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Entry Level Ecologist information

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$34.5K

$59.5K

$104K

How much do entry level ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level 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 does an entry level ecologist do?

An entry-level ecologist studies the relationship between an organism and its environment. Many specialize in a particular area, such as wildlife management, conservation, or research. As a scientist, you typically spend a lot of time in the field collecting data and samples. Your other duties involve the statistical analyses of this information for developing long-term plans and strategies to manage a population and its habitat effectively. Your responsibilities also include publishing your findings and presenting them at conferences. You often interact with the general public and speak at schools or other events. Many find the opportunity to study nature as one of the most rewarding aspects of this career path.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Ecologist, you need a background in environmental science or biology, strong analytical abilities, and fieldwork experience, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, ecological survey techniques, and data analysis tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating on research and reporting findings. These skills and qualities are essential for accurately assessing ecosystems, supporting conservation efforts, and contributing to successful environmental projects.

What kinds of fieldwork and data collection can I expect as an entry level ecologist, and how is this work typically structured within a team?

As an entry level ecologist, you will often be involved in hands-on fieldwork such as surveying vegetation, recording wildlife observations, and collecting soil or water samples. This work is usually conducted in small teams and often requires close collaboration with more experienced ecologists who will guide you on data collection protocols and safety practices. Fieldwork schedules can vary, sometimes requiring early mornings, travel to remote sites, or work in challenging weather conditions. You'll also spend time entering, analyzing, and reporting data in the office, working with tools like GIS or statistical software. Teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail are essential for success in these tasks.

What is the difference between Entry Level Ecologist vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level EcologistEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in Environmental Science or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research, data analysis, report writingField sampling, site assessments, data collection
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutionsEnvironmental consulting, government agencies, industrial sites

Entry Level Ecologists and Environmental Technicians often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on fieldwork and data collection. However, Entry Level Ecologists typically engage more in research and ecological analysis, while Environmental Technicians concentrate on sampling and site assessments. Both roles are essential in environmental projects and often work together within the same industries.

More about Entry Level Ecologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Ecologist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Ecologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Ecologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Ecologist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ecologist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ecologist jobs are:
Entry Level Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 84% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,547 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Ecologist

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

Overview
As an Entry Level Ecologist for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) in our Knoxville, Tennessee office, you will support stream and wetland assessment, restoration, and permitting projects for a variety of public and private sector clients.
As an Ecologist, you will have the opportunity to participate in tasks ranging from field data collection and stream and wetland assessments to stream restoration projects for a variety of public and private sector clients. This role offers a balance of field and office responsibilities while providing training in technical expertise, data interpretation, financial management, and client development. You will work closely with senior team members who will mentor you throughout all phases of projects-from proposal development through final deliverables-while helping you grow into a well-rounded environmental consultant.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct stream and wetland delineations and ecological field assessments
  • Perform stream restoration assessments and support restoration projects
  • Collect, analyze, and document environmental field data
  • Prepare technical reports, permit applications, and regulatory documentation
  • Support TDEC ARAP and Section 401/404 permitting efforts
  • Utilize GIS and ESRI ArcGIS software to prepare maps and analyze project data
  • Assist with stream and wetland mitigation projects and compliance monitoring
  • Coordinate with project teams, regulatory agencies, and clients
  • Support proposal preparation and project deliverables
  • Participate in field work across a variety of environmental and ecological project sites

Our Knoxville office, located in the heart of East Tennessee, is home to a dynamic and collaborative team of professionals. Nestled near the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. The city boasts excellent schools and a thriving downtown with restaurants, entertainment, and outdoor spaces. Whether you're exploring the nearby national park, enjoying a University of Tennessee game, or connecting with a supportive professional network, Knoxville is a great place to live, work, and grow.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biology, Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecology, Geology, or a related natural sciences field
  • 0-2 years of experience performing stream and wetland delineations
  • Experience using GIS mapping tools and ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Experience with technical writing, data analysis, and report preparation
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Experience managing and prioritizing multiple project tasks
  • Physical capability to lift 25-50 pounds and perform field work in varying site conditions

Preferred Capabilities
  • Experience supporting stream and wetland mitigation projects
  • Familiarity with TDEC ARAP permitting and Section 401/404 Clean Water Act regulations
  • Experience performing Tennessee Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) assessments or other geomorphic assessments
  • Experience supporting stream restoration or ecological restoration projects
  • Experience working on multidisciplinary environmental consulting projects

About Us
We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.
We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!
We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.
CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.
CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.
THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS
If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited. Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.

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