California / Conservation

Agency file

Conservation

Source file: California — State Employee Compensation (SCO Payroll Data Warehouse, CPRA) / ingested Jun 19, 2026

The Conservation protects natural resources and the environment — conservation, parks and wildlife, and environmental regulation.

In 2023, this agency had 737 employees with median total compensation of $108,168; the highest distinct record was $279,187.

Year: 2023
Employees: 737
Median total: $108,168
Highest record: $279,187

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$0$196,460+

How 2023 total compensation is spread across the 737 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($108,168) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $105,492 (97%)
Overtime — $389 (0%)
Other — $2,627 (2%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$47,225

$73,916

$108,168

$144,422

$170,028

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $170,028 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $47,225. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Engineering Geologist

136 · $113,223

Associate Oil and Gas Engineer

117 · $152,867

Associate Governmental Program Analyst

61 · $74,438

Senior Oil and Gas Engineer (Supervisor)

37 · $171,051

Information Technology Specialist I

29 · $94,367

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Record list

Employees

Highest-paid first / page 11

Robert A Wurgler

Research Data Specialist II/Conservation

2023 total comp

$104,053

Base pay: $103,403
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $650
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $104,053
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $9,013
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381045758001
Salary Total: $9,013
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $104,053

Robert A Wurgler holds the role of Research Data Specialist II at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $104,053. They are represented by R01.

Davis S Kratz

Attorney/Conservation

2023 total comp

$103,480

Base pay: $101,330
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,150
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,480
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $9,147
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384015778001
Salary Total: $9,147
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $103,480

At Conservation, Davis S Kratz serves as a Attorney. Their 2023 pay totaled $103,480. They are represented by R02.

Nicolas B Enstice

Senior Environmental Scientist(Specialist)/Conservation

2023 total comp

$103,383

Base pay: $102,733
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $650
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,383
Union / bargaining unit: R10
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,738
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5383050765001
Salary Total: $8,738
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $103,383

Nicolas B Enstice works as a Senior Environmental Scientist(Specialist) for Conservation. Nicolas earned $103,383 in 2023. Union affiliation: R10.

Geraldine R Wright

Information Technology Associate/Conservation

2023 total comp

$103,337

Base pay: $97,176
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $6,161
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,337
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,238
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061401096
Salary Total: $8,238
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $103,337

Geraldine R Wright works as a Information Technology Associate for Conservation. Geraldine earned $103,337 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is R01.

Hung N Doan

Information Technology Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$103,307

Base pay: $100,837
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,307
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $9,011
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061402015
Salary Total: $9,011
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $103,307

Hung N Doan holds the role of Information Technology Specialist I at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $103,307. Union affiliation: R01.

Nina S Oakley

Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory)/Conservation

2023 total comp

$103,217

Base pay: $102,717
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $500
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,217
Union / bargaining unit: S10
Work county: SONOMA

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $10,331
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381080764001
Salary Total: $10,331
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $103,217

At Conservation, Nina S Oakley serves as a Senior Environmental Scientist (Supervisory). Their 2023 pay totaled $103,217. Their bargaining unit is S10.

Karilyn K Ahyun

Staff Services Manager I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$103,177

Base pay: $99,061
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $4,116
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $103,177
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,398
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384014800591
Salary Total: $8,398
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $103,177

At Conservation, Karilyn K Ahyun serves as a Staff Services Manager I. Their 2023 pay totaled $103,177. Union affiliation: S01.

Ronald D Romo

Precision Electronics Specialist/Conservation

2023 total comp

$101,718

Base pay: $101,695
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $23
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,718
Union / bargaining unit: R09
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,621
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381036926008
Salary Total: $8,621
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $101,718

At Conservation, Ronald D Romo serves as a Precision Electronics Specialist. Their 2023 pay totaled $101,718. Their bargaining unit is R09.

Shanna L Atherton-Bauer

Senior Environmental Planner/Conservation

2023 total comp

$101,679

Base pay: $99,209
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,679
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,817
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5383034713004
Salary Total: $8,817
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $101,679

Shanna L Atherton-Bauer works as a Senior Environmental Planner for Conservation. Shanna earned $101,679 in 2023. Union affiliation: S01.

April J Balestreri

Staff Services Manager I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$101,531

Base pay: $99,061
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,531
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,398
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5386004800593
Salary Total: $8,398
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $101,531

At Conservation, April J Balestreri serves as a Staff Services Manager I. Their 2023 pay totaled $101,531. Their bargaining unit is S01.

Brian F Newman-Lindsay

Senior Environmental Planner/Conservation

2023 total comp

$101,009

Base pay: $100,684
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $325
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $101,009
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $9,018
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5383034713003
Salary Total: $9,018
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $101,009

Brian F Newman-Lindsay holds the role of Senior Environmental Planner at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $101,009. Union affiliation: S01.

