Conservation Programs Manager at National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD

Conservation Programs Manager

Job Title: Conservation Programs Manager

Posting Date: November 2026

Job Department: Conservation Programs

Schedule: Full Time

Job Type: On-site

Location: ACRC 901 E. Fayette St Baltimore, MD 21202

JOB SUMMARY:

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.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

Essential responsibilities include:

· 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.

TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Salary range ($58,660-$71,399 Annual). National Aquarium provides an excellent benefits package, including four weeks paid time off, and six paid floating holidays and up to four weeks of paid family leave. Employees are eligible for health care (single and family) after 30 days of full-time work. Conservation day leave and 401(k) plan with employer match available.

About the National Aquarium

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. We are proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and exceed industry standards in all aspects of animal care and welfare.

More than 1.2 million people visit the Aquarium each year to experience our immersive exhibits, and we reach far more through our 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.

Our Mission and Goals

The Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the walls of its buildings, but it does not end there. The Aquarium protects, enhances and restores natural resources through education and engagement, habitat restoration, animal rescue and sustainable business practices, with its conservation work guided by three overarching goals—to combat climate change, save wildlife and habitats, and stop plastic pollution.

Our Values

At the National Aquarium, our core values form the basis for our beliefs about our organization, our colleagues and ourselves, and serve as the framework to guide our behaviors and actions to achieve our mission.

Connection: We take the time to build lasting connections with each other, our guests, the animals in our care and the nature that surrounds us. We communicate clearly and collaborate readily within and across teams. We engage thoughtfully with our partners. We practice shared accountability.

Curiosity: We center learning and growth in all that we do. Our people are empowered to explore new approaches. We support taking risks. We value diverse perspectives and bold ideas. We embrace change.

Optimism: We celebrate the power of positive moments and shared experiences. We seek out opportunities to have fun. We reconnect with our purpose through sharing successes with our colleagues.

Service: We are in service to each other, our guests and our communities. We make intentional decisions and actions for the benefit of the people and animals within our organization.

Wellbeing: We ensure our people and animals have what they need mentally and physically to thrive. We are committed to improving the wellbeing of communities and sharing the healing power of natural for all.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice

National Aquarium values an inclusive and diverse environment for all employees, volunteers, and interns. Our goal is to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a candidate pool representative of the variety of communities we serve. With a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Aquarium is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and promotes an environment free from all discrimination and harassment.

In the selection and retention of employees, volunteers, and interns, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social, or ethnic origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical, mental, or sensory disability, sex (including pregnancy or childbirth), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, arrest record, family or caregiver status, HIV status, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Our organization is dedicated to this policy with respect to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, training, promotions, performance management, and separation, and general treatment during time of employment.