ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RIOS

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Arcadis

Environmental Planner I

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$75K - $96K/yr

Arcadis is seeking an entry-level Environmental Planner to join our Enviro Socio Permitting team in ... ecologists, as well as senior technical experts and project managers contributing as part of an ...

RIOS

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

RCH

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Rios Inc

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Rios Inc

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$22 - $27/hr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

RCH

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

All JobsEcologist JobsEntry Level Ecologist JobsEntry Level Ecologist Jobs in California

Entry Level Ecologist information

See California salary details

$34K

$58.8K

$102.6K

How much do entry level ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecologist in California is $58,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $73,000.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ecologist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Ecologist jobs in California?

For Entry Level Ecologist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ecologist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ecologist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Ecologist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Ecologist job openings:

Entry Level Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,767 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Environmental Services Field Assistant

United Water Conservation District

Oxnard, CA • On-site

$23.32 - $28.35/hr

Part-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Salary: $23.32 - $28.35 Hourly
Location : 2641 W. Los Angeles Avenue (Saticoy), CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 202200099
Department: Environmental Services
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Description
PURPOSE
The work of the District's Environmental Services Department centers on supporting the District's efforts to achieve its mission to manage, protect, conserve, and enhance the region's water supply in an environmentally balanced manner. Under direct or general supervision of the Environmental Scientists and Field Technician, the Field Assistant performs a variety of ecological monitoring tasks to support the operation and maintenance of the District's facilities located at Santa Felicia Dam, Lake Piru, the Freeman Diversion on the Santa Clara River, and other facilities and waterways within the District. The Field Assistant is an entry-level position and requires little or no related job experience or college-level course work, however relevant experience or education is desirable.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.
  • Perform or assist in a variety of research and monitoring projects in both field and laboratory settings.
  • Assist monitoring efforts at Lake Piru and Santa Felicia Dam, especially related to quagga mussels. This includes collecting water quality information, water samples, mussel growth and recruitment samples, as well as conducting laboratory analysis of these samples including microscopy.
  • Assist monitoring efforts at the Freeman Diversion and its fish migration facilities to ensure their effective operation, especially as they relate to fish passage. This includes monitoring flows, checking and maintaining monitoring equipment, and reviewing video and DIDSON footage.
  • Check flow conditions in the Santa Clara River, tributaries and at the estuary to determine whether flows are adequate for steelhead migration.
  • Keep records of all activities using standardized datasheets; enter data into the electronic database.
  • Perform or assist in a variety of research and monitoring projects.
  • Adhere to District safety procedures.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications
EMPLOYMENT QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
  • Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • This is an entry-level position and no previous experience is required, incumbents will receive on-the-job training for all essential duties. However, coursework or a degree from an accredited college or university in an environmental-related field (e.g. biology, environmental studies, fisheries science) is highly desirable. Previous work experience in a similar environment is also desirable.

Knowledge of:
  • Methods, materials, and tools used in the repair and maintenance of equipment;
  • General work safety practices;
  • General understanding of standard office equipment; computers, tablets, printers, copiers;
  • Microsoft Office software sufficient for effective performance of maintenance and recordkeeping tasks;
  • Standard English sufficient to reading, writing and understanding written instructions, manuals, and procedures; and keep a variety of records.
  • Principles of ecology, biology, hydrology, geomorphology, and water resource management highly desirable.

Ability to:
  • Follow written and verbal instructions;
  • Operate and maintain monitoring equipment, read meters, valves, and gauges to collect needed information;
  • Read and interpret drawings and diagrams;
  • Operate vehicles, boats and equipment;
  • Maintain complete and accurate records and electronic databases;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and others;
  • Work independently or as part of a team;
  • Learn and follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work, including: chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation and general field operations.

Certificates and Licenses
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required upon hire.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Work hours will vary significantly. Work hours range from zero to 30+ hours per week and may include early morning, night, and weekend shifts. Task loads may be seasonal, corresponding with the fish migration period and non-native aquatic species breeding season, however work occurs year-round.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work performed is primarily outdoors. Job conditions may include variable and inclement weather including rain, high winds, and unusually high or low regional air and water temperatures and exposure to outside elements. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may also be required to lift heavy objects and occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts and must be able to work in locations that require balance and agility. In particular, the incumbent must be able to walk on uneven ground through flowing or standing water. Performing certain job tasks requires the incumbent to wear and use personal protective equipment.
Additional physical job requirements are as follows:
  • Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking (sometimes on uneven terrain and while carrying items), sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling, and basic swimming ability.
  • Lifting: frequent lifting up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 40 pounds.
  • Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing, and pulling; occasionally using touch to distinguish or identify objects.
  • Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
  • Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone. The employee is also expected to respond in emergency situations.
  • Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels, but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas; occasional exposure to chemicals.

This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Do you have a valid California Class C Driver's License?
  • Yes
  • No

02
Do you have a High School diploma or GED?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Have you completed coursework in an environmental-related field?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Apply