Conservation Programs Manager

Location: ACRC, 901 E. Fayette St, Baltimore, MD 21202 | Department: Conservation Programs | Schedule: Full Time, On-site | Posted: November 2026

About the role

The National Aquarium is seeking a Conservation Programs Manager to manage Conservation Programs work including budget preparation, grant writing and management, implementation of work plans including extensive management of paid and unpaid labor, extensive multi-day field work, and data collection and analysis. The manager tracks all technical and financial aspects of the programs, including communication of results through technical and lay presentations, evaluation of project results and preparation of summary reports including detailed financial reporting, coordinating multiple projects, each in different phases at once.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily responsibilities and management of Conservation Coordinator, Conservation Technician and Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps fellow to effectively execute the National Aquarium’s conservation programs and projects.
• Support the development, submission and reporting of grant and contract proposals under the direction of the Director of Conservation Programs and in collaboration with Development staff, ensuring alignment with funding agency guidelines and requirements.
• Manage assigned grants and projects, including coordinating implementation, tracking deliverables and deadlines, monitoring expenditures, and ensuring timely completion of grant obligations.
• Implement grant funded projects in accordance with grant requirements, and departmental guidelines.
• Lead the creation and management of SOPs for individual projects coordinating the management of intensive multi-day field work, overseeing the work of conservation technicians, coordinators, interns, and volunteers, to ensure project deliverables are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Lead project level data collection, analysis and documentation; coordinates on-site media activities in collaboration with NA staff; and implements comprehensive safety protocols to reduce risk and maximize project success.
• Lead post event follow-up, including documentation of project metrics, collection and assessment of staff, partner, and volunteer feedback, and preparation of summary reports.
• Support the Director of Conservation Programs in grant reporting by compiling financial and programmatic information and evaluating project outcomes against established objectives and grant requirements.
• Manage multiple programs and projects at once, requiring ability to address multiple tasks in different project phases, strong time management meeting project deadlines, communicate effectively both internally and externally and have strong planning skills.
• Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, Worcester County habitat restoration, City Nature Challenge, Fort McHenry Wetland, and South Baltimore programs.
• Collect, record, and share Conservation Programs data in support of organizational priorities (Strategic Plan, Conservation Action Plan, etc.)
• Work with partners and develop new partnerships in order to maximize impact of the Aquarium’s Conservation programs.
• Support company mission. Adhere to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures. Other duties as assigned or required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field with strong background in tidal wetlands ecology and biodiversity, or related science coursework and a thorough knowledge of environmental science, estuaries, and tidal wetland ecology demonstrated through at least 2 years of progressively responsible hands-on experience.
• 1+ year of experience writing grants and managing projects with demonstrated experience in management of field work reporting and budget tracking is required.
• Significant analytical, problem solving skills, and decision-making skills are required.
• Ability to speak about conservation initiatives to the general public, including presentations to colleagues and interactions the media.
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to set and shift priorities and efficiently manage and conduct multiple projects/activities concurrently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills including fluency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Must be prepared to work in various outdoor terrains and weather conditions.
• Responsible for care and maintenance of equipment, supplies, and vehicles, associated with field projects.
• Complies with safety protocols and takes proactive measures to prevent unsafe work practices.
• Willingness to travel and work weekends, evenings and holidays if necessary.
• Ability to speak and understand Spanish is desired however not required.

Pay & Benefits

Salary range: $58,660–$71,399 annually.

• Four weeks paid time off
• Six paid floating holidays
• Up to four weeks of paid family leave
• Health care (single and family) eligible after 30 days of full-time work
• Conservation day leave
• 401(k) plan with employer match

About the organization

Established in 1981, the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet. The Aquarium’s award-winning habitats are home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the Aquarium exceeds industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare. More than 1.2 million people visit each year to experience immersive exhibits, and the organization reaches far more through science-based education programs and hands-on field conservation work. The National Aquarium is one of the top three aquariums in the United States and the largest paid cultural attraction in Maryland.

The Aquarium’s conservation work is guided by three overarching goals: combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution. Core values include Connection, Curiosity, Optimism, Service, and Wellbeing.