Job Tag: Conservation

Trout Unlimited (TU) is seeking two (2) Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technicians based in southwest Wisconsin to help fulfill the organization’s mission to bring together diverse interests to care for and recover rivers and streams, so our children can experience the joy of wild and native trout and salmon. The Aquatic Resource Seasonal Technicians will assist TU staff and a Lead Seasonal Technician with projects aimed at restoring aquatic connectivity and in-stream habitat. The primary responsibility of this position is to complete road-stream crossing inventories using the Great Lakes Road Stream Crossing Inventory method. These inventories are an important first step for TU and project partners to identify aquatic organism passage barriers and prioritize streams for future restoration work. Additional duties may include assisting with fishery and habitat surveys, monitoring recently completed aquatic connectivity project sites, assisting TU and partners with in-stream habitat restoration projects, and assisting TU staff with in-stream temperature monitoring projects.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter and provide examples of independent field or work experience.

Driftless
The positions will require frequent travel throughout the southern Driftless Area. Focal areas include Dane, Sauk, Lafayette, Iowa, Green, Columbia and La Crosse counties. The positions will be 100% field based, and individuals will be expected to find housing in a centrally located area.
Requirements

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Conduct road-stream crossing inventories using the Great Lakes Road-Stream Crossing Inventory Method.

· Collect accurate field data and ensure data is submitted in a timely manner.

· Assist with a variety of stream surveys including water quality, habitat or fishery assessments.

· Assist with the maintenance of scientific equipment in the field.

· Work with TU’s regional partners in the field to improve cold water habitat through invasive species removal, woody debris installations, tree plantings, and other methods.

· Participate in education and outreach efforts with project partners and the public.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Enrolled in or completed a B.S. in a Natural resources, engineering, or related field

· A working knowledge of principles and practices of fisheries or water resources.

· Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills.

· Self-motivated and responsible with demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission.

· Willingness to travel (frequently overnight) to remote locations and capable of hiking and carrying equipment in difficult terrain and working in inclement conditions and remote locations.

· Experience in and comfort with camping on a nightly basis in remote locations with limited cell reception.

· Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, experience with Esri Applications a plus.

PAY & WORK SCHEDULE

These positions are paid at a rate of $15-18 per hour and include per diem pay while traveling and mileage reimbursement for reasonable travel to and from the “home base” (usually a campground) for the work week.

The work week is typically 40 hours per week, which will be flexible to accommodate weather, travel and crew logistics. Previous crews have arranged to work four 10-hour days, for example. The anticipated employment date range is May through August 2026.

Definition of Responsibility
Under general supervision, this position serves as a professional project manager within the Watershed Restoration Section’s Stream Restoration Program in the Baltimore County Department of Environmental Protection and Sustainability.

Essential Functions

Implements water quality and watershed improvement projects, such as stream restoration using approaches such as adaptive natural channel design and floodplain reconnection, to achieve pollutant reduction and ecological restoration.
Assists with resource assessment, prioritization, funding, design, technical review, permitting, construction and post construction monitoring of environmental capital projects.
Serves as lead project manager working collaboratively with professional design consultants, contractors, Federal and State Agencies, other professional staff and citizens of Baltimore County.
Oversees project funding and assists with grant management and Capital Budget programming.
Assists in the preparation of technical studies and reports on environmental problems.
Performs field assessments of existing and potential stream restoration projects.
Provides technical assistance to property owners requesting assistance with stream bank erosion.

Examples of Other Duties

Represents the department before community groups and serves as the department’s representative on intra-county, community, or other committees.
Assists other professionals in technical studies, research and preparation of reports.
Performs other related duties as required.

Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in environmental, regional, urban or city planning, or in a natural resource, environmental or a biological science.

Plus

Two years’ professional experience in a planning, science or related field.

Additional education in one of the areas listed may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

College coursework, internships and/or work experience instream restoration, watershed science, fluvial geomorphology, hydrology and hydraulics, water quality, and/or stream ecology.
Experience as a Project Manager/Stream Restoration Specialist managing environmental assessments and engineering plan development, including design, technical review, construction oversight, monitoring, and approval of capital stream restoration, water quality improvement BMPs, and floodplain/wetland creation.
Experience with negotiation and resolution of complex technical issues.
Ability to read and comprehend contracts, specifications, and construction plans

Salary: $60,729.00 – $69,269.00 Annually

Summary: To support VDOT construction and maintenance programs and to protect the natural environment by providing sound engineering and environmental consultation and services.

