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Conservation Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Arkansas

ECOLOGIST

North Little Rock, AR · On-site

$58K - $86K/yr

This role focuses on the assessment and conservation of Arkansas' ecosystems, providing valuable support to senior ecologists and managers. The Ecologist assists with monitoring wildlife, plant ...

CEHMM

Range Conservation Scientist

Carlsbad, NM

$58K - $90K/yr

Description Range Conservation Scientist CEHMM a 501(c)3 non-profit conservation and environmental ... Bachelor's degree in Range Science, Rangeland Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a closely ...

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site +1

Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology ...

V3 Companies

Field Ecologist II-III

Woodridge, IL · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Your work will contribute to conservation efforts, ecological research, and sustainable land management. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of field experience and, ideally, hold a ...

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology ...

V3 Companies

Field Ecologist II-III

West Chicago, IL · On-site

$23 - $30/hr

Your work will contribute to conservation efforts, ecological research, and sustainable land management. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of field experience and, ideally, hold a ...

V3 Companies

Field Ecologist II-III

West Chicago, IL

Your work will contribute to conservation efforts, ecological research, and sustainable land management. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of field experience and, ideally, hold a ...

V3 Companies

Field Ecologist II-III

Woodridge, IL · On-site

Your work will contribute to conservation efforts, ecological research, and sustainable land management. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of field experience and, ideally, hold a ...

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All JobsConservation Ecologist Jobs

Conservation Ecologist information

See salary details

$34.5K

$59.5K

$104K

How much do conservation ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation ecologist 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 is the difference between Conservation Ecologist vs Wildlife Biologist?

AspectConservation EcologistWildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field; often requires fieldwork experienceBachelor's or Master's in Biology, Ecology, or related; often involves species-specific research
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural habitats, research institutions, conservation organizationsFieldwork, laboratories, research facilities, wildlife reserves
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, research institutions focused on ecosystem conservationResearch institutions, government agencies, zoos, wildlife agencies

While both roles involve studying animals and ecosystems, Conservation Ecologists focus on protecting entire ecosystems and implementing conservation strategies, whereas Wildlife Biologists often concentrate on studying specific species. Conservation Ecologists typically work on broader environmental issues, making their roles complementary but distinct in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges Conservation Ecologists face when working on habitat restoration projects?

Conservation Ecologists often encounter challenges such as balancing ecological goals with the needs of local communities, managing limited funding, and addressing invasive species or changing climate conditions. Collaborating with stakeholders like landowners, government agencies, and non-profit groups is essential to navigate regulatory, logistical, and social complexities. Additionally, measuring the long-term success of restoration efforts can be difficult, requiring ongoing monitoring and adaptive management.

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

To thrive as a Conservation Ecologist, you need a strong background in ecology, environmental science, and data analysis, often supported by a relevant degree and field research experience. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and environmental monitoring equipment is typically required. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help convey findings and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for effectively managing conservation projects and promoting sustainable ecosystem practices.

What does a Conservation Ecologist do?

A Conservation Ecologist studies the relationships between living organisms and their environments, focusing on preserving biodiversity and natural habitats. They conduct field research, monitor ecosystems, and develop strategies to protect endangered species and restore damaged environments. Conservation Ecologists often collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and local communities to implement conservation plans and promote sustainable land use. Their work is essential for maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the impact of human activities on nature.
More about Conservation Ecologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservation Ecologist jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Ecologist job openings:
What states have the most Conservation Ecologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Ecologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Ecologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Ecologist jobs are:
Conservation Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Ecologist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 6% As Needed, 19% Full Time, 44% Temporary, 19% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,547 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$62K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Position: Conservation Ecologist, Chicago Region
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Keller Science Action Center
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!
The Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center translates museum science and expertise into action for conservation and quality of life. We are seeking a Conservation Ecologist to support work in the Chicago Wilderness region, where we collaborate with a wide network of partners to advance conservation on the ground in Chicago, Kankakee County, and Northwest Indiana, with the potential to extend into other areas.
The successful candidate brings strong knowledge of regional conservation context and natural and human communities, a passion for collaborative interdisciplinary research and fieldwork, and taxonomic expertise in at least one focal group, and a dedication to quick and tangible results. This experienced conservation ecologist will contribute to the strategy, methods and future direction of the Chicago Program, and will work with team members to develop and implement effective, collaborative approaches oriented to decision-making for conservation and people's well-being.
This position is hired on a 3-year term with potential for renewal, is based at the Field Museum in Chicago and reports to the Sr. Director of the Keller Science Action Center. The work involves regular local field work, and 10-20% of the year devoted to regional travel.
Review of candidates will begin June 8 and continue until the position is filled.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide ecological and taxonomic expertise to Action Center conservation efforts.
  • Lead initiatives within the Chicago program with an interdisciplinary team that includes ecologists, social scientists, and educators.
  • Collaborate as a lead scientist in the Chicago region including planning, fieldwork, and technical reporting to establish and sustain conservation that benefits local communities.
  • Manage key relationships with partners and help establish new partnerships that advance our conservation and well-being goals.
  • Work closely with Action Center staff and partners to synthesize insights and outcomes across particular experiences and generate understanding to leverage results at larger landscape scales.
  • Support the monitoring, evaluation, and iterative improvement of the program.
  • Contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, and other materials for dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, that support the creation or management of conservation landscapes.
  • Support the creation of conservation tools and training opportunities for conservation professionals, scientists, and other stakeholders.
  • Integrate ecological expertise into the development of long-term conservation strategies in collaboration with other Action Center scientists and partners, identifying and implementing opportunities to expand conservation programming and funding.

Experience and Qualifications (Required):
  • Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife science, or related conservation science field
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in applied conservation science, including fieldwork and project implementation
  • Demonstrated experience working in the Chicago region or a similar large metropolitan ecosystem where conservation occurs across an urban-natural mosaic and at corridor/landscape scales.
  • Experience managing projects and competent working both independently and in a team
  • Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills: able to structure ideas clearly and to communicate them in English to a wide range of audiences
  • Proficiency with digital work platforms such as MS Office and Google Workspace
  • Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred
  • Experience receiving input from local communities to shape their research.
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders

Applications must include the following:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• A minimum of three professional references
Equity Commitment
The Keller Science Action Center is committed to a workforce that is diverse and inclusive and the Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Field Museum strives to create a working environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes human dignity among all staff. Realizing that good relations between co-workers are an integral part of job satisfaction, the Field Museum strives to create a climate of mutual respect among all employees.
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by Keller Science Action Sr. Director
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours and Shift:
35 hours
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers' United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
Pay Range: $62,000-$70,000
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

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