Conservation Specialist Jobs
Conservation Specialist jobs are open across federal and state agencies, environmental nonprofits, land trusts, and consulting firms, from entry-level field technician roles to senior program manager and director positions, with specializations in habitat restoration, cultural resource management, and wildlife conservation. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Agriculture Conservation Specialist
Location: NRCS Field Office Vineland, NJ
Classification: Full-time
INTRODUCTION:
This position is located in the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Vineland Service Center and the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District office. NRCS works in cooperation with the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District (DSCD) to provide technical and financial assistance to farmers, urban growers and private landowners to encourage the implementation of conservation practices designed to address natural resource issues. The specialist assists the NRCS District Conservationist, Resource Specialists, and District staff in carrying out a coordinated soil and water conservation program and implementation of urban agriculture initiatives in the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District. The specialist is responsible for application, follow-up and maintenance work for preliminary and single-practice phases that are scheduled in the conservation plan under the direction and supervision of the District Conservationist.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Develops and carries out schedules for conservation practice implementation and follow up work for USDA Farm Bill Programs provides assistance with program implementation as assigned by, and under the direction and supervision, of the District Conservationist. The specialist will be expected to assist the public with the development of conservation plans, financial assistance contracts and ensuring implementation of these plans and contracts.
Works with landowners on the application of various types of Federal and State Technical and Financial Assistance Programs and practices on agricultural and private lands in the work area. Makes initial contacts with landowners. Provides technical assistance in the layout, installation, and maintenance of conservation practices called for in plans and contracts. Makes onsite adjustments to and deviations from conservation practices to meet field conditions. Works to develop conservation plans and financial assistance contracts in cooperation with the NRCS District Conservationist. Determines need and site location, survey and designs, stakes out and supervises installation on contracted items and certifies performance on referrals to the district conservationists.
Calculates soil loss and provides soil loss data for computation of water quality benefits. Reports number and acres of land benefited from planning and application of conservation practices.
Gathers complete planning data on complex enterprise land units where agriculture or private land conservation is involved. Applies a working knowledge of soil and water quality planning and designing to explain its purpose and intent, to answer questions, and to explain benefits of improved land use and water quality. Presents planning information to the soil conservationist and resource conservationist including possible solutions to physical problems for development of conservation plans.
Follows up in writing and by field visit on conservation practices, with landowners to encourage and arrange for proper maintenance and to schedule application of additional practices called for in contracts. . Records the kind of technical assistance needed and when it is scheduled or when contact should be made to develop firm schedule. Notes changes in practice installation dates, items to be added or deleted, changes in farming operations, etc. Documents that all items previously applied are being properly maintained using accountability tools. Works towards obtaining NRCS Conservation Planner certification.
Assists in conducting information work in the field office by assembling NRCS materials for use at meetings and tours. Recognizes and provides notes on newsworthy items to the District Conservationist; by assisting with demonstrations and tours for landowners and interested groups such as farmers. Provides assistance to the District Conservationist in carrying out information programs.
Maintains records and assists in the preparation of reports on work planned and accomplished.
Actively participate in current NRCS working groups targeted at urban agriculture. Engage with specialized working groups to explore overlap. Support NRCS and the District with Urban outreach, program implementation and serve as local liaison between NRCS and local communities on urban subjects. Develop a maintain relationships with urban ag organization outside of NRCS. Support NRCS with urban conservation planning and implementation.
Serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark. A valid New Jersey driver’s license is required.
Actively supports and participates in the safety and health program activities as required. Complies with all appropriate safety and health rules and regulations in the performance of assigned tasks.
Actively supports the Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Program and assures the delivery of agency programs and services are carried out in accordance with policy and procedures without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or physical or mental handicap.
Complies with and adheres to all Federal policies and policies of the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District. The specialist will be supervised by the District Conservationist while detailed to the USDA NRCS Field Office and by the District Manager while working in the DelAtlantic Conservation District office.
Performs other duties as assigned.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter outlining your interest, along with a list of references, to:
Michael Kent, District Manager
DelAtlantic Conservation District
6260 Old Harding Highway
Mays Landing, NJ 08330
or by email to Michael Kent at delatlantic@delatlantic.org
We strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. The DelAtlantic Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $52,500.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
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Find Conservation Specialist JobsConservation Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in conservation specialist jobs.
- Bachelor's degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, or a related natural resource field
- Experience conducting field surveys, habitat assessments, or biological monitoring
- Familiarity with federal environmental regulations such as the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act
- Proficiency with GIS software for mapping, spatial analysis, and reporting
- Valid driver's license and willingness to work in remote or rugged outdoor conditions
- Strong technical writing skills for permits, reports, and agency correspondence
Tips for Your Conservation Specialist Job Search
Tailor your resume to the resource type
Hiring managers in this field distinguish sharply between terrestrial, aquatic, and cultural resource specialists. Lead each bullet with the specific resource type you worked on, the acreage or scope, and the regulatory framework involved, so reviewers can place you immediately.
List every relevant certification up front
Certifications like PWS, CWB, or Registered Archaeologist carry real weight in conservation hiring. Put them in a dedicated section near the top of your resume, not buried in a skills list, because many screeners filter on these credentials before reading anything else.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists conservation specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Search agency job codes, not just titles
Federal and state agencies post conservation roles under codes like GS-0401 or series titles such as Natural Resource Specialist. If you search only by common job titles, you'll miss a significant slice of government postings that pay well and offer strong benefits.
Prepare a fieldwork portfolio before interviews
Bring or link to documentation of past surveys, restoration plans, or compliance reports you authored. Interviewers frequently ask candidates to walk through a real project, and having a concise portfolio lets you give specific, credible answers rather than speaking in generalities.
Negotiate start dates around field season timing
Many conservation roles have seasonal ramp-up periods tied to permitting windows or migratory calendars. If an offer comes in fall or winter, ask whether a spring start is possible so you enter during peak project activity rather than a slow administrative stretch.
Conservation Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most conservation specialists?
State of Montana, Opportunity Council, and State of Washington are hiring the most conservation specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Washington, Illinois, and Montana, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Federal agencies, state wildlife departments, and environmental consulting firms consistently account for the largest share of active postings.
How many conservation specialist jobs are remote?
About 67% of conservation specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, field-dependent nature of most roles in this occupation. Policy analysis, grant writing, GIS mapping, and program coordination positions within larger agencies or nonprofits are the sub-areas most likely to offer flexible or remote arrangements.
How do you become a conservation specialist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, environmental science, or natural resource management, as most entry-level postings require it. Build field experience through internships, volunteer restoration projects, or seasonal technician roles with land management agencies. Earning a credential such as a Certified Wildlife Biologist or Professional Wetland Scientist strengthens your candidacy for competitive positions. Progress to specialist roles by demonstrating fluency with GIS tools and regulatory compliance documentation.
How do you get hired as a conservation specialist with little experience?
Apply to seasonal field technician and AmeriCorps conservation corps positions, which are explicitly designed as entry points and lead directly to permanent specialist roles. Emphasize academic fieldwork, species identification skills, and any hands-on restoration or survey work in your resume. Joining a state or regional professional association connects you with mentors who can flag unadvertised openings, and many agencies give preference to candidates who already know local flora, fauna, or geology.
What does the conservation specialist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your field experience and familiarity with relevant regulations. A panel interview typically follows, often including both a supervisor and a field biologist or program manager who will probe your technical judgment with scenario-based questions. Some agencies require a written exercise such as drafting a brief survey memo or reviewing a sample permit application. References are checked thoroughly, and former field supervisors carry the most weight.
Where can I find and apply to conservation specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to conservation specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
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