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Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Blacksburg, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534164 Work type: Staff Senior management: Natural Resources Department: Fish and Wildlife Conservation Location: Blacksburg ...

Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or Biology * M.S. or PhD preferred * 8+ years of progressive experience in ecological consulting, regulatory compliance, or natural resource ...

Staff Ecologist III

Fresno, CA · On-site +1

$37/hr

Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or Biology * M.S. or PhD preferred * 8+ years of progressive experience in ecological consulting, regulatory compliance, or natural resource ...

Use your knowledge of California ecology and special-status species to analyze presence or absence of resources and to determine how to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive resources. This role ...

Leading delivery of various Ecology Initiatives including management of multi-disciplinary teams. * Developing content (e.g., scripts and storyboards) and providing creative input for multi-media ...

Use your knowledge of California ecology and special-status species to analyze presence or absence of resources and to determine how to avoid and minimize impacts to sensitive resources. This role ...

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Knowledge of stand conditions, environmental considerations, forest ecology, and silviculture of the major forest cover types found on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation. * Experience with Forest ...

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Ecology information

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$34.5K

$59.5K

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How much do ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ecology 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 is the difference between Ecology vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEcologyEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, BiologyBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry
Work EnvironmentField research, laboratories, natural habitatsLaboratories, field sites, government agencies
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, conservation organizations, academiaGovernment agencies, consulting firms, NGOs
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on ecosystems, species interactions, conservationBroader environmental issues, pollution, policy, remediation

Ecologists primarily study ecosystems, species interactions, and conservation efforts, often working in the field. Environmental Scientists have a broader scope, addressing environmental issues like pollution and policy, working in labs or government settings. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their focus areas and work environments differ.

What do ecologists do?

Ecologists study the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment. They examine how plants, animals, and other organisms interact with each other and with environmental factors like climate and soil. Ecologists often conduct research, perform fieldwork, collect data, and analyze ecosystems to understand biodiversity, conservation, and the impact of human activity. Their work helps inform policies and practices for environmental protection and resource management.

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

Ecologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited access to remote study sites during field research. Managing these obstacles typically involves careful planning, flexibility in scheduling, and ensuring the proper use of safety protocols and equipment. Collaborating with local stakeholders and institutions can also help overcome logistical barriers and ensure the collection of reliable data. Additionally, ecologists must often adapt their methodologies in response to unexpected findings or environmental changes, making adaptability an essential skill in this role.

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 strong background in biological and environmental sciences, often supported by a relevant degree such as ecology, biology, or environmental science. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and field sampling techniques is typically required. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help ecologists collaborate on research and share findings. These skills are vital for conducting accurate research, informing conservation efforts, and influencing policy decisions.
More about Ecology jobs
What cities are hiring for Ecology jobs? Cities with the most Ecology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecology jobs? The most popular types of Ecology jobs are:
What states have the most Ecology jobs? States with the most job openings for Ecology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Ecology job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 56% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,547 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Other

Posted yesterday


Virginia Tech rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

215th of 535 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534164
Work type: Staff
Senior management: Natural Resources
Department: Fish and Wildlife Conservation
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Natural Resources

Job Description

The Rogers Lab (www.haldre.org) in the Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation at Virginia Tech is hiring a Molecular Ecology Lab Manager. Based in Blacksburg, VA, this full-time position is ideal for someone with strong molecular and project management skills who wants to support conservation-focused ecological research.
We study how invasive species and vertebrate loss reshape ecological communities. Our molecular ecology research uses DNA metabarcoding and environmental DNA (eDNA) to track food webs, seed dispersal, and pollination networks in the Mariana Islands. The lab manager will play a central role in generating high-quality molecular data and supporting a busy, multi-project lab.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, or related field
Experience with DNA extraction and PCR in a molecular biology research lab

Preferred Qualifications

Experience preparing libraries for high-throughput sequencing (e.g., Illumina)
Experience analyzing environmental DNA (eDNA) or metabarcoding data
Experience mentoring or supervising undergraduate researchers
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Hours per week

40

Review Date

10/6/25

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Jennifer Phillips at jewolfor@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: September 11, 2025
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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