Habitat Restoration Job Duties

Habitat restoration professionals work to restore habitat back to its pre-human development state and to conserve habitat. The job duties are highly variable and can include:

• controlling and removing invasive plants and animals
• working with local farmers to use sustainable farming techniques that improve both the farm output and the local habitat
• trail maintenance and restoration
• monitoring of various plant and animal species
• improve habitat for specific species, such as nesting sites for endangered birds

Many positions in this field also require working with clients and various state and federal resource agencies. Writing proposals and financial statements are also part of the job.

Working Conditions

In this position, you can expect to work both outdoors in the field and indoors in an office preparing permits, study results, legal documents, and other statements. Often travel to and from the location site is required. Work in the field may occur anytime during the year and require navigating rugged terrain.

Habitat Restoration Job Salary

Salaries for habitat restoration technicians start at about $35,00 a year. Supervisors, project managers, and habitat land managers can earn about $80,000 to $100,000 a year.

A marine biologists works to restore coral habitat in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Photo by NOAA

Education and Experience Requirements

Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in a biological field, environmental sciences, environmental engineering, landscape design, or other related field and one year of experience. Volunteering, working as an intern, or working a seasonal position can get you the needed experience for this type of job in wildlife.

Higher-level supervisor and project manager positions typically require 10 or more years of experience and a master’s degree or Ph.D.

Desirable Skills

Desirable skills for a habitation restoration career profession include a working knowledge of federal and local environmental laws such as, NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, permitting processes and many other federal and state environmental policies and regulations. Experience with and knowledge of the local habitat types, flora, and fauna where the job is located, experience using landscaping equipment, proficient in using maps and GPS units, and GIS experience will also be valuable in this position.

Where to Find Habitat Restoration Jobs

Habitat restoration career professionals are most often hired by nonprofit organizations and government agencies to conserve and restore habitat and private industry to satisfy required habitat mitigation for construction projects. Private environmental consulting companies, nonprofit conservation organizations, and local, state, and federal government agencies will post jobs for habitat restoration professionals.