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Aquatic Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cherokee Federal

Principle Aquatic Ecologist

Columbia, MO · On-site

$117K/yr

Principle Aquatic Ecologist Principle Aquatic Ecologist supports coastal hazards research by leading development, validation, and application of numerical hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models. This ...

Cherokee Federal

Principle Aquatic Ecologist

Columbia, MO · On-site

$117K/yr

Principle Aquatic Ecologist Principle Aquatic Ecologist supports coastal hazards research by leading development, validation, and application of numerical hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models. This ...

Audubon

Range Ecologist

Audubon, IA

$57K/yr

The Range Ecologist will work closely with local landowners to implement working lands conservation programs delivered by Audubon and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. These working lands ...

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Columbia, SC · On-site

Field Ecologist About Us Naturion is focused on the union of environmental sustainability and ... aquatic resourcing functional assessment methods is a bonus. * Expertise in Project Management

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Macon, GA · On-site

Field Ecologist About Us Naturion is focused on the union of environmental sustainability and ... aquatic resourcing functional assessment methods is a bonus. * Expertise in Project Management

VHB

Ecologist

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$70K - $90K/yr

... aquatic resource surveys, bat studies, and we are looking for an additional team member to ... Performance of ecological studies, including conducting field surveys, producing reports, and ...

VHB

Ecologist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

... aquatic resource surveys, bat studies, and we are looking for an additional team member to ... Performance of ecological studies, including conducting field surveys, producing reports, and ...

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How much do aquatic ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for aquatic ecologist in the United States is $62,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aquatic ecologist?

An aquatic ecologist undertakes the study of water-based ecosystems, including the plants and animals that live in or near the water. As an aquatic ecologist, your duties typically involve the research of wetlands, lakes, rivers, and other freshwater habitats and the dry land that surrounds and depends on the water. You study the relationship between the two while analyzing any issues like invasive species, habitat loss, and pollution. To carry out your job responsibilities, you may examine and test water samples, monitor the ecosystem for changes, and measure the levels of particles within a water sample.

What does an aquatic ecologist do?

An aquatic ecologist studies ecosystems in water environments such as lakes, rivers, wetlands, and oceans. They analyze the interactions between aquatic organisms, like plants, fish, and microorganisms, and their physical environments. Their work often involves field research, data collection, and laboratory analysis to monitor water quality, assess ecosystem health, and understand the impact of human activities on aquatic systems. Aquatic ecologists may also contribute to environmental policy, conservation efforts, and habitat restoration projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aquatic ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aquatic Ecologist, you need a strong background in biology, ecology, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with field sampling techniques, GIS software, water quality analysis, and statistical data analysis tools is essential. Excellent observation, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for conducting research and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for accurately assessing aquatic ecosystems, informing conservation efforts, and promoting sustainable water resource management.

What are some common challenges faced by aquatic ecologists when conducting fieldwork, and how are they typically addressed?

Aquatic ecologists often encounter challenges such as variable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited accessibility to remote aquatic habitats during fieldwork. These challenges are typically addressed through careful planning, risk assessments, and the use of specialized equipment like boats, waders, and water sampling devices. Collaboration with local stakeholders and other scientists also helps ensure safe and efficient data collection. Flexibility and adaptability are important traits, as conditions in the field can change rapidly and require on-the-spot problem-solving.
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Aquatic Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Aquatic Ecologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 53% Full Time, 41% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,415 per year, or $30 per hour.

Principle Aquatic Ecologist

Columbia, MO • On-site

Cherokee Federal
Architectural Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Cherokee Federalexternal

