Ecologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Make an Impact on the Land You Help Protect. Marin Water is looking for an Ecologist I/II, Vegetation Management to join our Watershed team and help care for some of Marin County's most important natural resources. This is an opportunity to put your ecological expertise to work in the field and on the ground-supporting vegetation management, habitat restoration, biological monitoring, invasive species management, botanical and rare plant surveys, and environmental protection across the District's watershed land.

You will help advance the District's water and capital infrastructure projects by supporting environmental compliance efforts throughout project planning and implementation phases while working alongside a dedicated team of natural resource professionals, field crews, contractors, and community partners to achieve shared project goals. From evaluating vegetation and habitat conditions to developing monitoring programs and supporting restoration projects, your work will directly contribute to the long-term health and stewardship of these vital lands. Bring your science, field experience, and passion for conservation to Marin Water-and help protect the watersheds that sustain our community.

Apply today for Ecologist I/II - Vegetation Management. Benefits include: Competitive salaries Flexible work schedules Telework option available once training period is complete Tuition reimbursement 12 District paid holidays A variety of benefit options available (medical, dental, vision) Salary Ranges Ecologist I: $8,638 - $10,549 per month Ecologist II: $9,969 - $12,218 per month Position may be filled at either level dependent on candidate qualifications and the current needs of the department Filing deadline: MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM THE DISTRICT The District is a medium-sized, municipal, water agency with a Board of Directors/General Manager form of government, 250 full-time employees and a $186.5 million combined annual operating and capital budget. Annually, the District delivers water to over 190,000 residents and businesses in the central and southern portions of Marin County and has stewardship responsibilities for 21,000 acres of pristine watershed lands on Mt

Tamalpais. DEFINITION ECOLOGIST I: Under general supervision, the Ecologist I supports the watershed programs through specific focus areas (disciplines) such as vegetation management, volunteer program coordination, and/or environmental compliance. With a focus on program coordination and scientific skills, the position supports the watershed program.

Carries out projects and programs in the areas of vegetation management, wildlife monitoring, volunteer and environmental education, and/or environmental compliance; and performs other related work as required. ECOLOGIST II: The Ecologist II classification leads watershed programs relating to vegetation management, volunteer program coordination, and/or environmental compliance. With an emphasis on program management and scientific skills, the class supports the watershed and natural resources programs.

Incumbents lead watershed project and programs in the areas of: vegetation management, wildlife monitoring, volunteer and environmental education, and/or environmental compliance; and perform other related work as required. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS ECOLOGIST I: Incumbents in this classification, work under supervision, performing the less complex natural resource management duties, involving biological field data collection and analysis, environmental stewardship and/or volunteer coordination, and assist with coordination of natural resources management programs. The Ecologist I is distinguished from the Ecologist II, which is the advanced journey level classification in that the latter leads planning, program development, project implementation and administration of multiple projects and data.

Incumbents in the Ecologist I classification are further distinguished by assignment to the vegetation, environmental compliance, or volunteer program of the Watershed Department. The incumbents are responsible for a broad range of work involved in management of natural and scenic resources of watershed lands. Positions in the Ecologist class series are flexibly staffed; positions at the Ecologist II level are normally filled by advancement from the Ecologist I level; progression to the Ecologist II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; (iv) the incumbent satisfactorily meeting the internal promotional criteria; and (v) management approval for progression to the Ecologist II level.

ECOLOGIST II: This is the advanced journey level classification as distinguished from the Ecologist I by its lead responsibilities in the planning, development, implementation and administration of multiple projects and data. Incumbents in the Ecologist II classification are further distinguished by assignments to the vegetation management and monitoring program, environmental compliance and wildlife management program and/or volunteer and environmental education program of the Watershed Department. The incumbent is responsible for a broad range of complex work involved in the management of natural and scenic resources of watershed lands.

Incumbents may be expected to train, orient, and guide new and regular employees and/or seasonal employees in all aspects of their job. The following duties are illustrative of the work performed in this classification. The assignment of specific duties may vary by position and level.

General Duties - Ecologist I/II Prepares and reviews technical studies, reports, and other environmental documentation to meet District needs. Conducts applied research and biological studies related to wildlife, vegetation management, roads and trails, environmental compliance, natural resources, and environmental education and volunteer programs. Provides technical guidance, training, and direction to field crews conducting vegetation management, biological monitoring, volunteer activities, and environmental education programs.

Participates in planning and advisory activities for District and community-based projects consistent with programmatic goals and collaborates with technical working groups and stakeholders. Establishes and maintains partnerships with community groups and businesses to increase public participation in the ongoing stewardship of the District's watersheds. Supports the collection, organization, analysis, and management of watershed Geographic Information System (GIS) data and coordination with the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB).

