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Ecological Risk Assessment Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Staff Scientist

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$68K - $82K/yr

Prepare applicable permit applications, risk assessments and technical documents including ... Projects may include Phase I/II environmental site assessments, ecological and natural resource ...

Prepare applicable permit applications, risk assessments and technical documents including ... Projects may include Phase I/II environmental site assessments, ecological and natural resource ...

Ecological Risk Assessment information

See Colorado salary details

$46.8K

$91.2K

$130.9K

How much do ecological risk assessment jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for ecological risk assessment in Colorado is $91,154.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,400.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ecological risk assessment?

An Ecological Risk Assessment job involves evaluating the potential impacts of environmental stressors, such as chemicals, habitat destruction, or climate change, on ecosystems and wildlife. Professionals in this field analyze data, conduct field studies, and use modeling techniques to assess risks and develop mitigation strategies. They often work for government agencies, environmental consulting firms, or research institutions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and support conservation efforts.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in ecological risk assessment?

Professionals in Ecological Risk Assessment are typically responsible for evaluating potential impacts of chemicals or activities on ecosystems, gathering and interpreting ecological data, and preparing detailed technical reports. Daily tasks often include conducting field assessments, statistical analyses, and modeling to predict risks to wildlife and habitats. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including toxicologists, engineers, and policy experts—is common, as is communication with regulatory agencies and clients. This role offers opportunities to contribute to environmental protection strategies and can provide a pathway to senior scientist or project manager positions with experience.

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

To thrive in Ecological Risk Assessment, you need strong analytical skills, a background in environmental science or ecology, and experience with risk analysis methodologies. Familiarity with modeling software such as Minitab, GIS tools, and regulatory frameworks like CERCLA or RCRA is often required, as are certifications like Certified Ecologist or similar credentials. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help professionals navigate complex projects and effectively convey findings to diverse stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial because the work influences environmental decision-making and regulatory compliance, requiring both scientific rigor and clear collaboration.

What job categories do people searching Ecological Risk Assessment jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Ecological Risk Assessment jobs in Colorado are:

Infographic showing various Ecological Risk Assessment job openings in Colorado as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,154 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Toxicologist/Risk Assessor

Denver, CO • On-site

National Experienced Workforce Solutions
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$65/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Toxicologist/Risk AssessorID:NPSPPFL-001-029Location:DenverProgram:NPS
Wage/Hr:$65.00Hours/Week:16Minimum Age:55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the National Park Service (NPS). These experienced professionals provide administrative expertise, facilities management, natural and cultural resource planning, and a broad array of other professional skills that support the National Park Service through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

The duration for this position is 800 hours.

The Environmental Management Program (EMP) leads National Park Service (NPS) efforts to clean up and restore contaminated Agency lands; provides resources and tools to facilitate park compliance with environmental laws and regulations; and improves the Agency?s overall environmental performance through increased sustainability and reduced risks.

Qualifications:

MA/MS Degree in Biological sciences or toxicology with minimum additional experience of 15 year(s) in developing ecological risk assessments DQOs, developing sampling design for ecological risk assessment data needs, developing site-specific exposure parameters for local ecological receptors, developing Preliminary Remedial/Removal Goals, conducting ecological risk assessments, conducting ecological risk characterizations, and identifying uncertainties, including the applicability of toxicology studies.

  • Working knowledge of statistics, including development of statistically-based sampling designs, use of Incremental Sampling Methodology (ITRC 2020 or latest) and associated statistics and decision mechanisms. Working knowledge of federal and state regulatory frameworks (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA, NRDA). Experience with water quality issues and soil/sediment contamination. Working knowledge of current EPA ecological risk assessment guidance and databases.
  • Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, MS Outlook, MS SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat
Duties:

The enrollee will assist the NPS EMP in fulfilling its responsibilities under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Conservation, and Liability Act (CERCLA; 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) by determining if releases of hazardous substances to the environment that exist within an NPS unit may pose a risk to either human health or the environment through the performance of risk assessments. Calculate the cleanup level for contaminants of concern that is protective of human health and ecological receptors relative to their naturally occurring levels.

  • Review and provide comments on contractor-generated risk assessment documents such as SI/EECA/RI SAPs, SI/EECA/FS Reports, etc. for completeness and correctness.   80%
  • Additional technical support, assessments, collaboration, or other related services as needed.   15%
  • Communicate regularly with the EMP Lead and CS Project Managers and keep them informed of availability, work assignments, and any significant developments or challenges.   5%

Other:
  • Required Certifications: Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology
  • Physical requirements: Work anticipated to be entirely office-based. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.