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Aquatic Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rentokil

Sr. Aquatic Specialist

Sanford, FL · On-site

$81K - $81K/yr

Strong knowledge of aquatic biology, ecology, and water chemistry principles, with a focus on maintaining optimal environmental conditions for aquatic life. * Familiarity with aquatic equipment ...

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Aquatic Ecologist information

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How much do aquatic ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,415 per year, or $30 per hour.

Aquatic Ecology Resource Intern - Golden Gate National Recreation Area - Two Positions Available

Environment for the Americas

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$640/wk

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Start/End Dates: November 2, 2026 - October 1, 2027 (50 Weeks)
Compensation: $640 per week, plus park housing, round-trip travel assistance to the site, and gear support. Medical insurance is available upon request.
Application Due: September 4, 2026
Environment for the Americas in partnership with Golden Gate National Recreation Area seeks to engage young professionals in resource management careers. To participate, you must:
  • Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
  • Be between the ages of 18 - 30 (35 if a veteran)
  • Undergo a background check if selected
  • Have a valid driver's license to operate a government vehicle
  • Have access to a personal vehicle, which is recommended for this position

Position Description:
The Aquatic Resource Intern will work with the Natural Resource Division at Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), supporting a wide range of field-based and analytical tasks related to aquatic ecosystems. The intern will assist with:
Water Quality & Hydrologic Monitoring
  • Deploying, calibrating, and maintaining water quality and water level sensors
  • Downloading, managing, and QA/QC of hydrologic datasets
  • Conducting streamflow and low-flow water quality monitoring
  • Supporting harmful algal bloom monitoring in Rodeo Lagoon (in partnership with USF)

Biological Monitoring
  • Amphibian breeding surveys
  • Snake and western pond turtle monitoring (including trapping and nest surveys)
  • Herpetofauna camera trap image processing
  • Salmonid and fisheries monitoring
  • Night-time California grunion surveys (recruiting, training, and leading volunteers)

Habitat & Restoration Support
  • Restoration project support (e.g., photo monitoring, planting, wildlife pre-surveys)
  • Physical habitat surveys of beaches, streams, and wetlands
  • Topographic surveys using optical level, RTK GPS or total station (training provided)

Data & Program Support
  • Data entry, mapping, and documentation
  • Tool and equipment maintenance
  • Public outreach and communication
  • Occasional cross-disciplinary work with other Natural Resource Division projects

Work Products:
  • Program summaries: Occasional written summaries with photos and graphics of aquatic resource activities.
  • Data Collection and Management: Collect and maintain hydrologic and biological datasets with clear documentation
  • Volunteer coordination and training materials
  • Program Support: Tool cleaning and maintenance, coordinating schedules and events, attending relevant meetings and trainings
  • Maps and visualizations using ArcGIS (if applicable)

Qualifications
Required
  • Comfortable working in aquatic environments and handling wildlife
  • Physically fit (able to carry up to 30 lbs and work in variable weather)
  • Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
  • Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel)
  • Interest in aquatic ecology, restoration, and stewardship
  • Ability to work independently and with diverse teams

Desired
  • Coursework or degree in Ecology, Biology, Hydrology, or related field
  • Experience with GIS, water quality instrumentation, or field data collection
  • Familiarity with ArcGIS (desktop or AGOL), total station, or RTK GPS
  • CPR/First Aid or Wilderness First Aid certification
  • Passion for protecting native ecosystems on public lands

Housing:
Housing is bunkhouse-style at Fort Cronkhite, Marin Headlands, in Marin County. Housing is rustic. Each intern has a private bedroom with shared common areas. Each housing unit can accommodate ~ 8 people. Housing is walking distance to the main office and other facilities. There are no stores or other conveniences within the park, but they are located nearby in the town of Sausalito and City of San Francisco.
About Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Spanning over 80,000 acres across Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties, GGNRA is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. It is part of the California Floristic Province, a global biodiversity hotspot, and home to 37 federally threatened or endangered species. The park includes 91 miles of shoreline and a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
This position earns 2000 hours towards PLC.
Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority (PLC)
The Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Authority is a special hiring authority available to qualifying interns. The intern must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years old, inclusive, or a veteran up to age 35 and complete 640 hours of work on an appropriate conservation project to be eligible for this hiring authority. Upon successful completion of the PLC project(s), the intern is eligible for two years to be hired non-competitively into a federal seasonal, term, or permanent position. The applicant must apply to a PLC-eligible position advertised on USAJobs.gov and selected off a non-competitive certificate of eligibility. For more information, see DOI Personnel Bulletins 11-02 , 12-13, and 17-03.
EEO Statement
Environment for the Americas provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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