Job Tag: Conservation

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Position Summary

The Land Trust Program Director reports to the Vice President of Conservation & Government Relations and provides leadership for ATC’s land protection program and internal land trust operations. The primary priorities of this role are achieving Land Trust Alliance (LTA) accreditation and strengthening policies, systems, and practices to ensure the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of ATC’s land trust functions. The Director may also lead conservation real estate transactions when strategically aligned and feasible within organizational capacity.

This position guides conservation strategy and operations to safeguard the Appalachian Trail corridor, its surrounding watersheds, and iconic viewsheds. The Director plays a pivotal role in advancing ATC’s mission by elevating land trust practices, cultivating key partnerships, and ensuring the organization is well positioned to meet LTA accreditation standards.

The Director role is a three-year term position. Continuation beyond the initial term is contingent on securing additional resources.

Qualifications

A degree in natural resources management, environmental planning, real estate, or a related field, or equivalent experience in land conservation and management.
Strong understanding of land trust operations and the ability to identify and implement operational improvements.
Familiarity with LTA accreditation standards and experience in guiding an organization through the accreditation process.
Proven experience in completing complex land acquisition projects, including conservation easements and fee simple transactions.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and work independently as well as part of a team.

Additional Details:

Location: Residence in one of the 14 Trail states (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine).
Annual Salary Range: ($85k – $95k)
Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
Company paid long-term disability and life insurance provided.
403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service.

Anne Arundel County Government is looking to fill a full-time, permanent, represented, safety-sensitive Park Ranger I position in the Department of Recreation & Parks.

The work involves the operation of a large, public Anne Arundel County park. The employee researches and interprets rules and regulations involving wildlife and resource management, environmental education, public relations, property inspections, and routine patrol. Include security duties, park maintenance, and operations.

NATURE AND VARIETY OF WORK
Work also includes public relations and the enforcement of laws and regulations. Work is performed under general supervision, with some latitude for independent judgment and action, and is reviewed by a superior through conferences, reports, and review of results obtained. Includes directing and assisting park visitors in the proper use and enjoyment of the parks, trails, and open spaces; accountability for all patrol functions; inspection of permits; inspecting, monitoring, and enforcing rules and regulations pertaining to user permits for special events and temporary access permits; and enforcement of all park rules and regulations through courteous contact.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry.
Experience: Six (6) months or more of experience in park, conservation, or natural resource management, recreation, or forestry; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator’s license.

Salary: $53,722.00 – $84,893.00 Annually

Norfolk Botanical Garden seeks a passionate and experienced Conservatory Manager to lead daily operations of the new Perry Conservatory—an innovative space where horticultural excellence, sustainability, and guest experience come together. Reporting to the Conservatory Director, the Conservatory Manager oversees plant collections, staff, and volunteers to create and maintain stunning displays that reflect the Garden’s mission.

The ideal candidate combines creative vision and leadership skills with technical expertise in tropical and desert plant care, environmental controls, and extensive knowledge of plant identification, garden design, and disease/pest recognition. This position offers the opportunity to shape a world-class conservatory that engages guests and models environmental leadership. Typical schedule would be Tuesday through Saturday or Sunday through Thursday. The schedule for this position may require some evening, weekend, and holiday work.

Essential Functions:

Efficiently oversee the day-to-day operation and care of the 26,000 square foot Perry Conservatory.
Supervise and direct the work of two or more Horticulturalists and make decisions regarding hiring, firing, and disciplining such employees.
Monitor temperature, humidity, ventilation, and light levels under the direction of an authorized user to ensure optimal plant growth conditions.
Further the Garden’s mission through teaching classes, leading tours, writing articles, giving garden club talks, participating in regional outreach events, and providing excellent customer service at all times.
Develop and expand an in-depth knowledge of plants in the Conservatory, make plant selection suggestions, and assist the Director in locating desirable additions to the botanical collection.
Assist with Garden-wide special events and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must obtain a VA Registered Pesticide Applicator’s license within 6 months of hiring.
Must have a basic working knowledge of botanical nomenclature.
Bachelor’s Degree in Horticulture, Botany, or related field and three years’ experience working in a conservatory or greenhouse.
Preferred candidates should have knowledge of and experience working with tropicals and succulents and/or plants in a greenhouse or conservatory setting.
Availability to work occasional evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed.