How you will contribute:
Compensation Site Monitoring and Design: Develop wetland mitigation strategies, including the design of wetland compensation sites to facilitate the permitting of transportation projects. Identify potential mitigation alternatives and perform site selection in project development process. Study potential mitigation sites to evaluate feasibility, cost effective and constructability. Develop conceptual and final design, vegetation schedule, typical sections, outlet control structures, construction and vegetation notes, monitoring requirements and special provisions to facilitate construction of mitigation site. Design wetlands, stream and riparian restoration alternatives to meet permit requirements.
Environmental Liaison: Represent VDOT in resolving water quality permit issues and conditions with local, state and federal agencies throughout the project development process to ensure timely issuance of water quality permits. Act as Environmental Liaison, providing guidance throughout project development and construction processes regarding environmental, design and constructability issues. Provide expert technical advice to construction and maintenance personnel regarding on-going projects and activities to remain environmentally compliant on projects. Maintain knowledge of state and federal water quality laws and regulations to facilitate development of transportation projects.
Project Management: Provide leadership and environmental and engineering guidance district-wide related to design, water quality, erosion and sediment control, SWM, BMPs, and endangered and threatened species. Support project development and construction processes consistent with environmental regulations, policies, procedures and project schedules. Monitor and update CEDAR software program. Manage water quality portion of the district environmental program. Manage projects that have significant or complex water quality related issues to meet advertisement schedules.
Water Quality Permitting: Coordinate or conduct water quality field studies or surveys, biological impact studies and wetland delineations early in the project development process. Plan for and develop avoidance and minimization alternatives for environmental resources in the scoping phase of project development. Provide quality control for both VDOT and consultant water quality design submittals. Oversee development of permit packages. Assemble design and environmental data and prepare permit applications consistent with ad dates. Present projects at the Interagency Coordination Meeting and acquire permits to meet ad schedules.

What will make you successful:
Ability to apply civil engineering and environmental sciences in the design of wetlands, stream restoration, erosion and sediment control and BMPs.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with diverse audiences and to make presentations and conduct meetings.
Ability to develop strategies to avoid, minimize and compensate for environmental impacts.
Ability to plan, organize and work on multiple task concurrently.
Ability to prepare conceptual designs and special contract provisions.
Ability to read, interpret and apply environmental laws and regulations to transportation projects.
Ability to work with the public on environmental issues.
Knowledge of NEPA, water quality permits, wetlands, stream stabilization, erosion and sediment control and storm water management laws, regulations and permit processes.
Knowledge of civil engineering, erosion and sediment control and storm water management.
Knowledge of environmental sciences, wetland sciences, and aquatic ecology, fisheries, hydrology, hydraulics and soil sciences.
Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws and regulations.
Knowledge of solid waste and hazardous materials, threatened and endangered species, pollution prevention, and cultural resources laws, regulations and permit processes.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
Skill in wetland delineation, soil taxonomy and plant identification, aquatic macro benthic identification and biological sampling protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:
Considerable knowledge of federal, state, local transportation, environmental rules, regulations, policies and practices.
Experience in the application of environmental requirements to transportation or similar operations.
Experience in wetland delineation and permitting.
Experience reading highway engineering plans.
Experience working with project proponents to avoid, minimize, and mitigate environmental impacts.
Skill in the use of computers and software applications.
Training and experience in construction inspection, asbestos safety awareness and hazard communications.

Hiring Range: $65,198.00 to $105,946.00

The Natural Areas Stewardship Coordinator is a mission-critical, hands-on land management leader who plays a central role in advancing GPF’s conservation outcomes across East-Central Illinois.

