2

Entry Level Ecological Economics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Ecological Economics information

See salary details

$46K

$82.1K

$122.5K

How much do entry level ecological economics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecological economics in the United States is $82,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can I get with an environmental economics degree?

Entry level ecological economics graduates can pursue roles such as environmental analyst, sustainability coordinator, or resource management assistant. These positions often involve data analysis, policy evaluation, and environmental impact assessments, requiring skills in economics, environmental science, and data tools like GIS or Excel.

What are 5 potential jobs for ecology?

Entry-level ecological economics graduates can pursue careers such as environmental analyst, conservation planner, sustainability coordinator, ecological researcher, and environmental policy assistant. These roles often involve data analysis, environmental assessment, and policy development, requiring skills in research, environmental science, and economics. They typically work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, or consulting firms focused on sustainability and resource management.

What if I have an economics degree but no experience?

Entry Level Ecological Economics positions often consider candidates with relevant academic backgrounds even without work experience. Gaining skills in data analysis, environmental modeling, and familiarity with tools like GIS or statistical software can improve your prospects. Internships, volunteering, or certifications in sustainability can also enhance your application.

What does an ecological economist do?

An ecological economist analyzes the relationships between ecological systems and economic activities to promote sustainable resource use and environmental health. They often conduct research, develop policies, and use tools like economic modeling to address issues such as resource depletion and environmental impact.

What is the difference between Entry Level Ecological Economics vs Entry Level Environmental Policy Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Ecological EconomicsEntry Level Environmental Policy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Economics, Environmental Science, or related fieldBachelor's in Public Policy, Environmental Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, think tanks, academiaGovernment agencies, NGOs, policy organizations
Industry UsageFocus on economic models of ecological systemsFocus on policy development and analysis

Entry Level Ecological Economics primarily involves analyzing the economic aspects of ecological systems, often through modeling and research. In contrast, Entry Level Environmental Policy Analysts focus on developing and evaluating policies to address environmental issues. Both roles require a background in environmental or related fields but differ in their core focus and work environment.

More about Entry Level Ecological Economics jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Ecological Economics jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Ecological Economics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecological Economics jobs? The most popular types of Ecological Economics jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Ecological Economics jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Ecological Economics jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecological Economics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 73% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,064 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Engineer-Entry Level

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.
ESA seeks a highly motivated entry-level Engineer with 0-3 years' experience to join our team of engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists, and landscape architects in Sacramento. This position will support a variety of creek, river, floodplain, and wetland projects in the Central Valley, Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta and throughout California. We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic team member with a passion for ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions, and the desire to learn and grow. This is a full-time salary exempt role with hybrid work expectations. Candidates must be able to work in-office/hybrid from the Sacramento office location and be available to travel to other ESA office locations as needed for in-person team collaboration.
Who You Are
  • You have a Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a related degree and directly relevant qualifications, and EIT certification or the ability to obtain it within one year.
  • You have education, training, and/or work experience in hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and modeling software (e.g. HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, TUFLOW) and geographic information systems software (ArcGIS).
  • Education, training, and/or work experience in the following is desirable but not required: AutoCAD Civil 3D; preparation of engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates; river and wetland sciences (such as hydrology, geomorphology, and/or ecology).
  • You are a capable problem solver who can work independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • You are an effective communicator with excellent oral and writing skills who can convey basic technical information clearly and concisely to individuals and small groups.
  • You are a collaborative team member able to use various communication tools to effectively combine in-person and remote teamwork.

What You Will Do for ESA
Support design, analysis, engineering, and drafting for creek, river, floodplain, and wetland restoration, engineering with nature, climate change resilience, flood risk management, and other water resources and civil engineering projects under direct supervision of a senior engineer or hydrologist. Thrive in a fast-paced, challenging environment and be able to balance multiple responsibilities and deadlines, while working on a team or independently. Provided the appropriate direction, resources and support, you will independently solve simple to complex problems.
Primary duties will be to apply hydrologic and hydraulic models, GIS, and other analytical methods and tools to support multi-benefit projects. You will also have the opportunity to assist in the preparation of design plan sets, specifications, cost estimates, figures, and documentation, collect field data, and provide engineering support during project construction.
Please note, as a part of the interview process you may be asked to prepare a presentation and/or provide a writing sample.
What's Special About Our Environmental Hydrology and Design Team in Northern CA
Our EH&D team includes engineers, engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists and landscape architects. Much of our work is oriented toward the restoration of habitat and ecosystem function, often as part of multi-benefit projects. As a highly-integrated team, we value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration.
To read about some of our exciting projects, check out these links Dutch Slough, Lower Walnut Creek, Heron's Head Park Shoreline Resilience, Tomales Bay Living Shoreline, and Surfers' Point.
What's Special About ESA
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.
At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few.
We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.
ESA has established multiple pay ranges tailored to the economic factors in the geographies in which ESA staff reside. For this position, the range is approximately as listed based on our anticipated hiring locations as noted in the above job details. Actual compensation is determined by several factors including but not limited to an individual's related experience, education, skills, and the city in which the applicant lives.
CA Pay Transparency Clause
$74,000-$92,000 USD
Who We Are
We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients.
In accordance with ESA's duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies.
If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability-or unable to use-the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Human Resources Department via email: humanresources@esassoc.com for assistance.
Please include the following in your message so we can promptly address your request:
  • Full name
  • The best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)
  • Title of Job Position Applied
  • Description of your accommodation request

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)