This is a seasonal position with American Bird Conservancy (ABC). American Bird Conservancy is a fast-growing, results-focused nonprofit seeking employees with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to make a difference for birds and their habitats throughout the Americas. Inspired by the wonder of birds, ABC achieves lasting results for the bird species most in need while also benefiting human communities, biodiversity, and the planet’s fragile climate.

One Point Count Technician is needed for grassland bird and quail population monitoring as part of a coordinated bird monitoring effort to assess the impacts of grassland management in the Oaks and Prairies region of northern Texas and central Oklahoma. Point counts will be performed on private lands as part of an effort to assess the effectiveness of private lands management. Basic plant monitoring is included to tie together bird populations and habitat. This is an opportunity to be part of a large-scale grassland bird conservation effort involving partner conservation agencies and organizations in Texas and Oklahoma.

Primary duties:

Early-morning points counts on private lands to survey bird communities (will require hiking and coordination with landowners and biologists to access)
Data entry and proofing
Other responsibilities may include but are not limited to: equipment maintenance, managing databases, respectfully talking with landowners and biologists in person and over the phone, etc.

Working Conditions:

Candidates will be expected to work long hours with early starts in relatively difficult field conditions (e.g., high temperatures, exposure to the elements (sun, wind, rain), hiking, active cattle pastures, venomous snakes, cactus, chiggers, ticks, etc.).
Housing will be arranged and may include trailers, camping, and possibly bunkhouses, hotels, and other forms of field housing. As such, candidates should be flexible about housing, are expected to adhere to current health advisories, and will be respectful of those around them.
Technicians will be interacting with Oaks and Prairies Joint Venture partner organizations/agencies and landowners. As such, technicians must have excellent interpersonal skills as they will be expected to represent the OPJV and may be required to professionally interact with landowners in person or over the phone.
Technicians will be required to drive a personal vehicle to and from field sites.
Mileage will be reimbursed for personal vehicles driven for work purposes during the field season.
Personal vehicles should be in good condition and able to handle dirt/gravel roads. *Note that road conditions may be difficult in some areas depending on weather.
Work schedules consist of 1-2 weeks on, followed by several days off. However, timing of and the number of days off is highly dependent upon weather conditions and is subject to change throughout the field season.

Requirements

Ability to work independently
Experience conducting avian point counts
Experience with identification of Texas and Oklahoma birds, especially grassland birds
Experience estimating distances to detected birds
Experience with plant ID and basic plant surveys preferred but not required
Navigational skills and ability to hike off-trail to point count locations
Meticulous data collection skills
Excellent interpersonal skills
Must have valid driver’s license and be at least 18 years old
Must be willing to gain basic Red Cross CPR/First Aid Training (fees covered by employer)
All remote and hybrid employees are required to have a stable and high-speed internet service provider in place prior to beginning work for ABC. Our distributed workforce relies heavily on cloud technologies, Zoom, and other automations to successfully complete our day to day work. The ideal speeds are 30-40 Mbps for downloads and 10-15 Mbps for uploads.
You may be required to use your personal cell phone to access ABC systems remotely.
Authorized to work in the US or Permanent Resident
Occasional air and car travel may be required with this position.
Background screening required

Salary Description
Monthly salary $3,500; field housing included

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts.

Your Impact:

The Trails Specialist works as part of a regional team to protect, restore, and enhance our trail resources and systems, the environment, and visitor experience through high quality trail work. Reporting to the Regional Stewardship Manager, this person is primarily field-based, working both independently and collaboratively with MetroWest stewardship staff and volunteers and occasionally with trail specialists in other regions.

Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate will have 2 or more years in a similar position/environment, as well as:

Ability to quickly assess trail conditions, spot problems, and identify solutions.

Experience using hand-held power tools (ex: chainsaw, drill, brushcutter).

Basic computer skills in Office365, and an ability to learn and use trustees software. systems and mobile technology.

MA Hoisting 2A License or ability to acquire upon hiring.

Experience and/or training with UTV operation, trailer transport, and light machinery a plus (ex: tractor, mini-excavator, skidsteer).

Associate’s degree in natural resources or related field, preferred.

Wilderness First Aid certification, preferred.

Experience working with volunteers a plus.

Eligibility Criteria:

Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.

This role will require driving Trustees vehicles over 10k lbs.

A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Ability to work in all weather conditions and lift 75lbs

Hourly Rate: $21.66 – $27.85

New hires are typically placed within the range of $22.28 – $24.76 per hour

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Full-Time, Nonexempt

Job Location Type: Onsite

Location: Based out of Dover, MA, this role requires daily travel to other properties in the MetroWest region (Dover, Medfield, Millis, Sherborn, Needham, Uxbridge, Southborough, Burlington, Harvard, Shirley) using a Trustees provided vehicle.