Anne Stark Fehrenbach

Engineering Geologist/Conservation

2023 total comp

$100,235

Base pay: $99,685
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $100,235
Union / bargaining unit: R09
Work county: HUMBOLDT

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $9,748
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381013756007
Salary Total: $9,748
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $100,235

Anne Stark Fehrenbach holds the role of Engineering Geologist at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $100,235. Their bargaining unit is R09.

Ann M Giovacchini

Associate Environmental Planner/Conservation

2023 total comp

$99,898

Base pay: $99,248
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $650
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,898
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,651
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5383034711012
Salary Total: $8,651
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $99,898

Ann M Giovacchini works as a Associate Environmental Planner for Conservation. Ann earned $99,898 in 2023. They are represented by R01.

Salma Khatun

Engineering Geologist/Conservation

2023 total comp

$99,728

Base pay: $99,078
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $650
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,728
Union / bargaining unit: R09
Work county: LOS ANGELES

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $9,594
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382023756093
Salary Total: $8,708
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $99,728

Salma Khatun holds the role of Engineering Geologist at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $99,728. They are represented by R09.

Rachel A Beard

Research Data Supervisor II/Conservation

2023 total comp

$99,495

Base pay: $97,350
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,145
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,495
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,589
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381045737001
Salary Total: $7,796
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $99,495

Rachel A Beard is a Research Data Supervisor II at Conservation. 2023 total compensation came to $99,495. Their bargaining unit is S01.

David C Ram

Information Technology Associate/Conservation

2023 total comp

$99,190

Base pay: $96,720
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $99,190
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,238
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061401095
Salary Total: $8,238
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $99,190

David C Ram works as a Information Technology Associate for Conservation. David earned $99,190 in 2023. They are represented by R01.

Valentyn Tuk

Precision Electronics Specialist/Conservation

2023 total comp

$98,374

Base pay: $92,981
Overtime: $5,393
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,374
Union / bargaining unit: R09
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $7,976
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381036926007
Salary Total: $7,976
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $98,374

Valentyn Tuk works as a Precision Electronics Specialist for Conservation. Valentyn earned $98,374 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is R09.

Patrick E Ajiduah

Staff Services Manager II (Supervisory)/Conservation

2023 total comp

$98,328

Base pay: $96,008
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,320
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,328
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,589
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382014801502
Salary Total: $8,589
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $98,328

At Conservation, Patrick E Ajiduah serves as a Staff Services Manager II (Supervisory). Their 2023 pay totaled $98,328. They are represented by S01.

Tavis L Feese

Information Technology Specialist II/Conservation

2023 total comp

$98,271

Base pay: $95,901
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,370
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,271
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,537
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061414009
Salary Total: $8,537
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $98,271

Tavis L Feese holds the role of Information Technology Specialist II at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $98,271. They are represented by R01.

Michael L Falsetto

Research Data Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$98,075

Base pay: $94,139
Overtime: $1,466
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $98,075
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,206
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381045742003
Salary Total: $8,206
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $98,075

Michael L Falsetto is a Research Data Specialist I at Conservation. 2023 total compensation came to $98,075. Their bargaining unit is R01.

Staci A Morrison

Information Officer II/Conservation

2023 total comp

$97,773

Base pay: $97,348
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $425
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,773
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,592
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384045595591
Salary Total: $8,592
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $97,773

At Conservation, Staci A Morrison serves as a Information Officer II. Their 2023 pay totaled $97,773. They are represented by S01.

Elyse A Ryan

Staff Services Manager I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$97,542

Base pay: $95,072
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,542
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,398
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384104800090
Salary Total: $8,398
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $97,542

At Conservation, Elyse A Ryan serves as a Staff Services Manager I. Their 2023 pay totaled $97,542. They are represented by S01.

Nisha R Mistry

Staff Services Manager I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$97,389

Base pay: $95,019
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,370
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,389
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: KERN

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,216
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382054800050
Salary Total: $8,216
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $97,389

At Conservation, Nisha R Mistry serves as a Staff Services Manager I. Their 2023 pay totaled $97,389. Their bargaining unit is S01.

Mervyn Dacosta

Associate Oil and Gas Engineer/Conservation

2023 total comp

$97,066

Base pay: $96,616
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $450
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,066
Union / bargaining unit: R09
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $10,876
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382013783017
Salary Total: $10,876
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $97,066

Mervyn Dacosta works as a Associate Oil and Gas Engineer for Conservation. Mervyn earned $97,066 in 2023. Union affiliation: R09.

Matthew W Kloenhamer

Attorney/Conservation

2023 total comp

$97,048

Base pay: $94,966
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,082
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $97,048
Union / bargaining unit: R02
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,708
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384015778004
Salary Total: $8,708
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $97,048

Matthew W Kloenhamer holds the role of Attorney at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $97,048. They are represented by R02.

