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Benthic Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of estuarine benthic ecology is required. Tasks will include managing marine/estuarine biological monitoring and assessment projects, and related data analysis and reporting tasks. Work may ...

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Hydrographic Surveyor

Brookshire, TX ยท On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Benchmark Ecological Services, Inc. (Benchmark) is excited to further develop our hydrographic ... Benchmark scientists and surveyors routinely conduct benthic surveys to map and delineate sensitive ...

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Benthic Ecology information

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$34.5K

$59.5K

$104K

How much do benthic ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for benthic ecology in the United States is $59,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in benthic ecology, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in benthic ecology often encounter challenges such as working in remote or harsh aquatic environments, collecting representative samples from difficult-to-access benthic zones, and analyzing large datasets to assess ecosystem health. To address these challenges, benthic ecologists typically rely on advanced sampling equipment, remote sensing technologies, and robust data analysis software. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including oceanographers and data scientists, is also essential for successful research outcomes and to ensure safety and accuracy during fieldwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Benthic Ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Benthic Ecologist, you need a strong background in marine biology, ecology, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as marine science or environmental science. Proficiency with GIS software, statistical analysis tools like R, and experience with field sampling equipment are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate data collection, meaningful ecological insights, and effective collaboration for conservation or research projects.

What is benthic ecology?

Benthic ecology is the study of organisms that live on, in, or near the bottom of aquatic environments such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. These organisms, known as benthos, include a wide variety of species like worms, crustaceans, mollusks, and some types of algae. Benthic ecologists investigate how these organisms interact with each other and their environment, how they contribute to ecosystem functions, and how they are affected by changes such as pollution or climate change. This field is important for understanding ecosystem health, biodiversity, and the impacts of human activities on aquatic habitats.
More about Benthic Ecology jobs
What cities are hiring for Benthic Ecology jobs? Cities with the most Benthic Ecology job openings:
What states have the most Benthic Ecology jobs? States with the most job openings for Benthic Ecology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Benthic Ecology job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,547 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
PTOC Senior Benthic Ecologist

PTOC Senior Benthic Ecologist

Versar, Inc.

Columbia, MD โ€ข On-site

$60/hr

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Who We Are:

Headquartered in Washington, DC, Versar Global Solutions provides full mission lifecycle solutions for challenges faced by our government and commercial Customers in the natural, built, and digital environments. With nearly 1,600 team members around the world, and a rich legacy spanning more than 50 years, Versar Global Solutions delivers a broad array of planning, analysis and risk management solutions, project and program management, operations and maintenance services, and information technology applications for environmental management and remediation projects, mission critical facilities and installations, and in support of readiness and contingency operations.

Who You Are:

Versarโ€™s Environmental Services Group has an immediate opening for a PTOC Senior Benthic Ecologist to augment its Natural Resources team in Columbia, MD. The ideal candidate will have 25+ years of related experience and be able to assist the company with marine/estuarine project management and execution. Knowledge of estuarine benthic ecology is required. Tasks will include managing marine/estuarine biological monitoring and assessment projects, and related data analysis and reporting tasks. Work may also include support to field sampling and laboratory operations.

What Youโ€™ll Do:

  • The successful applicant will be part of the Versar team that meets clientsโ€™ needs related to the following tasks:
  • Marine/estuarine project management with emphasis on benthic ecology
  • Analysis of marine/estuarine benthic macroinvertebrate, water chemistry, and sediment data
  • Reporting of biological, chemical, and physical condition of the marine waters located in the Mid-Atlantic Bight
  • Maintenance of client relationships via meetings and conference calls
  • Communicating with government, academic, industry researchers, and Chesapeake Bay Program partners via meetings, workgroups, and in relevant scientific conferences
  • Researching, acquiring, and synthesizing scientific literature and data
  • Support other Columbia office projects

What Youโ€™ll Bring:

  • PhD degree in marine science or related field required
  • 25+ years technical experience in conducting marine/estuarine science projects with a focus on benthic ecology
  • Excellent communication skills, as well as strong conceptual, organizational, problem solving and research abilities
  • Strong analytical and writing skills, as well as the ability to orally present results to the scientific community are necessary for this position
  • The ability and flexibility to work with a variety of staff, projects, and task timelines simultaneously is critical to this position
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and team player with a strong focus on quality and client service
  • Proficiency with MS Office Suite
  • Experience in statistical applications and ecological problems (programming skills required, preferably in R and/or SAS
  • Public participation, agency coordination, and planning is a plus (but not required)
  • Must possess and maintain an active and valid driver's license without restrictions.
  • Must be proficient in English, both written and verbal, to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
  • Successful results of pre-employment screenings, including federal background check, MVR, and drug screen.
  • Comply with company drug and alcohol policy.
  • Be authorized to work in the US or will be authorized by the successful candidateโ€™s start date.

Compensation

Expected Salary: $60/hr

Versar Global Solutions provides the compensation range and general description of other compensation and benefits that the Company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position based on the successful applicantโ€™s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and geographic location. The Company reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicantโ€™s status protected by local, state, or federal law.

Location Requirements

The position will primarily work onsite reporting to Versarโ€™s office in Columbia, MD.

EEO Commitment

Versar Global Solutions is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Versar Global Solutions complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Versar Global Solutions expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran. Improper interference with the ability of Versar Global Solutions employees to perform their job duties is not tolerated.



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