The Planning Coordinator reports directly to the Director of Policy & Planning and plays a central role in advancing Parks & Trails New York’s vision of building and promoting a statewide network of greenway trails. The position leads the Empire State Trail Town and Western New York Trail Town programs; manages trail use measurement and data reporting; administers the Bike Friendly New York business certification program; and supports statewide coalitions, GIS mapping, advocacy, and communications. The Planning Coordinator works collaboratively with municipal partners, state agencies, businesses, and community stakeholders across New York State, and represents PTNY at public events, workshops, and advocacy days.

Detailed Responsibilities

Coordinate the Empire State Trail Town and the Western New York Trail Town programs, including development of program components and materials, and coordinating and facilitating virtual and in-person meetings, events, and workshops with municipal partners, state agencies, and community stakeholders.
Lead the development and design of strategic Action Agendas for Trail Town communities, including existing conditions analysis and short- and long-term recommendations, providing ongoing technical assistance to program participants.
Measure and analyze trail use on the Canalway Trail and other trails through management of PTNY’s trail count program, including installing electronic trail counters, collecting and analyzing data, and developing meaningful reports using data visualization tools to communicate findings through maps and narrative.
Manage the Bike Friendly New York business certification program, encouraging businesses in trailside communities to support the needs of traveling and other cyclists and promoting those businesses to a general audience.
Provide administrative support for statewide and regional coalitions, including the Canalway Trail Working Group for municipalities and agencies that own and/or maintain stretches of the Erie and Champlain Canalway Trails.
Support other planning initiatives as needed in support of building a network of greenway trails and connected bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Support advocacy work as needed, including research to support legislation to facilitate the planning, development, maintenance, and safe use of greenways, and representing PTNY in statewide advocacy efforts, lobby days, and other outlets as needed.
Support the development and maintenance of interactive, public-facing maps on PTNY’s website using ArcGIS Online, and produce static maps for use in reports and other publications.
As needed, contribute to monthly newsletters, reports, and other publications, and design, develop content for, and prepare attractive and engaging reports, publications, and presentations using tools such as Adobe InDesign or similar design software.
Represent Parks & Trails New York at conferences, workshops, and other public events.
Other duties/special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum B.S. in planning, landscape architecture, natural resource management, public administration, recreation, or a related field. At least three years of related professional experience is preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously, meet deadlines, and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work with diverse stakeholders, build consensus, and inspire and motivate communities and constituents to action.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, including facilitating public meetings, leading workshops, and delivering presentations to varied audiences.
A self-starter able to work with minimal supervision on multiple assignments and thrive in a collaborative office environment.
Ability to undertake some in-state travel with periodic overnight and evening commitments, roughly once a month on average with more travel expected from March through October.
A commitment to outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and the communities that trails serve.

Additional Skills/Experience Desired

Familiarity with New York State greenway trails, bicycle and pedestrian and other environmental and planning issues within the state
Experience with community engagement or meeting facilitation
Experience with state and local government and planning organizations
Knowledge of GIS mapping and analytical tools
Experience with software for electronic communications and website development

The salary range for the Planning Coordinator is $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience.  

Oneida County is seeking a knowledgeable and collaborative Planning, Zoning, & Conservation Director to lead the administration of county land use and conservation programs.

SUMMARY OF JOB DUTIES: This position provides overall leadership and professional oversight for the Planning & Zoning and Land & Water Conservation functions, ensuring programs are administered consistently and in accordance with County ordinances, state and federal regulations, and policy direction established by the County Board and its committees. The Director supervises professional, technical, and administrative staff and serves as the primary technical advisor to the Planning & Development Committee, Board of Adjustment, Conservation & UW–Extension Education Committee, and County Board on land use and conservation matters. Responsibilities include administering and enforcing ordinances related to zoning, shoreland and floodplain management, land divisions, private onsite wastewater systems (POWTS), and nonmetallic mining; reviewing development proposals and permits; coordinating with local municipalities and regulatory agencies; assisting with long-range planning efforts including Comprehensive Plan updates; and overseeing departmental budgeting, reporting, and public communication.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: Qualified candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Natural Resources, Soil Science, Geography, Public Administration, or a closely related field, and at least five years professional experience in planning, zoning, land use regulation, or a related area. A minimum of three years of supervisory or leadership experience is required. Candidates should demonstrate knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal regulations and possess strong communication and organizational skills, including the ability to present technical information to elected officials and the public. Private Onsite Waste Treatment System (POWTS) certification must be obtained within six months of hire, and WI Soil Tester certification within one year of hire. A valid Wisconsin driver’s license with good driving record is required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge and abilities will be considered.

