Job Tag: Conservation

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year.

The Director of Horticulture is a fully on-site position overseeing the maintenance, planning, and ongoing development of the zoo’s seasonal display plantings, botanic garden, , arboretum, and the iconic Nature Boardwalk landscape. In addition, the Director provides plant guidance to enhance animal wellbeing, collaborates closely with learning and community engagement teams, partners with the events team, and works with scientific staff on conservation and research initiatives.

This position is also responsible for upholding the zoo’s accreditations from Botanic Gardens Conservation International, ArbNet, the American Public Gardens Association Plant Collections Network, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Director oversees the Manager of Plant Records and Horticulture Programs, the Manager of Horticulture Operations, and a team of four full-time Horticulturists, and provides general oversight for seasonal staff and interns. This position also ensures that all horticultural operations align with regulatory requirements, animal safety protocols, budgetary practices, and the zoo’s strategic plan.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Advanced knowledge of plant taxa and cultural needs.

• Advanced knowledge of arboriculture, as well as appropriate gardening techniques and practices.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills in business English; ability in public speaking and facilitating group discussions.

• Ability to deliver programs to diverse audiences.

• Ability to implement and enforce safe work practices.

• Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations involving humans or animals.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks.

• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, colleagues, volunteers, zoo visitors, and the general public.

• Ability to operate vehicles and equipment.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of a BS/BA with a focus on horticulture, botany, plant science, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of 7 years full-time experience in a public garden, accredited zoo, or equivalent setting, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role..

Salary: $85k-$90k/annually

MassWildlife manages more than 500 species and stewards critical habitats across in the third most densely populated state in the nation. MassWildlife protects and manages over 239,000 acres of land and water. The Director will lead the Division in advancing biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, public access to outdoor recreational opportunities, and responsible wildlife management in a complex and highly visible public environment.

Position Summary

The Director of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) serves as the chief executive for the Division. In this capacity, the Director advances the Commonwealth’s public trust responsibilities for wildlife, inland fisheries, natural resources, and species protected under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA).

The Director provides executive and strategic leadership, policy administration, and operational oversight to ensure the responsible conservation, management, and stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural resources. The role requires advancing biodiversity protection, climate resilience, public access, sustainable land use, and fiscal stewardship in a complex and highly visible public environment. Through science-based decision-making, transparent governance, and collaborative partnerships, the Director administers all Division programs and activities in service to the public and in alignment with statutory authority under Chapters 21, 131, and 131A of the Massachusetts General Laws.

The Director engages regularly with the Commissioner, the Fisheries and Wildlife Board, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) leadership, and stakeholders, responding to inquiries and ensuring that Division performance, reporting, and initiatives advance strategic priorities and accountability to the Commonwealth. The Director provides overall direction to the Deputy Director and senior leadership team responsible for core administrative and programmatic functions and engages with staff at various levels of the Division.

The Director also collaborates with federal and state agencies, EA programs including the Massachusetts Environmental Police, national and state conservation and sporting organizations, academic partners, and legislators to advance interagency initiatives, inform policy, integrate scientific research, and promote effective wildlife conservation and habitat stewardship across the Commonwealth.

The successful candidate will bring:

Experience navigating complex public policy environments and engaging diverse stakeholders.

Proven ability to lead organizational strategy, build partnerships, and advocate effectively for conservation initiatives.

Demonstrated executive leadership experience in natural resources, wildlife biology, environmental policy, or a related field.

The Director must be a strategic thinker and visionary, effective communicator, and collaborative leader capable of advancing conservation, sustaining public trust, and ensuring the long-term stewardship of the Commonwealth’s natural resources.

Required Qualifications

10 years + experience leading and managing large, multi-disciplinary teams in natural resources, fisheries, or wildlife management, ensuring effective coordination of programs, field operations, and administrative functions.

Minimum of 7 years of experience in public administration, government, or nonprofit organizations, including responsibility for budget, personnel, program development, and legislative and public engagement.

Strong knowledge of fisheries and wildlife science, habitat conservation, and regulatory frameworks.