Nolan J Leue

Research Data Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$96,609

Base pay: $94,139
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,609
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,206
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381035742001
Salary Total: $8,206
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $96,609

Nolan J Leue works as a Research Data Specialist I for Conservation. Nolan earned $96,609 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is R01.

Wesley G Turner

Research Data Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$96,609

Base pay: $94,139
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $96,609
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,206
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382015742091
Salary Total: $8,206
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $96,609

Wesley G Turner holds the role of Research Data Specialist I at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $96,609. Their bargaining unit is R01.

Vladimir Z Yanusik

Senior Precision Electronics Specialist/Conservation

2023 total comp

$95,875

Base pay: $95,550
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $325
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,875
Union / bargaining unit: S09
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,434
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381036932505
Salary Total: $8,434
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $95,875

At Conservation, Vladimir Z Yanusik serves as a Senior Precision Electronics Specialist. Their 2023 pay totaled $95,875. They are represented by S09.

David K Langford

Research Data Analyst II/Conservation

2023 total comp

$95,851

Base pay: $90,032
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $5,819
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,851
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $7,848
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381035731091
Salary Total: $7,848
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $95,851

David K Langford works as a Research Data Analyst II for Conservation. David earned $95,851 in 2023. Union affiliation: R01.

Jonathan Goergen

Research Data Specialist II/Conservation

2023 total comp

$95,733

Base pay: $93,588
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,145
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,733
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,226
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381045758002
Salary Total: $8,226
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $95,733

At Conservation, Jonathan Goergen serves as a Research Data Specialist II. Their 2023 pay totaled $95,733. Union affiliation: R01.

Elizabeth N Elliott

Staff Services Manager I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$95,538

Base pay: $93,318
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,220
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,538
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: LOS ANGELES

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,237
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382024800001
Salary Total: $8,237
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $95,538

Elizabeth N Elliott works as a Staff Services Manager I for Conservation. Elizabeth earned $95,538 in 2023. Their bargaining unit is S01.

Son T Le

Information Technology Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$95,417

Base pay: $92,997
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,420
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,417
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,639
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061402021
Salary Total: $8,229
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $95,417

Son T Le holds the role of Information Technology Specialist I at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $95,417. Union affiliation: R01.

Damian E Nava

Information Technology Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$95,395

Base pay: $92,925
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,395
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,237
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061402008
Salary Total: $8,237
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $95,395

Damian E Nava holds the role of Information Technology Specialist I at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $95,395. Their bargaining unit is R01.

Amy S Maharidge

Engineering Geologist/Conservation

2023 total comp

$95,174

Base pay: $94,624
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $550
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $95,174
Union / bargaining unit: R09
Work county: LOS ANGELES

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,306
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382023756194
Salary Total: $8,306
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $95,174

At Conservation, Amy S Maharidge serves as a Engineering Geologist. Their 2023 pay totaled $95,174. They are represented by R09.

Ava J Delara

Staff Services Manager I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$94,639

Base pay: $92,169
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,639
Union / bargaining unit: S01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,236
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382014800593
Salary Total: $8,236
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $94,639

At Conservation, Ava J Delara serves as a Staff Services Manager I. Their 2023 pay totaled $94,639. Union affiliation: S01.

Raymond F Mullins

Associate Environmental Planner/Conservation

2023 total comp

$94,399

Base pay: $91,403
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,996
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,399
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,398
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5382014711010
Salary Total: $8,398
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $94,399

Raymond F Mullins holds the role of Associate Environmental Planner at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $94,399. They are represented by R01.

Sharon Paul Paul

Information Technology Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$94,367

Base pay: $91,897
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,367
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,111
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061402014
Salary Total: $8,111
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $94,367

Sharon Paul Paul works as a Information Technology Specialist I for Conservation. Sharon earned $94,367 in 2023. They are represented by R01.

Paulina E Close

Information Technology Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$94,289

Base pay: $91,819
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,289
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,173
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061402013
Salary Total: $8,173
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $94,289

Paulina E Close holds the role of Information Technology Specialist I at Conservation. In 2023, their total compensation was $94,289. They are represented by R01.

Douglas Y Wong

Information Technology Specialist I/Conservation

2023 total comp

$94,006

Base pay: $91,536
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $2,470
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $94,006
Union / bargaining unit: R01
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $8,228
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5384061402094
Salary Total: $8,228
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $94,006

At Conservation, Douglas Y Wong serves as a Information Technology Specialist I. Their 2023 pay totaled $94,006. Union affiliation: R01.

Sasan Behinayin

Precision Electronics Specialist/Conservation

2023 total comp

$93,329

Base pay: $92,981
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $348
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $93,329
Union / bargaining unit: R09
Work county: SACRAMENTO

Source-specific fields

Base Pay: $7,976
Cs/csu: CS
Position Number: 5381036926005
Salary Total: $7,976
Time Base: FT
Total Pay: $93,329

Sasan Behinayin is a Precision Electronics Specialist at Conservation. 2023 total compensation came to $93,329. Their bargaining unit is R09.