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Ecologist Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Arizona State Hospital

Job Page

Chino Valley, AZ · On-site

$22.98 - $25.12/hr

Natural resource management in forest ecology, rangeland management, restoration ecology, fire ecology, or similar field. * Basic analytical analysis techniques for data collection. * Microsoft ...

Forest Service

Rangeland Management Specialist

Duncan, AZ · On-site +1

$50K - $80K/yr

Coordinate range and wildlife ecological management with other functional activities with the concept of multiple use management. * Assist in the administration of grazing permits by consulting ...

Forest Service

Rangeland Management Specialist

Globe, AZ · On-site +1

$61K - $97K/yr

Prepares and reviews ecological assessments for inclusion in the environmental documentation record as a basis for rangeland project decisions. * Prepares and reviews Environmental Analysis Reports ...

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All JobsEcologist JobsEcologist Jobs in Arizona

Ecologist information

See Arizona salary details

$32.1K

$55.5K

$96.9K

How much do ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for ecologist in Arizona is $55,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,900.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges ecologists face when conducting fieldwork, and how can these be managed?

Ecologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited access to study sites during fieldwork. Additionally, working with sensitive habitats or protected species may require special permits and adherence to strict protocols. Effective planning, flexibility, and collaboration with local authorities or stakeholders can help overcome these obstacles. Building strong teamwork skills and maintaining clear communication within the research team are also essential for a successful fieldwork experience.

Do ecologists make a lot of money?

Ecologists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location, but they generally earn a median annual wage around $70,000. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills, such as GIS or environmental modeling, can offer higher compensation. Entry-level positions tend to pay less, while senior or research-focused ecologists may earn more.

Are ecologists in demand?

Ecologists are in moderate demand, especially in government agencies, environmental consulting, and research institutions. Employment opportunities often require a strong background in fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental regulations, with job growth expected to be steady as environmental concerns increase globally.

What is the difference between Ecologist vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEcologistEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, BiologyBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural habitats, research labs, conservation sitesLaboratories, field sites, policy agencies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, conservation organizations, government agenciesEnvironmental consulting, government agencies, research institutions

Ecologists focus on studying ecosystems, wildlife, and natural habitats, often conducting field research. Environmental Scientists have a broader scope, including analyzing environmental data, developing policies, and working on environmental impact assessments. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, ecologists tend to specialize in ecological research, whereas environmental scientists may work across various environmental disciplines.

What does an ecologist do?

Ecologists are scientists who study ecosystems, from the world of microscopic organisms to the vast life in the ocean. They study the connections and relationships between various living things and their environment, both naturally occurring spheres and areas that have components built by humans. Ecologists may work for universities, in conservation, eco-management, agriculture, and research, and conduct research, study ways to solve environmental issues, and advise lawmakers on legislation that may affect the natural habitat.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ecologist, you need a solid background in biology, environmental science, and statistical analysis, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, ecological modeling tools, and field data collection methods is typically required. Strong observational skills, critical thinking, and effective communication help ecologists collaborate with stakeholders and present research findings persuasively. These skills and qualities are vital for accurately studying ecosystems, informing conservation efforts, and guiding environmental policy decisions.

What jobs do ecologists get?

Ecologists work in various roles such as environmental consultants, conservation scientists, wildlife biologists, and research scientists. They often work for government agencies, environmental organizations, research institutions, or private companies, utilizing skills in data collection, fieldwork, and environmental analysis.
More about Ecologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Ecologist jobs in Arizona? For Ecologist jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ecologist jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Ecologist jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Ecologist jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Ecologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Ecologist jobs in AZ? For Ecologist jobs in AZ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ecologist job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $55,491 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Research Professional I, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (Extended Temporary)

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

$47K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

383rd of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Research Professional I, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (Extended Temporary)
Posting Number
req26575
Department
Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
Department Website Link
https://eeb.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
The Gutierrez Laboratory in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology invites applications for a full-time, temporary Research Professional I.
In this role, the Research Professional will be responsible for conducting research activities that support the overall mission of the Gutierrez Laboratory, including working with beneficial bacterial isolates from flies. They will also assist with other duties essential to the smooth operation of the laboratory, including ordering supplies, training new personnel in basic bench techniques, and administering laboratory safety programs.
This is an Extended Temporary Employment (ETE) position expected to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension up to one year.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Conducting scientific research, including:
  • Maintaining bacterial glycerol stocks and managing common bacterial supplies (e.g., bacterial media, glycerol stocks, etc.).
  • Working independently on defined experiments, primarily in microbiology and molecular biology and reporting findings to the PI.
  • Demonstrating a general understanding of the research lab's mission.
  • Effectively prioritizing workload.
  • Managing multiple priorities to meet defined deadlines.
  • Assisting the PI with laboratory manuscripts, specifically contributing to the methods, results, and figure generation sections for experiments directly performed.

Overseeing lab operations, including:
  • Participating in lab meetings and other scientific seminars or meetings.
  • Placing orders for materials and supplies.
  • Collaborating with the EEB business office to ensure laboratory expenses are appropriately charged to sponsored accounts and monitoring expenditure levels to remain within awarded budgets.
  • Monitoring laboratory inventory and maintaining adequate common supplies.
  • Keeping the laboratory organized and maintaining all protocols in shared Google Documents.
  • Serving as a knowledge resource and providing training on laboratory procedures.
  • Managing and preparing the laboratory for annual biosafety inspections and other regulatory review processes.
  • Administering lab safety programs, training and monitoring lab members to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, establishing environmental health and safety standards and policies, and overseeing documentation of safety-related standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Responding to calls from lab members outside of routine work hours regarding lab-related questions or emergencies.
  • Addressing equipment malfunctions outside of standard work hours, which may occasionally require reporting to the lab in person.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Proficient in the use of computers, including software applications, databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Independent and self-motivated.
  • Highly organized and detail oriented.
  • Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities.
  • Excellent oral and written communications skills.
  • Demonstrated strong, positive interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively across disciplines and with a wide range of individuals.

Physical and Environmental Abilities:
  • Ability to lift/move up to 25 lbs.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.
  • Experiencein microbiology, molecular biology techniques (bacterial DNA extraction and PCR), and bacterialgenome sequencing (HiFiPacBio, Illumina, Nanopore).

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree or higher in a related field.
  • One or more years of relevant work experience.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Research
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$47,356 - $59,195
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
6
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represents a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC1
Job Family
Researchers & Scientists
Job Function
Research
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
8/3/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Karina Gutierrez Garcia, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology
kgutierrezg@arizona.edu
Open Date
7/21/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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