Ability to formulate a vision and strategy that will mitigate challenges and ensure the capacity of the Division to meet its mission.

Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholder groups, members of the Board, Department leadership, and the public.

Demonstrated ability to handle complex issues, reconciling competing priorities and dissenting perspectives.

Ability to analyze and interpret technical data on fish and wildlife resources, to understand scientific reports, and to lead preparation of written program evaluations.

Demonstrated experience motivating and supervising personnel, organizing and directing programs, and creating a positive, respectful and inclusive workplace culture.

Extensive experience communicating with and influencing diverse audiences, including legislators, the media, the public, and staff, particularly on complex, high-visibility, and sensitive issues.

Demonstrated leadership experience guided by the highest ethical standards, including respect, integrity, inclusion, honesty, fairness, and transparency.

Salary: 119,477.78 – 185,007.83 Yearly

Job purpose

Precision Conservation Management (PCM) is a farmer service program led by the Illinois Corn Growers Association in partnership with over 30 conservation leaders, including the Nebraska Corn Board. PCM’s mission is to increase adoption of conservation practices on corn, soybean, and wheat fields while evaluating their impact on farm financial stability.

The Precision Conservation Specialist provides technical assistance to enrolled cooperators. This position offers a culture of professional and personal growth; as part of a growing program, you will have opportunities to shape future work and development. In this role, you will manage and execute projects, working closely with Nebraska farmers to promote adoption of conservation practices in water, nutrient, and soil management. You will serve as a public resource, offering local expertise to connect farmers with cost-share and incentive programs. The Specialist educates cooperators, helps secure financial and technical assistance for adopting or expanding conservation practices within a ~60-mile radius of Beatrice, NE and reports on success in utilizing grant and cost-share funds to PCM partners. Additionally, you will collaborate with the Nebraska Corn Board, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Nebraska Department of Water, Environment and Energy, Natural Resources Districts, and other stakeholders on nutrient management programs. This includes assisting with on-farm research recruitment, implementation, data collection, and partner coordination. PCM Specialists deliver customized reports to farmers, summarizing sustainability and financial impacts of their operations and comparing metrics to other practices. This role is ideal for someone passionate about sustainable agriculture, eager to support Nebraska farmers in achieving environmental and economic success.

Duties and responsibilities

Support up to 100 farmers within the PCM program as they work to adopt conservation practices.
Promote PCM and the implementation of specific conservation practices.
Represent the project and demonstrate strong management and administrative responsibility.
Collaborate with and maintain open communication with the PCM Director, PCM Operations Manager on the implementation of PCM objectives.
Identify opportunities and challenges in meeting PCM objectives and work with other PCM staff including analysts, Specialists, data collectors, and partners, to meet goals.
Conduct and coordinate internal and external communications.
Coordinate with other PCM Specialists and partners to conduct farmer meetings and trainings.
Collect and maintain detailed and up-to-date farmer management data and other program records.
Coordinate and execute strategic and programmatic activities of the PCM program.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree related to agricultural management, production agriculture, agronomy, or ag economics required.

Ability to prioritize a heavy and varied workload, deliver results on a timeline, and provide regular report of activities/achievements.
Willingness to travel extensively within the multi-county area to meet farmers at their homes, shops, or fields.
Proficient with basic computer software (Microsoft Office Suite) and comfortability entering data into online platforms and into Excel
Self-motivated.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to work with farmers and manage professional relationships.
Proven ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
Understanding of current farming practices, nitrogen application techniques, and nitrogen loss concerns.

The Morro Bay National Estuary Program brings the community, local governments, nonprofits, government agencies, and landowners together to protect and restore Morro Bay. The Estuary Program is a non-regulatory, nonprofit organization that conducts monitoring and research, restores natural habitats, and educates residents and visitors on how to keep Morro Bay clean and healthy.

The Estuary Program is seeking an Associate Director to support program management, operations & administration, fundraising, and grant management. This position plays a key role in management of an environmental nonprofit, including program oversight and operational support. The Associate Director also supports communication and outreach efforts to increase knowledge and stewardship to help protect Morro Bay and the lands that surround it. The Executive Director and Associate Director work together to promote estuary and watershed health and showcase the scientific, restoration, and education work of the Estuary Program.