Develops, implements, and/or supports natural resource management plans, habitat restoration plans, monitoring programs, environmental documentation, and stewardship initiatives. Ensures safe working conditions are maintained. Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Vegetation Management Duties - Ecologist I/II Provides technical guidance and biological monitoring support for construction, maintenance of roads and trails, fuel reduction zones, revegetation, habitat restoration, stream restoration, invasive species management, and other watershed projects. Develops and recommends mitigation measures to eliminate or minimize environmental effects of projects; monitors construction and ongoing operations and maintenance to ensure implementation of mitigation measures and legal compliance; and helps resolve environmental issues that arise during project activities. Identifies key natural resources and develops natural resource inventory and monitoring programs.

Performs botanical and wetland surveys for pipelines, tanks, and other District facility construction projects and recommends mitigation measures to protect natural resources. Evaluates and analyzes the effects of vegetation manipulation, climate change, forest pathogens, and fire suppression on plant species composition and vegetation structure and function. Coordinates, trains, and directs field crews in establishing vegetation management monitoring plots and conducting invasive species management activities.

Develops and/or assists with the development of natural resource management plans, habitat restoration plans, vegetation management work plans, reports, and environmental documentation. Develops and/or supports vegetation management monitoring, compliance, and mitigation programs and reports. Additional Duties - Ecologist II At the Ecologist II level, incumbents may also: Coordinate and track vegetation management activities using SAP, ArcGIS, Calflora, and other database systems.

Participate in wildfire working groups, conduct forestry assessments, analyze fuel loads, and prioritize annual vegetation management projects. Develop technical reports supporting watershed management operations. Develop annual vegetation management work plans and compliance and mitigation reports in accordance with CEQA guidelines.

Oversee contractors performing vegetation management activities. Lead and oversee complex natural resource and vegetation management projects, programs, field operations, consultants, contractors, and staff assignments. Provide greater responsibility for program planning, project development, implementation, oversight, and administration.

Experience & Qualifications KNOWLEDGE OF: Principles, practices, and methods of fishery and wildlife management, botany, arboriculture, forestry ecology, environmental science, planning, natural resource stewardship, and biological monitoring. Techniques and methods used in conducting biological investigations and monitoring watershed natural resources. Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances pertaining to environmental protection, natural resource management, fire prevention and suppression, wildland recreation, vehicle operation, public property, and fish and wildlife resources, including CEQA, the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Air Act.

Principles and practices of contract administration, purchasing and procurement, and budget administration. Natural and biological resource conservation principles and practices for terrestrial and aquatic habitat protection and enhancement, including integrated pest management. Practices and techniques used for recruiting, training, and retaining community volunteers and engaging stakeholders.

Principles and practices of supervision, including selection, training, evaluation, coaching, and performance management of volunteers, seasonal staff, and employees. Personal computer applications used for spreadsheets, report writing, scheduling, project management, and database management, including SAP and other database systems. Geographic Information System (GIS) applications for monitoring and managing natural resources.

Environmental restoration practices and methods; mitigation design and monitoring; and stream restoration construction best management practices. Principles, practices, and methods related to erosion control and best management practices for streams and wildland roads and trails. Safe construction practices and procedures, including safety precautions for operating power equipment.

Construction drawings, maps, specifications, permits, and monitoring requirements relevant to watershed resource programs. At the Ecologist II level: Wildland fire ecology, science and behavior, and fuel reduction methods. ABILITY TO: Organize, direct, and manage work priorities and coordinate personnel, contracts, materials, and equipment to complete projects and implement programs.

Analyze work problems, reports, project documents, technical data, and other materials; reach sound conclusions and recommendations; and prepare work plans and staff assignments to guide projects and analyses. Coordinate field personnel and provide technical biological monitoring training; oversee construction best management practices; and apply effective problem-solving methods. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, customers, community members, consultants, contractors, resource agencies, and other stakeholders.

Monitor work orders, project costs, and inventory controls; maintain accurate records; prepare clear and effective reports; and compile related statistical information. Prepare clear and effective written materials, including technical reports, correspondence, newsletters, information flyers, training materials, and other work-related documents. Identify sensitive biological resources and inventory and document populations of flora and fauna; develop monitoring methods and assign work to field staff.

Support District teams and/or consultant staff in the preparation of complex environmental documents, including Environmental Impact Reports and Statements and Biological Assessments. Communicate clearly and effectively regarding work-related information and make effective oral presentations to the public, community groups, boards, commissions, and other organizations. Deal effectively and tactfully with coworkers, customers, representatives of other agencies, departments, programs, and community groups.

Drive and operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in off-road conditions. Travel to off-site work locations depending upon assignment. Work weekends and/or evenings to make presentations, attend meetings, and perform other work-related activities.

Operate computer applications utilizing word processing, project management, spreadsheet, GIS, and database software. ADDITIONAL ABILITIES AT THE ECOLOGIST II LEVEL: Conduct budget analysis, work planning, scheduling, and program reviews. Develop staff reports and presentations for the Board of Directors.

Lead and oversee complex projects, programs, field operations, consultants, contractors, and staff assignments. Manage and analyze complex GIS and natural resource data and support the development and implementation of natural resource management programs. ECOLOGIST I Training and Experience: Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: Education: Completion of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in biology, natural resources management, environmental science/studies, forestry, wildlife management, environmental planning, hydrology, environmental education, ecology or a related field; and Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in bota...