WORK HOURS: This exempt, salaried leadership position works a minimum of 40 hours per week, mostly during weekdays, but some nights and weekends may be needed to attend meetings.

WAGES AND BENEFITS: Starting 2026 salary of $90,424 to $124,012, contingent on qualifications. Position includes an excellent benefit package including affordable health insurance, enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System benefits and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) with the ability to carryover unused PTO hours into future years.

Hinsdale, a small rural town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, seeks a practical, skilled conservation agent. Reporting directly to the Town Administrator and appointed by the Select Board, the Conservation Agent serves the Conservation Commission, town officials, and all other interested parties on wetlands protection, natural resource conservation, and environmental permitting in Hinsdale. The Conservation Agent implements the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (M.G.L. c.131 §40), the Rivers Protection Act, regulations (310 CMR
10.00), and local wetlands bylaws.

This role offers conservation work in a rural community, which can include forests, streams, wetlands, and modest home projects. The conservation agent can focus on rigorous review, fieldwork, and consultation with applicants and local boards due to moderate permitting volume. The town welcomes applicants doing similar part-time work in other area municipalities.

Responsibilities
• Administer and enforce the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and local wetlands bylaws.
• Review and process regulatory filings, including Requests for Determination of Applicability, Notices of Intent, and Abbreviated Notices of Resource Area Delineation.
• Conduct site inspections, wetlands resource evaluations, and compliance monitoring.
• Prepare draft Orders of Conditions, Determinations, Certificates of Compliance, and enforcement documentation.
• Investigate complaints and potential violations and coordinate enforcement actions when necessary.
• Provide technical guidance to property owners, applicants, engineers, and consultants regarding wetlands permitting requirements.
• Prepare meeting materials and reports, and attend evening meetings of the Conservation Commission.
• Maintain permit files, records, and regulatory documentation.
• Coordinate with state agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), when applicable.
• Assist with monitoring Town-owned conservation lands and conservation restrictions as requested.

Minimum Qualifications
• A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, biology, natural resources, environmental planning, or a similar bachelor’s degree is required. However, relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of formal education.
• The candidate should know the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and regulations.
Wetland delineation, environmental permitting, land-use regulation, and municipal conservation administration experience are desirable.
• An understanding of site plans, engineering drawings, and environmental studies is crucial.
• The candidate needs excellent writing and speaking skills.
• The candidate can perform field inspections in various weather and terrain.
• The candidate must be a licensed driver.

Status: Part-Time (typically 10–12 hours per week)

Compensation: Range $26—$30 per hour, depending on qualifications

Trust for Public Land (TPL) is the leader of a movement to connect everyone in America to the outdoors. A national nonprofit, TPL partners with communities to create high-quality parks and protect public lands—especially in communities that need them most—to improve public health, create social cohesion, strengthen historic and cultural connection to place, and increase climate resilience. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,500 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, generated over $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit www.tpl.org.

Position Summary:

The Florida State Director develops and leads Trust for Public Land’s mission delivery in Florida. The Trust for Public Land’s work in Florida encompasses land protection, park design and development, community schoolyard creation, trail creation, community engagement, parks planning, and public and private financing for parks and conservation.
The State Director manages and mentors the Florida field staff, collaborates with TPL’s national experts and thought leaders, and works in close partnership with the Florida State Director of Philanthropy and other philanthropy colleagues to raise funding needed to both support and grow the office’s programs and operating costs. The State Director is also responsible for working with public agencies, non-profit partners, major donors, elected officials, citizen leaders, and community members to enhance opportunities for success of the organization as a whole and the Florida program specifically. The individual must demonstrate a proven track record working with key individuals in the philanthropic community.
The Florida State Director is responsible for implementing TPL’s national strategic plan in the state of Florida. The Florida State Director reports to the Southeast Regional Director and collaborates on strategic mission delivery with other Southeast state programs, particularly Georgia and Alabama. The Florida State Director leads the Florida team in continually developing, implementing, and evolving local programmatic initiatives that deliver on TPL’s mission of creating parks and protecting land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. The Florida office also has jurisdiction over land protection and other programmatic work in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s degree/advanced degree preferred.
At least 5 years’ experience in an organization focused on land conservation and public urban work.
At least 8 years of relevant non-profit work experience or the equivalent, including at least 5 years of staff management experience. Experience serving as an Executive Director preferred, or other positions of leadership.
Experience interfacing with and effectively engaging diverse groups (staff, volunteers, stakeholders, politicians, agency partners, etc.)
Extensive experience working with fundraisers and securing funding for mission support from public and private sources
Experience with public finance techniques, government funding practices and procedures, the foundation community, fundraising, marketing practices, public policy and budgeting practices.
An entrepreneurial spirit, initiative, energy, the capacity to lead, mentor and inspire others, the capacity to be both a high performer and a team player, common sense, and a sense of humor.
Demonstrated experience working with underserved communities and communities of color.
Excellent communication skills including writing and public speaking.
An ability and willingness to travel as required and to work flexible hours outside a 9-5 schedule.
A passionate commitment to The Trust for Public Land’s mission of connecting everyone to the outdoors.
A commitment to TPL’s shared values of Belonging, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Hope