The Associate Director reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Comptroller on budget tracking, grant management, contracting, and other financial management tasks. The position is a leadership development role, offering experience in nonprofit management and direct mentorship from an Executive Director.

Minimum Qualifications

BA/BS, coursework, or equivalent work experience in the environmental field (natural resources management, environmental science, biology, environmental education, or similar)
Two to five years of experience, ideally in the environmental field, in areas such as consulting, nonprofit, or small business management.
Excellent verbal communication skills, with experience in public speaking and presentations
Excellent written communication skills with demonstrated experience writing for technical and public audiences
Ability to translate technical information clearly and appropriately for diverse audiences, consistent with organizational voice and messaging
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple projects with varying timelines and reporting requirements
Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and Adobe Acrobat Pro

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in the environmental field
Experience managing projects, grants, and associated budgets
Experience working with environmental conservation initiatives or small nonprofit organizations
Experience in supervising staff, volunteers, interns, and/or students
Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising and donor communications

Pay, Benefits, & Work Environment

This is a non-exempt, full-time position with a pay rate of $30 to $33 per hour, depending on experience. Anticipated start date in May 2026, with some flexibility to accommodate the academic calendar.

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Conservation Cleanups Manager is responsible for the planning, management and implementation of key programmatic events including signature beach cleanups and global partner conferences. The Manager will work alongside members of the Ending Ocean Plastics Program (EOP) team to organize and deliver world-class volunteer events for Ocean Conservancy’s corporate supporters while simultaneously striving to engage communities and supporters around the world to grow the global recognition of the Ocean Conservancy brand. This position will be responsible for coordinating across time zones with employees in offices throughout the U.S., as well as a multitude of international cleanup partners.

Experience & Skills

3–4 years of experience in event management, customer service, project coordination or related roles required.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in dynamic environments, shifting seamlessly between different audiences, settings and responsibilities throughout the day.
Familiarity working with volunteers of all ages required.
Previous experience living, working or traveling outside of the United States preferred.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build positive relationships with partners, volunteers and stakeholders.
Excellent written and oral communication skills with diverse audiences of all ages, backgrounds and language abilities.
Bilingual capabilities preferred.
Highly self-directed with the ability to take initiative and work independently while traveling or managing remote event logistics.
Detail-oriented and highly dependable, responsible and organized.
Demonstrated ability to quickly solve problems, meet goals and successfully execute tasks under high-stress situations.
Solutions-oriented attitude.
Expertise using the suite of Microsoft Office tools.
Strong experience managing operational or event data using Excel or similar tools, including tracking metrics, reporting outcomes and maintaining organized databases.
Passion for the marine environment and a commitment to eliminating trash from the ocean.
Travel, Schedule & Physical Requirements

Significant domestic and international travel required (2–4 trips/month), often on weekends; ability to work flexible and unpredictable hours, including evenings and extended periods during events.
Valid driver’s license and passport required; ability to lift 50 lbs., work outdoors in varying weather, and assist with event setup and breakdown.
EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree and appropriate professional experience.
COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum salary is $85,000. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

The Eastern Trail Alliance (ETA) and Eastern Trail Management District (ETMD) seek a strategic and hands-on Interim Executive Director to lead both organizations for an 18–24 month term.

The Eastern Trail is a visionary plan for a long-distance walking and bicycling trail that will one day extend continuously off-road from South Portland to the Maine-New Hampshire border. The membership-based Eastern Trail Alliance (ETA) and the regional semi-municipal organization Eastern Trail Management District (ETMD) jointly manage the Eastern Trail, one of southern Maine’s most significant recreation and active transportation assets. The organizations share an executive director and a cost-sharing relationship.

We are currently looking for an interim Executive Director to partner with the ETA and ETMD Boards to assess our current structure, maintain operations, investigate operational models for trail organizations, define our trail-building strategy, and plan the transition for long term executive leadership.

