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Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arcadis is seeking an Ecologist to join our Enviro Socio Permitting team in the Midwest to support our expanding business across a range of sectors, including oil and gas, renewable energies, rail ...

Tectonic is currently looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our team full-time at our Newburgh, NY or Millburn, NJ Office. Tectonic, a multi-disciplined engineering firm that supports ...

Ecologist

Springfield, MA · On-site

$86K - $149K/yr

Come join our growing Ecology and Planning Practice in Western Massachusetts . The qualified individual must have experience in one or more of the following practice areas: renewable energy, flood ...

Arcadis is seeking a mid-level Staff Ecologist/Planner/Environmental Scientist to join our west coast Enviro Socio Permitting team. The successful candidate will support the development of desktop ...

Natural Areas Ecologist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

We are seeking passionate team members in the Greater Chicago area for the Natural Areas Ecologist role. This entry-level, field-based position supports habitat restoration through invasive species ...

Ecologist to support field and laboratory research in Coastal Wetland Ecology at the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). The NCCOS Beaufort Lab conducts basic and applied ...

Salary is commensurate with experience/skills Passarella & Associates, Inc. is searching for a career-seeking, entry-level ecologist for our Fort Myers, Florida office. The Applicant must possess, at ...

Ecologist to support field and laboratory research in Coastal Wetland Ecology at the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). The NCCOS Beaufort Lab conducts basic and applied ...

Arcadis is seeking a mid-level Staff Ecologist/Planner/Environmental Scientist to join our west coast Enviro Socio Permitting team. The successful candidate will support the development of desktop ...

As a Field Ecologist, you will work in a highly dynamic team environment with other biologists/ecologists/water resource specialists, ecosystem restoration engineers, NEPA specialists, environmental ...

Tectonic is currently looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our team full-time at our Newburgh, NY or Millburn, NJ Office. Tectonic, a multi-disciplined engineering firm that supports ...

Natural Areas Ecologist

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$18 - $19.50/hr

We are seeking passionate team members in the Greater Chicago area for the Natural Areas Ecologist role. This entry-level, field-based position supports habitat restoration through invasive species ...

Ecologist to support field and laboratory research in Coastal Wetland Ecology at the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS). The NCCOS Beaufort Lab conducts basic and applied ...

As a Field Ecologist, you will play a crucial role in studying and understanding natural ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and environmental processes. Your work will contribute to conservation efforts ...

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Ecologist information

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$34.5K

$59.5K

$104K

How much do ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 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.

What does an ecologist do?

An ecologist studies the relationships between living organisms and their environment. They analyze how plants, animals, and other organisms interact with each other and with their surroundings, including the impact of human activity. Ecologists often conduct field research, collect and analyze data, and develop strategies to conserve ecosystems and biodiversity. Their work is important for understanding environmental changes and finding ways to protect natural resources.

Are ecologists well paid?

Ecologists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location, but they generally earn a median annual wage that is close to or slightly above the national average for scientific roles. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced ecologists with advanced degrees and specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in consulting or research roles. Certification and proficiency with data analysis tools can also influence earning potential.

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 jobs pay $2000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can pay around $2000 a day often include specialized roles such as senior consultants, surgeons, or certain executive positions. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve high levels of responsibility or expertise. For ecologists, such daily rates are uncommon unless they work as highly specialized consultants or in executive-level positions with significant project scope.

What Do Ecologists 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 exactly does an ecologist do?

An ecologist studies the relationships between organisms and their environments, often conducting field research to observe ecosystems, collect data, and analyze environmental impacts. They may use tools like GIS software and require knowledge of biology, chemistry, and environmental science to assess biodiversity, monitor ecosystems, and inform conservation efforts.

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.
What cities are hiring for Ecologist jobs? Cities with the most Ecologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Ecologist jobs? The top employers for Ecologist jobs are:
What states have the most Ecologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Ecologist jobs include:
Ecologist

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Arcadis rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

61st of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets.

We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world's most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.

Role description:

Arcadis is seeking an Ecologist to join our Enviro Socio Permitting team in the Midwest to support our expanding business across a range of sectors, including oil and gas, renewable energies, rail, and linear utilities. The successful candidate will lead field wetland delineations, listed species habitat assessments, and other general environmental assessments. They will also assist with reporting, agency coordination, and permit applications. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of stream and wetland determination and delineation methods, local listed species and their habitat requirements, Clean Water Act permitting, and local Chicagoland County wetland permitting.

The position will require a candidate to work collaboratively with a diverse team and have the capacity to balance varying priorities, including field and office work. Arcadis offers a flexible working environment and follows a hybrid work structure. A successful candidate can expect to work remotely and from the office, as needed, based on the demands of projects and teams. There will also be the need to lead wetland and waterbody delineation surveys and site reviews with regulatory agencies and clients. Field and office work can vary by season, but it's generally anticipated to be approximately evenly split.

Role accountabilities:

As an Ecologist, you will apply your technical knowledge to provide high quality deliverables to support planning and permitting for our clients. You will be responsible for leading wetland and stream delineations, flora inventories, listed species habitat assessments, and other environmental surveys. Field data is recorded using handheld global positioning system (GPS) units and tablets utilizing Fulcrum, FieldMaps, Survey 123 for ArcGIS, or similar programs. This will require a working knowledge of GPS systems and the ability to walk and conduct fieldwork for long hours. 

This role will require the ability to travel up to 50%, including overnight travel.

You will also be tasked with preparing technical reports, work plans, and other environmental documents to support environmental permitting and you will prepare regulatory permit applications (e.g., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clean Water Act.

Section 404 permit applications and Section 401 Water Quality Certification applications, Rivers and Harbors Act Section 408 review requests, and Section 402 National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit applications). You will also lead agency consultations for threatened and endangered species and manage desktop environmental assessments to identify potential permitting requirements.

In this role, you will use your excellent technical writing and communications skills to provide support to project teams and will be involved in mentoring junior staff. You will also assist with the growth of new and existing client relationships through delivery of quality work and data.

Qualifications & Experience:

Required qualifications for the role include:

  • Bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, or similar environmental discipline
  • Four or more years of experience in environmental planning and permitting in the Midwest, including experience conducting and leading wetland delineations using the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Midwest and Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplements
  • One or more years leading wetland delineation field teams and surveys
  • Experience using GPS and data collection technology
  • Knowledge of regional ecology, sensitive habitats, and special status species
  • Experience writing technical reports, managing field data, and communicating with technical teams
  • Experience developing permit applications (including Clean Water Act Section 404 permits and Section 401 Water Quality Certifications) and completing threatened and endangered species consultations

Why Arcadis?

We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It's why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.

You'll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you'll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.

Together, we can create a lasting legacy.

Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement.  We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is$82,080- $123,120.

 Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.


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About Arcadis

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our work with clients has a direct impact on people's lives and on the planet. We make moving, living and belonging in cities safer, more resilient and more sustainable. By partnering with our clients as responsible custodians of our earth's resources, we can create a sustainable planet. We continue to think of new ways to make positive impacts and create better experiences for people; data driven and digital solutions have become part of the Arcadis DNA. Working together with clients and using techniques like design thinking, we can get to the heart of our clients' most pressing challenges and work together to solve them.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Highlands Ranch, CO, US