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Entry Level Aquatic Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENTRY LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

New Albany, OH · On-site

$72K - $94K/yr

Completes USACE/OEPA ecological data forms. * Supports ODOT projects through the preparation of ... and terrestrial/aquatic habitat assessments. Relevant experience in Ohio is preferred.

ENTRY LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

New Albany, OH · On-site

$72K - $94K/yr

Completes USACE/OEPA ecological data forms. * Supports ODOT projects through the preparation of ... and terrestrial/aquatic habitat assessments. Relevant experience in Ohio is preferred.

Entry Level Aquatic Ecology information

See salary details

$9

$20

$33

How much do entry level aquatic ecology jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aquatic ecology in the United States is $20.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.59 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aquatic Ecology vs Entry Level Marine Biology?

AspectEntry Level Aquatic EcologyEntry Level Marine Biology
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fieldBachelor's in Marine Biology, Marine Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentFreshwater and estuarine environments, fieldwork, labsMarine environments, ocean research, fieldwork, labs
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental agencies, research institutions, conservation groupsMarine research centers, aquariums, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on freshwater ecosystems and conservationFocuses on ocean ecosystems and marine species

While both roles involve studying aquatic organisms, Entry Level Aquatic Ecology primarily focuses on freshwater and estuarine environments, whereas Entry Level Marine Biology centers on oceanic ecosystems. The credentials, work settings, and industry applications overlap but target different aquatic habitats.

More about Entry Level Aquatic Ecology jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Aquatic Ecology jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Aquatic Ecology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Aquatic Ecology jobs? The most popular types of Aquatic Ecology jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Aquatic Ecology jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Aquatic Ecology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Aquatic Ecology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,784 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Seasonal Lab Technician/Macroinvertebrate Sorter

GEI Consultants

Denver, CO • Hybrid

$20 - $22/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


GEI Consultants rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

272nd of 441 rated engineering


Job description

Description

Your role at GEI. 

  • The primary duties for this entry-level position would be sorting aquatic benthic invertebrates in support of specific project requirements. GEI processes more than 500 benthic invertebrate samples annually, from locations across the country.
  • Projects range from long term biomonitoring (fish and benthic invertebrates) to complex ecotoxicological investigations, including terrestrial and aquatic ecological risk assessment at mine sites, refineries, and other industrial settings.
  • Additionally, candidates will be responsible for basic laboratory tasks and duties; including cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
  • This is a full-time, temporary position (up to 6 months).
  • Applicants must be available to work a minimum of 32 hours per week between the hours of 8 and 5, Monday to Friday.
  • Hourly rate is $20/hour
  • Internship credit may be available for students. 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor’s degree or currently working on degree in environmental science, biology, or ecology required.
  • Working knowledge of Excel

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Coursework in biology 

We are GEI. 

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.  

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.  

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.

Employee-owned. Employee-focused.  

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more.  Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes 

  • Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
  • Pay Range For This Position: $20.00 – $22.00/hour
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
  • Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
  • GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
  • Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
  • Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
  • Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
  • Rewards and Recognition
  • GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
  • Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
  • A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • And More…

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

Functional Demands:    

Sedentary

Light

Medium

Other

 

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) 

Physical Activity Requirements

Occasional

(0-35% of day)

Frequent

(33-66% of day)

Continuous

(67-100% of day)

Not Applicable

Sitting

Stress on the neck, back, and spine

Requires a hunched position for large portions of the day 

Standing

Walking

Climbing

Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds)

~30lbs 

Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds)

~20lbs 

Carrying objects

Working with hazardous chemicals

Flammable substances (ethanol) 

Push/pull

Twisting

Bending

Reaching forward

Reaching overhead

Squat/kneel/crawl

Wrist position deviation

When picking through samples, working on computer 

Pinching/fine motor skills

Used with forceps and when working with very small organisms 

Keyboard use/repetitive motion

Taste or smell

Talk or hear

Accurate 20/40 

Very Accurate 20/20 

Not Applicable

Near Vision

Very small organisms 

Far Vision


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