$117K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description


Principle Aquatic Ecologist
Principle Aquatic Ecologist supports coastal hazards research by leading development, validation, and application of numerical hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models. This role operates with wide latitude and independent judgment, serving as the technical authority responsible for end-to-end contracted research-integrating model output with field and spatial datasets to inform assessments of storms, erosion, sediment transport, water levels, and restoration impacts. Work is primarily on-site in St. Petersburg, FL, with situational telework allowed during events such as pandemics or severe weather.
Compensation & Benefits:
Estimated Starting Salary Range for Principle Aquatic Ecologist: $117,000
Pay commensurate with experience.
Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.
Principle Aquatic Ecologist Responsibilities Include:
  • Lead development and application of coastal numerical models to assess short- and long-term drivers and restoration scenarios while considering regulatory guidelines.
  • Develop, enhance, and automate scripts and computational tools for modeling and data analysis; improve efficiency and incorporate additional physical processes.
  • Analyze, merge, and document spatially and temporally variable datasets across scales; identify data defects and validate results using scientific judgment.
  • Validate models, evaluate model skill, and determine when/where predictions are wrong; produce defensible analyses, statistics, and figures.
  • Couple existing models to describe co-evolution of multiple coastal/nearshore systems.
  • Disseminate data and model outputs in accordance with local/federal protocols; contribute to reports, peer-reviewed publications, data releases, and software releases.
  • Design and conduct field studies when required data do not exist; direct and supervise field studies performed by technicians/ADP staff as needed.
  • Support maintenance, development, deployment, and operational readiness of oceanographic instrumentation and associated software, as required.
  • Provide presentations of findings at national/international conferences.
  • Submit monthly task summary reporting (e.g., labor hours by category, ODCs itemization, totals) in accordance with task order requirements.
  • Drive personal or government vehicles approximately monthly (typically <10 miles; infrequently several hundred miles).
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Principle Aquatic Ecologist Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:
  • Education/experience: PhD and 10+ years of advanced, relevant experience, with recognized standing as a subject matter expert (renowned expert level) and demonstrated ability to independently plan and execute complex research. (Relevant disciplines may include coastal engineering, oceanography, coastal geology, marine science, mathematics, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, water quality, soils, ecology, meteorology/biometeorology, ADP/computing, and related fields.)
  • Modeling expertise: Demonstrated experience developing and running numerical hydrodynamic and/or morphodynamic models such as Delft3D, XBeach, ADCIRC, and/or SWAN; model validation and performance assessment experience required.
  • Programming/data skills: Advanced proficiency in MATLAB or Python and at least one additional programming language; ability to build error-free, reproducible computational workflows.
  • Scientific communication: Proven ability to perform scientific literature/data searches; produce publication-quality figures; draft reports, manuscripts, and technical documentation; present results to technical audiences.
  • Fieldwork: Prior experience collecting field data and executing field operations; ability to design field studies when needed and oversee safe, compliant execution.
  • Security/compliance: Ability to adhere to agency computer security requirements (training/testing) and follow applicable federal regulations and local protocols for data dissemination.
  • Driving: Valid driver's license and dependable transportation.
  • This position requires an active USAccess clearance or the ability to obtain one.
  • Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Company Information:
Cherokee Federal is a division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CFED, visit cherokee-federal.com.
#CherokeeFederal #LI-RA2 #AppC
Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.
Keywords (5)
  • Coastal numerical modeling
  • Hydrodynamic/morphodynamic models
  • Delft3D / XBeach / ADCIRC / SWAN
  • Spatial-temporal data analysis
  • Coastal hazards / storm impacts

Similar job titles (5)
  • Coastal Modeling Scientist
  • Senior Coastal Engineer (Numerical Modeling)
  • Physical Oceanographer (Modeling)
  • Coastal Hazards Research Scientist
  • Marine/Coastal Data Scientist (Modeling & Field Integration)

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.
Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations.
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About Cherokee Federal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cherokee Federal - a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses - is a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies focused on building solutions, solving complex challenges, and serving the nation's mission around the globe for more than 60 federal clients. Our team of companies manages nearly 1,000 projects of all sizes across the construction, consulting, engineering and manufacturing, health, and technology portfolios. Since 2012, the Cherokee Federal team of companies has won more than $5 billion in government contracts. Our 3,000+ employees work in 26 countries, 50 states and 2 U.S. territories. Why choose Cherokee Federal? Visit our website and learn about the great reasons to join our team. cherokee-federal.com

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tulsa, OK, US

Year founded

1969

Social media

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