The Interim Executive Director will have the guidance and support of the Boards and staff for their entire tenure. During the 18-24 month term, the Interim Executive Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our programs, trail management projects, fundraising efforts, financial oversight, and community partnerships while shepherding the organization through a period of transition

Key Responsibilities:

Provide unified leadership across ETA and ETMD to the staff, volunteers, and board members.
Support the Board in defining the purpose and structure of the organization.
Lead the development and oversight of annual budgets for both ETA and ETMD, ensuring strong fiscal controls, responsible expenditure approval, and accurate financial reporting across entities.
Working with the development committee,begin the design and implementation of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and sponsorship opportunities.
Oversee and/or manage projects and events, ensuring their effectiveness, efficiency, and alignment with the organization’s goals.
Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, as well as ethical standards governing nonprofit organizations.
Work with staff and board to maintain existing relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and other local nonprofit organizations to leverage partnerships and maximize the organization’s impact.
Serves as the chief spokesperson and is responsible for all public relations.
Performs other duties as directed by the board of directors.

Skills and Experience:

Experience with organizational development and organizations in transition
Ability to identify areas of needed organizational improvement and help to prioritize needed changes
Nonprofit business management experience, including: general non-profit business expertise, managing people and change, budgeting, and fundraising skills.
Proven ability to develop and execute strategy while managing day-to-day operations in a lean, hands-on environment.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community members, donors, and government officials.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Knowledge of nonprofit governance, legal compliance, and best practices in nonprofit management.
Knowledge of Quickbooks Online is required; Google Workspace, Donor Perfect, and Constant Contact are a plus.

Salary:$88,000 – $110,000

Working out of the Washington, D.C. office, the Manager, Chesapeake Programs (Manager) supports strategic development and implementation of the Foundation’s Chesapeake Bay Stewardship Fund (CBSF), a collection of competitive grants programs, technical assistance, and contracted support to advance the protection and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

The Manager is responsible for working with the Foundation’s Chesapeake program staff, federal agencies, and other restoration and conservation partners to develop and implement grant making strategies that address pressing watershed and habitat conservation and restoration issues that achieve measurable conservation outcomes. They coordinate the Foundation’s Chesapeake program activities with others involved or affected by project and programmatic decisions.

The Manager is responsible for assisting in the development of funding opportunities, managing funding sources, interacting with existing and potential grant/contract recipients, coordinating proposal review, working with grantees to conceive and submit grant proposals that are aligned with NFWF’s Chesapeake Bay Business Plan and partner priorities, reviewing/approving grantee or contractor reports, coordinating with the project administration team to assure the effective implementation of the Foundation’s grant administration policies, and drafting recommendations for staff and Board action. All activities are closely coordinated with the Program Director, Chesapeake Programs, Program Coordinator(s), other Foundation staff, and public, private, and non-governmental partners.

This work is multi-disciplinary and involves significant internal and external coordination to evaluate and adapt program-level investment strategies, to continually assess the technical and programmatic merits of potential investments and to oversee effective program implementation through the cumulative efforts of grantees and contractors.

The position is based in Washington, DC, and frequent travel across the Chesapeake Bay watershed, especially in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS)

Minimum bachelor’s degree, master’s or equivalent experience preferred in biology, ecology, environmental science, public policy or related field.
Minimum three years’ experience working with government agencies and/or nongovernmental organizations on issues related to conservation and natural resource management. Candidates with specific experience working in philanthropy with or on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay Program partnership and member agencies and organizations are strongly preferred.
Demonstrated skills in the areas of project management, program management, project budgeting, collaboration with scientists and other technical experts, and development of decision support processes preferred.
Experience working with federal resource agencies, with experience managing cooperative agreements preferred.
Grants management and administration experience preferred.
Experience building consensus and managing conflict among diverse partners.
Knowledge of watershed and estuarine management issues.
Knowledge of environmental and policy challenges facing the Chesapeake Bay.
Experience working with environmental indicators and performance metrics.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to work independently in a rapidly changing environment.
Ability to work successfully in a team environment.
Computer proficiency, including databases, spreadsheets, word processing, and graphics. Experience with web content management and Geographic Information Systems is preferred.

