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Ecosystem Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Vernon, TX

D. in Agricultural Engineering, Water Management and Hydrologic Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Ecosystem Science or closely related field at the time of appointment. * Proven experience in ...

Ai2

Research Scientist, Open Ecosystem

Seattle, WA · On-site

The Research Scientist in the Open Ecosystem will drive the development of generative AI models ... the science of generative AI • Take a leading role in building artifacts and implementing ...

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$24.5K

$92.1K

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How much do ecosystem science jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for ecosystem science in the United States is $92,139.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Ecosystem Scientist, you need a strong background in ecology, biology, environmental science, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as a BSc or MSc in environmental or biological sciences. Competence with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and field sampling equipment is commonly required, along with certifications in environmental monitoring or research methods. Critical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication are essential soft skills for synthesizing data and working with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurately assessing ecosystem health, informing conservation efforts, and guiding sustainable management decisions.

What are some typical collaborative projects or partners an Ecosystem Scientist might work with?

Ecosystem Scientists frequently collaborate with government agencies, conservation organizations, and academic researchers to address environmental challenges such as habitat restoration, biodiversity monitoring, or climate impact assessments. These projects often involve multidisciplinary teams, incorporating expertise from hydrology, wildlife biology, and data science. Building strong partnerships is essential, as these collaborations enable Ecosystem Scientists to gather comprehensive data, apply for joint funding, and implement effective management strategies across large landscapes.

What is ecosystem science?

Ecosystem science is the study of interactions among organisms and their environment as a system. It focuses on understanding how living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of ecosystems, such as plants, animals, microbes, soil, water, and climate, interact to shape the structure and function of natural systems. Ecosystem scientists investigate processes like nutrient cycling, energy flow, and ecosystem services, often to inform conservation, land management, and policy. This field is interdisciplinary, combining biology, ecology, geography, and environmental science to address complex environmental challenges.

What is the difference between Ecosystem Science vs Environmental Science?

AspectEcosystem ScienceEnvironmental Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Biology, or Environmental ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentField research, ecological monitoring, data analysisLaboratory, fieldwork, policy analysis
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, conservation agencies, universitiesGovernment agencies, NGOs, consulting firms

Both Ecosystem Science and Environmental Science involve understanding ecological systems, but Ecosystem Science focuses specifically on the interactions within ecosystems, often emphasizing field research and ecological modeling. Environmental Science has a broader scope, including pollution, policy, and sustainability issues. Professionals in both fields often share similar credentials and work environments, but their focus areas differ, making them distinct yet related careers.

More about Ecosystem Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Ecosystem Science jobs? Cities with the most Ecosystem Science job openings:
What states have the most Ecosystem Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Ecosystem Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ecosystem Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ecosystem Science jobs are:
Ecosystem Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ecosystem Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,139 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1

Lynker Corporation

La Jolla, CA • On-site, Remote

$55K - $85K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Overview
Lynker is seeking to hire an Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 to support a long-term federal fisheries and ecosystem science support program with NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). This is a full-time position anticipated to begin upon contract award. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award. Lynker will be operating under its FLOAT joint venture.
This program supports NOAA's mission by collecting oceanographic and ecosystem data used to monitor marine environments along the U.S. West Coast and in Antarctic ecosystems. Autonomous underwater gliders ("gliders") are used to collect environmental and biological data in the Pacific and Southern Oceans to support ecosystem monitoring, fisheries science, and long-term ocean observing efforts, including California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI) surveys.
The program maintains and operates a fleet of gliders equipped with a variety of oceanographic and ecological monitoring instruments, including conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) sensors, dissolved oxygen sensors, optical instruments, acoustic systems, and camera systems. Additional field operations include deployment of acoustic Doppler current profilers with integrated echosounders (ADCP/Es) to support data collection on the distribution and movement of ecologically and commercially important marine species.
Glider deployments are conducted regularly throughout the year and range from short-duration missions to deployments lasting several months, requiring extensive operational preparation, maintenance, logistics coordination, and at-sea support.
The Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 will support the preparation, deployment, operation, and recovery of autonomous underwater gliders used to collect oceanographic and ecosystem data in the Pacific and Southern Oceans.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 will include the following:
  • Ballast gliders by adjusting weights based on ocean conditions
  • Clean and seal gliders in preparation for deployment
  • Perform pre-deployment system checks
  • Conduct test flights in the SWFSC test tank
  • Define mission parameters and prepare mission files
  • Prepare and assist with deployment of CTDs, ADCP/Es, and mooring systems
  • Pilot gliders during deployments, including rotating monitoring shifts
  • Monitor glider performance and respond to mission interruptions
  • Maintain clean and organized glider workspaces
  • Support deployment and recovery operations at sea
  • Prepare monthly progress reports

Qualifications
The Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 should have the following:
  • Bachelor's degree, or higher, in natural science, physical science, computational science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field
  • One (1) year of related experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling five (5) years
The ideal Autonomous Underwater Glider Technician, Level 1 will have the following:
  • Experience supporting field operations or oceanographic data collection
  • Experience working with marine instrumentation or autonomous systems
  • Ability to follow technical procedures and checklists
  • Ability to work in team-based operational environments
Place of Performance:
On-site in La Jolla, CA, with some fieldwork at sea.
Travel:
Travel is required for vessel operations and glider deployments.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.
* This position is advertised through our joint venture, FISH and Lynker Ocean Alliance Team (FLOAT), a partnership between Lynker and Fisheries Immersed Sciences Hawaii (FISH) serving the NOAA ProTech Fisheries 2.0 IDIQ contracting vehicle.
⚠ Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.

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