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Ecological Modeling Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CivicMinds, Inc

Occupational Therapist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$44 - $58/hr

What You'll Do • Assess students within their education settings using an ecological model. • Provide treatment, program consultation, and environmental modifications to improve student function ...

CivicMinds, Inc.

Occupational Therapist

Fremont, CA · On-site

$51.50 - $68/hr

What You'll Do • Assess students within their education settings using an ecological model. • Provide treatment, program consultation, and environmental modifications to improve student function ...

Stantec

Aquatic Biologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $116K/yr

Interpret results from aquatic habitat, temperature, hydrologic, and ecological models to support environmental planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance. * Integrate field data, monitoring ...

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$39

$75

How much do ecological modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for ecological modeling in California is $39.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.82 and $42.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ecological modeling job?

An Ecological Modeling job involves using mathematical models, computer simulations, and data analysis to study ecosystems and predict environmental changes. Professionals in this field work with ecological data to understand species interactions, habitat dynamics, and the impact of human activities on ecosystems. They often collaborate with scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to inform environmental management and decision-making. Skills in programming, statistics, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) are commonly required.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of someone working in ecological modeling?

As an ecological modeler, your day often includes tasks such as collecting and analyzing environmental data, developing and refining mathematical models of ecosystems, and preparing reports or presentations to communicate your findings. You may collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of ecologists, data scientists, and policy makers to address specific research questions or environmental challenges. The role usually involves significant computer-based work, modeling, and occasional field data collection depending on the project. Regular updating of models to incorporate new data and current research is also common, ensuring your work remains relevant and impactful.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in ecological modeling, and why are they important?

To thrive in Ecological Modeling, you need strong quantitative and analytical skills, a background in ecology or environmental science, and proficiency in statistics and mathematical modeling. Familiarity with technical tools such as R, Python, GIS software, and ecological modeling platforms like STELLA or MATLAB is often required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, collaboration, and clear communication skills help professionals present complex findings to diverse audiences. These competencies are essential for accurately simulating ecological systems, informing environmental management, and supporting data-driven decision-making.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ecological Modeling jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ecological Modeling jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Ecological Modeling jobs in California?

For Ecological Modeling jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Ecological Modeling jobs?

Cities in California with the most Ecological Modeling job openings:

Ecological Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ecological Modeling job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,797 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Research Ecologist

US Department of Commerce

Long Beach, CA

$74K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 849 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC), Protected Species Division.
This position is also announced under vacancy number NMFS-26-13041148-ST, which is open to Status Candidates. You must apply to both announcements if you want to be considered for both.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position has a positive Education Requirement in addition to at least one year of Specialized Experience OR substitution of education for experience OR combination (if applicable) in order to be found minimally qualified. Transcripts must be submitted with your application package. You MUST meet the following requirements:
To qualify for the 0408 series:
EDUCATION:
A. Degree: Biology, or a related field of science underlying ecological research that included at least 30 semester hours in basic and applied biological sciences. These hours must have included at least 9 semester hours in ecology, and 12 semester hours in physical and mathematical sciences.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the ZP-3 or GS-11 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-2 or GS-09 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Assisting in conducting research with living marine resources and their habitats (e.g., stock assessments, population dynamics, or ecosystem-based management); and
  • Contributing to scientific written reports and presentations.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree.
OR
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: A combination of successfully completed graduate-level education and specialized experience may be used to meet the total experience requirements. Note: Only graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower level may be combined with experience.
To qualify at the ZP-4 or GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the ZP-3 or GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
  • Designing ecological or populations assessments and supporting analyses for living marine resources;
  • Conducting statistical analyses, designing, coding, documenting, running, and summarizing output from a variety of models; and
  • Preparing research results for publications and presentations.
Education:College Transcript:If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.Employment Type: OTHER

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