Conservation Field and Co-existence Manager

Pay Range

To maintain internal equity, we have identified the salary range for this position at the Oakland Zoo as $32 - $37/hour
. An offer within this salary range will be determined by the experience and qualifications of a candidate and will be our best and final compensation offer.

The Conservation Field and Co-existence Manager will advance Oakland Zoo’s mission by expanding and diversifying our field conservation initiatives, focusing on human-wildlife conflict, climate change, and habitat loss solutions for California native predator species – with capacity to expand into global predator initiatives. Joining the Conservation Team, the primary responsibilities are establishing and implementing plans to conserve species such as gray wolves, mountain lions, and African lions through alliance building, research‑based conservation programs, community action, and behavior change strategies.

This position will be hybrid as directed, with a combination of in‑office, off‑site and remote work. Some California travel will be required in the Bay Area and Northern California in order to collaborate with partners and programs.

Please note: A cover letter is required for this role and will be used to help assess your application. The letter should be no more than two pages and demonstrate your ability to clearly communicate your understanding of the role, the relevant conservation issues, and how your skills and experience would contribute to your success.

Final date to receive applications: 20 February 2026

Wildlife Conservation and Co‑existence Program Management

• Research, identify and develop field programs with various partner organizations to support holistic conservation strategies and maximize conservation impact
• Co‑create and manage effective, long‑term plans that leverage local knowledge systems and values, and support capacity‑strengthening to improve the status of ecological and human well‑being
• Collaborate across departments, aligning Oakland Zoo resources with conservation field initiatives
• Develop and operationalize robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks for future field conservation efforts, including research, protection/restoration, community engagement and education

Conservation Leadership

• Create relevant alliances which might include local non‑governmental organizations, International Union for the Conservation of Nature programs, California state conservation strategies, and AZA initiatives to build alignment, strengthen partnerships and optimize conservation actions
• Participate in the planning and implementation of Conservation Department initiatives and help inform Oakland Zoo’s strategic and campus planning work
• Work collaboratively with other Oakland Zoo departments like Learning & Engagement and Marketing to ensure staff and public engagement reflects our conservation mission and work
• Complete other duties as needed and assigned

Oakland Zoo does not expect every applicant to have every skill and qualification listed here and will consider the combination of formal education, training, and practical experience of each applicant. We are committed to supporting the career development of our employees. A strong candidate who is interested in growing and learning in this role will possess at least 75% of the following qualifications.

If this is you, then we strongly camposrregiate you to apply.

• 7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience (A BA may be considered equivalent to up to 3 years of relevant experience, and an AA may be considered equivalent to up to 2 years), which should include the following:
  • wildlife applied and actionable research
  • intra‑agency, inter‑agency, and tribal coordination and cooperation
  • climate change, and habitat loss solutions for California native predator species
  • in community engagement, community co‑design and behavior change theory
• Expertise in human-wildlife
  
  Uc conflict mitigation and resolution
• Ability to effectively interact with a variety of stakeholders with varying perceptions of wildlife: conservationlubists, government agencies, communities, ranchers,…