With a primary focus on Warbler Ridge Conservation Area (~80% of work time), the Coordinator will intermittently conduct land management services across GPF’s 130-mile, (9) County service area in Central Illinois. This position partners closely with the GPF’s Natural Areas Manager to implement land management plans, lead stewardship operations, and ensure ecological integrity across GPF’s diverse portfolio of prairies, savannas, forests, and conservation lands.
Experience Target: At least three years at supervisor level within Natural Areas work; Staff Management experience.

Job Summary:

Under general supervision, manage the workflow of external agreements, contracts, publications, and funding arrangements, ensuring compliance with Monterey Bay Aquarium policies, and fulfilling reporting requirements. Develop and implement project tracking systems and monitor expenses against the annual budget. Synthesize and disseminate written monthly updates of all departmental activities to support our internal communication needs and external reporting obligations (requires a thorough and thoughtful approach to collecting information across teams, and servicing relationships with our network of global fellows, partners, and external vendors). Support meetings, events and workshops including logistics, materials preparation, note-taking, and meeting syntheses. Perform other duties as required. The position will be based in Monterey, California (hybrid).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in a related field
Minimum 3 years experience in project management and/or grant reporting/management in a non-profit organization
Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
Demonstration of competent, professional writing skills, ideally with audience-focused pieces such as proposals, reports, letters, and fundraising materials
Proficient with project management, financial, and customer relationship management platforms
Strong organization, communication, facilitation, and active listening skills
Proven ability to work effectively and efficiently under multiple, competing deadlines
Ability to communicate effectively, diplomatically, honestly, and sensitively with all levels of management and staff
Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and ability to work collaboratively
Ability to travel domestically and internationally
Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Typical office equipment
Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs.
Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:
$70,304 – $84,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

The Vice President for Species Conservation and Coexistence directs Defenders’ regional and field work to conserve priority species and advance national policy priorities, including those pertaining to wildlife-human coexistence. The Vice President ensures effective on the ground implementation of priority species conservation plans and related imperiled wildlife conservation programs and campaigns. These plans and programs involve a wide range of policy, legal, advocacy and scientific strategies to conserve wildlife.

Priority areas include protecting and restoring threatened and endangered species; promoting coexistence efforts to reduce human-wildlife conflicts; influencing federal, state and tribal administrative and legislative initiatives impacting wildlife, habitat, and other natural resources; working on federal, state and tribal land management issues impacting sensitive wildlife species; maintaining and enhancing the ecological integrity of priority wildlife habitat; reforming state wildlife agencies and commissions; promoting environmentally responsible renewable energy development; and maintaining and enhancing the conservation of biodiversity in general. Working closely with the President & CEO, Senior Vice President for Conservation Programs and other senior leadership, the Vice President is committed to advancing Defenders’ strategic plan goals and objectives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Works closely with the President & CEO, Senior Vice President for Conservation Programs, and other members of Defenders’ senior leadership, to provide leadership direction on matters involving Defenders’ organization, programs and culture.
Provides leadership and supervision for our species conservation and coexistence work. Working with Field Directors and conservation program vice presidents, prioritize and develop short- and long-range strategic plan objectives, organizational structure, and department staffing and budget requirements.
In consultation with Defenders’ leadership and other departments, develops wildlife conservation policy positions for imperiled species to achieve Defenders’ strategic goals and priorities.
Oversees Defenders’ wildlife conservation and coexistence programs to provide for the long-term conservation of imperiled species and other wildlife.
Works with federal agencies, Congress, state agencies, tribes, private landowners, and non-governmental organizations to develop and implement national policies that promote human-wildlife coexistence strategies.
Directs, coordinates, and/or assists Defenders’ advocacy efforts to influence legislation, regulatory processes, agency policies, and land management plans that affect imperiled species and/or involve issues that span multiple regions.
Represents Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and in general communications with public officials, legislators, the news media, Defenders’ membership, the donor community, and the public.
Develops and effectively manages the annual budgets for all of the Field program regions (both restricted and unrestricted funding).
Works with the Development and Marketing departments to raise funds for species conservation and coexistence programs.
Ensures optimum performance for individuals and group function. Recommends and implements techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, and maintain state-of-the-art practices for the department.
Ensures communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary. Working with the Human Resources department, resolve staff disciplinary issues.
This position requires regular travel.
Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in relevant field required; advanced degree preferred