Compensation:

Trust for Public Land is a hybrid work environment, and this role will ideally be located near a Trust for Public Land office. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for the Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation and sick pay plus holidays, a year end office closure, and a 403(b)-retirement plan, currently with up to a 7% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience; the anticipated hiring range for this position is $155,000-170,000.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Vice President, Great Plains Program. This position is located in Bozeman Montana and all interested candidates must be willing to relocate to Bozeman.

Serves as leader of the Great Plains Program (GP) for WWF-US, including developing and communicating a strategic vision, negotiating on behalf of the GP, and partnering to secure needed resources to accomplish results. Responsible for fundraising and communication efforts and targets, as well as building and managing a cross-functional team that is working toward the common vision and objectives. In this role, the VP also oversees and coordinates WWF-US’s Central Grasslands and Freshwater Systems Priority Place strategy and integrated team.

Responsibilities

Strategic vision: Demonstrates the ability to define and articulate the results required to achieve the GP Program’s five-year strategy and long-term objectives; develops comprehensive long-range plans to achieve those results; and effectively balances long-term priorities with immediate demands when setting goals, timelines, and resource allocations.

Negotiations and partnering: Builds and sustains strategic partnerships by aligning stakeholders around a shared vision; negotiates agreements that establish the conditions necessary for mutual success; represents WWF’s ambition for significant impact while co-creating practical, mutually beneficial strategies and plans; and fosters strong, positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Communications and fundraising: Champions program initiatives at national and global levels; leads and supports major fundraising efforts in collaboration with internal teams and partners; engages policymakers, institutions, and key audiences to build public awareness and commitment through strategic communications and campaigns; and assumes accountability for achieving annual fundraising goals and commitments.

Team building and management: Builds, leads, and develops diverse, geographically distributed teams to achieve strategic objectives; collaborates across the organization to leverage the best talent in designing and implementing effective solutions; provides leadership and subject matter support across the global network; establishes clear goals and performance expectations, monitors and communicates progress, and drives accountability for results; and fosters a high-performance culture through recognition, feedback, coaching, and professional development.

Creativity & innovation: Applies creative and innovative thinking to address complex political, social, scientific, and management challenges; develops practical, forward-thinking solutions that advance organizational goals; effectively navigates ambiguity to solve problems and drive progress; fosters a culture of continuous learning by sharing insights and best practices; and demonstrates adaptability in taking on additional responsibilities as needed.
Qualifications

Education/Experience:

Master’s degree or equivalent experience required in relevant fields such as conservation, natural resource management, or related field. 12+ years of experience required, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing staff and large, complex programs focused on conservation.

Skills and Abilities

Deep understanding of grassland ecology, conservation planning, and community-led conservation.
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fundraising (including corporate partnerships), and program implementation.
Proven experience building and managing partnerships across sectors— communities, corporate, governmental, and NGO.
Strong ability to communicate complex scientific and programmatic information clearly to diverse audiences, including funders, partners, and internal teams.
Excellent facilitation, negotiation, and interpersonal skills; adept at building trust and alignment among varied stakeholders.
Able to lead and manage teams, provide coaching and development to staff; has high emotional intelligence
Experience managing budgets, staff performance, and cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills; able to translate ideas into actionable plans and measurable results.
High degree of professionalism, accountability, and personal integrity.
Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in conservation and team culture.
Willingness to travel up to 30% of the time

Salary Range: $175,800 – $252,700