferred.
  • Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
  • Experience leading or participating on cross functional teams.
  • Experience managing complex projects including the financial aspect and coordinating the work of peers and partnIers.
  • Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
  • Ability to pass a background check.
  • Must have valid driver's license and good driving record.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Multi-language skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Experience and proficiency with Site Survey (to include Robotic Total Station and less advanced methodologies), Drafting (AutoCAD Civil 3d or similar), Hydraulic Modeling, and watershed analysis.
  • Knowledge of Road Design Principles.
  • Experience with stream restoration design and implementation.
  • Strong knowledge of common software applications.
  • Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
  • Proven negotiation skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Training experience.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $95,000 - $118,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

What We Bring:


Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.