COMPENSATION

$68K per year

Sanborn Mills Farm (SMF) is a 540-acre nonprofit craft school and working farm in central New Hampshire where land, labor, and learning are inseparable.

We are not a museum, and we are not a reenactment site. We are a living campus where traditional land-based skills are actively practiced in service of a resilient future. Historic methods are used not for display, but because they remain functional, relevant, and instructive today.

The Opportunity

The Gardens & Horticulture Manager is a senior, hands-on leadership role at a formative moment in the life of the institution. As SMF evolves into a year-round educational campus, the gardens are expanding in both scale and significance.

This role will appeal to a practitioner who values craftsmanship, ecological stewardship, design coherence, and the long arc of land-based work. The successful candidate will shape a significant horticultural landscape — not as a designer from a distance, but as a working leader in the soil.

The Gardens & Horticulture Manager leads through daily participation in garden labor, mentors staff, develops cohesive planting strategies, and ensures that ornamental and productive systems align with the farm’s broader agricultural and educational mission.

Qualifications

A formal degree is not required. Education, certification, apprenticeship, or substantial professional horticultural experience will be considered. However a degree would be desirable. A natural desire

and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a small, mission-driven team where gardens, agriculture, craft education, and land stewardship intersect.

· Strong ornamental plant knowledge

· Supervisory experience

· Demonstrated ability to work physically and consistently outdoors in all seasons

· Clear communication skills

· Valid driver’s license

· Ecological horticulture experience (helpful)

· Familiarity with invasive species management in New England landscapes (helpful)

· Educational or nonprofit experience (helpful)

Salary: $75,000 annually

At approximately 120,042 acres of parkland and 325 miles of trails, Maricopa County is home to one of the largest regional park systems in the nation. Currently, there are twelve parks in Maricopa County’s regional park system. Each is unique and offers its visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities.

The Park Planner Senior is responsible for leading and managing complex planning and development projects for parks, trails, open space, and recreational facilities. This position plays a key role in long-range planning, master planning, capital project development, grant acquisition, and public engagement. The Park Planner Senior provides expert guidance and coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure park projects align with strategic goals, community needs, and environmental best practices. In addition, the Park Planner Senior will supervise the growing Natural/Cultural Resource Division.

Job Contributions

Lead and manage park planning projects, including master plans, feasibility studies, resource management, site analysis, and development plans, including cost estimates and capital improvement phasing

Coordinate the development of long-range strategic plans, trail connectivity studies, and open space preservation efforts

Monitor planning trends, best practices, and regulations related to parks, recreation, land use, and environmental sustainability

Collaborate with internal and county staff to align planning with implementation

Facilitate public engagement processes, including community meetings, stakeholder interviews, and surveys

Draft and review technical documents such as RFPs, RFQs, and scopes of work for consultants and contractors

Manage resource staff, consultant contracts, project timelines, and deliverables

Oversee grant applications and compliance for federal, state, and local funding programs

Present plans, proposals, and updates to boards, commissions, and elected officials

Other job duties as assigned

We Require

Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in park or open space planning, including at least one year in a supervisory role

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Parks and Recreation Management, Environmental Design, or related field

Post-secondary education in a related field may substitute for up to two years of required experience

Pay Range: $75,000 – $116,500 annually

Symmes Township is accepting resumes for a Conservation, Parks and Sustainability Specialist.
This is managerial position in the Township’s Administration Department. Workers in this
classification are responsible for planning, managing and may assist in the maintenance of
Township Park grounds, trails, facilities and natural areas, events, athletic fields and recycling
programs. This position may include availability on weekends and as needed for emergencies.
Duties are performed under the supervision of the Township Administrator. The successful
candidate must be a high school graduate with at least 3 years of experience, associate or
bachelor’s degree in any related field and possess a valid State Motor Vehicle Operator’s
License. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age. Preference will be given to those who have
some related experience with parks, horticulture or with government. The successful applicant
must have the ability to get a CDL and pesticide license (category 5, 6 & 8) within 1 year of
employment. Salary range $33.30 to $38.55 per hour DOQ.