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Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Arcadis

Environmental Planner I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$75K - $97K/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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 ...

New

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 1, 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 does an entry level ecologist do?

An entry level ecologist assists in studying the relationships between organisms and their environments. They often collect and analyze data from fieldwork, help monitor wildlife populations, and support ecological surveys or habitat assessments. Their duties may include preparing reports, mapping habitats, and collaborating with more experienced ecologists or environmental scientists. Entry level ecologists play an important role in conservation projects and environmental impact assessments, often gaining hands-on experience as they develop their skills.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,767 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Conservation Crew Member

American Conservation Experience - CREW

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$400/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Interested in working outdoors, hands-on in nature, while helping to protect our public lands and environment? Join American Conservation Experience (ACE) and receive free housing, skills training, an AmeriCorps education award eligibility, and the chance to hike, travel and work in a variety of locations ranging from popular National Parks, Forests, and local natural protected areas. This is a great entry-level position to gain valuable life and career skills while gaining experience working outside.
American Conservation Experience is a non-profit conservation corps, and we are looking for applications to join our crew programs in a variety of locations across the country. You will typically serve for 13 or 26 weeks on projects including ecological restoration, habitat improvement, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and historic preservation, all while completing a term of AmeriCorps service.
Compensation and benefits include a package valued at $2,000/month or more depending on location. This package includes housing, program meals, project transportation, and puts $400 a week in your pocket.
Additional benefit details include:
  • $800 bi-weekly living allowance
  • 3 meals daily while on project- accommodating your dietary needs whenever possible
  • Free housing accommodations on off days
  • Access to a variety of outdoor pro deals
  • Please note, AmeriCorps position eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to availability.
  • Upon successful completion of a full term, AmeriCorps members receive a Segal Education Award of $3,697.50 (for 900 hours/26 weeks) or $1,956.35 (for 450 hours/13 weeks)
  • Eligible student loans can be placed into forbearance while serving in AmeriCorps with ACE
  • Comprehensive hands-on training to prepare you for a career in conservation. Trainings may include chainsaw, technical trail, herbicide, wilderness medical/first aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor leadership, conflict resolution, team dynamics, backcountry skills and more

We are currently looking for members nationwide for our start dates for Summer 2026Opportunities are available in California from state parks along the coast all the way into the High Sierras, the high desert and forests of the Mountain West, the Southwest and its canyons and mountains, and throughout the Eastern US from the Smokies to the Atlantic Coast.
Take your first steps towards beginning or advancing your career in conservation by applying with us today!

Apply