Experience: 15 years; 7 years supervisory; 5 years managing 2+ layers

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Salary Range: $165,000.00 To $185,000.00 Annually

This position is part of a partnership between Pheasants and Quail Forever (QF), The Longleaf Alliance, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and The Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and several other agencies. Under the direction of the Quail Forever SC Prescribed Fire Coordinator, incumbents will conduct prescribed fire and habitat management work on cooperating private land as well as targeted public lands within designated priority geographies within South Carolina as part of the state’s Quail management program. These positions are full-time, permanent employees of Quail Forever and will receive daily leadership from QF staff. This position will be in the Columbia, SC area. This position is currently funded through Sept 30, 2027. The continuation of the position is dependent on the acquisition of additional funding.

Job Duties:

The incumbents will conduct wildlife habitat management practices throughout multiple priority areas. Major responsibilities include:

Implementing Prescribed Fire and habitat management work on cooperating private landowners as well as public lands.
Occasionally assist with northern bobwhite quail and other grassland bird surveys, including but not limited to spring breeding bird surveys, fall covey counts, vegetation surveys, and management of automated recording units (ARU) on private and conservation lands.
Procuring supplies and equipment.
Providing public information.
Participating in scientific field studies and surveys.
Attending/Assisting with prescribed fire and other habitat management technique training.

Other duties may include Firebreak rehabilitation and maintenance, light to medium herbicide work, and other various land management activities.
Job may require odd hours and travel/time away from home.

Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

A basic understanding of environmental, agricultural and/or natural resource science. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the partners. Preference will be given to candidates that possess an associate degree or higher with an emphasis in wildlife management.
Experience conducting prescribed fire safely and effectively, operating ATVs and Side by Sides while conducting prescribed burns, identification and control of invasive weeds and other undesired vegetation.
Safe transportation/hauling of equipment.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and partner agencies.
Ability to work independently with little supervision.
Knowledge of wildlife ecology, grassland management, and/or forest management including the ability to utilize various habitat management equipment and tools in the development of wildlife habitat.
Excellent verbal/written communication and organizational skills.
Valid driver’s license required.
Applicants may be required to obtain a private pesticide applicators license and prescribed fire training.
Overall, this position will require a hard worker who is not afraid to get their hands dirty and comes to work each day with a can-do attitude and the energy and passion to do whatever it takes to get the job done!

Education and Experience Preferred: Any combination of training and/or experience that will enable the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills and abilities. One year of work experience in wildlife management or agricultural related job. Applicants who possess an associate degree in Forestry or Wildlife Management or closely related natural resources field and/or related field experience are preferred.

Salary Range: $40,000 – $44,000

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is seeking a Conservation Projects Coordinator to join a fun and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets – the Milwaukee County Zoo. This role supports our conservation strategy to save wildlife and wild places locally and across the globe by leading and partnering on projects. Specifically, this position coordinates projects that raise public awareness of wildlife conservation, convenes partners to deliver effective conservation actions and enhances our role as a wildlife conservation leader. This position provides operational and administrative support for conservation projects, including tracking and communicating detailed information about partners, project needs, annual work plans, timelines, results, funding requirements, protocols, schedules and other critical information that aid in effective project coordination. As part of the programs department, this position works closely with the Milwaukee County Zoo to inspire and empower all members of our community to take conservation action.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in conservation or a related degree (ecology, wildlife biology, zoology, etc.).
Two years of experience organizing and sharing detailed, complex information.
Ability to read and understand scientific papers.
Demonstrated experience coordinating projects.
Proven ability to work independently and in teams.
Proven ability to prioritize and plan work activities and use time efficiently to meet deadlines.
Demonstration of excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; Spanish or second language fluency a plus.
Knowledge of zoo, aquarium, or museum education and related accreditation processes a plus.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; proficiency in additional collaboration platforms and/or resource scheduling tools preferred.
Ability to frequently travel off-site to program sites, meetings and professional opportunities (with occasional out-of-town and overnight commitments).
Ability to work flexible hours based upon performance requirements, including occasional weekend, late afternoon, and/or pre-designated holiday hours.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including health insurance, complimentary dental, vision, life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary Zoo Pass, up to the Household level.