2

Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Ecologist information

See Ohio salary details

$32.8K

$56.6K

$98.9K

How much do entry level ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecologist in Ohio is $56,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $70,400.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Ecologist jobs in Ohio are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in Ohio 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 $56,611 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Operations Support Specialist

Water Technologies

Vandalia, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

Company Description

Veolia Group is a global leader in environmental services, operating across all five continents with nearly 218,000 employees. Specializing in water, energy, and waste management, Veolia Group designs and implements innovative solutions for decarbonization, depollution, and resource regeneration, supporting communities and industries in their ecological transformation. Within this framework, Veolia's Water Tech Business brings together a dedicated team of experienced professionals committed to tackling the world’s most complex challenges related to water scarcity, quality, productivity, and energy. Together, we pursue a shared mission to create a more sustainable future.

Job Description

Duties & Responsibilities:

  • Become a proficient operator of our SDI regeneration facility
  • Assist the SDI Plant Foreman as requested daily
  • Build and repair DI and carbon tanks as scheduled
  • Serve as an SDI Delivery Technician when requested
  • Serve as a Team Service Technician for selected projects as assigned by his manager
  • Assist with managing the parts inventory stock as requested
  • Assist with the staging of parts required for Team Service projects/jobs as assigned
  • Track and submit hours worked each day / each week
  • Willing and able to work overtime as requested by his manager
  • Must be able to climb ladders easily and safely
  • Must be able to be certified as a Forklift Operator
  • Adhere strictly to VWT’s safety rules at all times
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications

Key Characteristics:

  • Strong mechanical aptitude
  • Proven track record of managing tasks and prioritizing projects
  • Willingness to learn
  • Desire to build and maintain a "team mentality"
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Independent decision-making and judgment for commonly encountered problems

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

  • Ability to develop creative and innovative ideas to improve processes
  • Ability to make process changes based on lab data and general process knowledge
  • Ability to lift and/or carry up to 75 pounds, climb vertical ladders up to 30 feet, stand for long periods, walk on uneven surfaces, and maneuver in tight spaces

Education & Experience:

Required

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Possess basic water processing equipment knowledge
  • Proficiency in developing SOP’s
  • Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office

Preferred

  • Wastewater entry-level licensing or certification
  • Specialized technical training and/or experience in the design, operation, and/or maintenance of high purity water systems is preferred. Experience working in a plant environment, driving trucks, and working with clients is preferred

Working Conditions:

  • Wastewater treatment plant exposure
  • Exposure to extreme weather conditions (extreme heat and cold) both inside and outside
  • Potential exposure to burns, chemicals, dangerous systems, dirt and dust, electrical hazards, grease and oil, loud noises, vibrations, steam and high levels of moisture, and other hazardous conditions
  • Physical requirements: Lift and/or carry up to 75 pounds, climb a vertical ladder up to 30 feet, stand for long periods of time, walk on uneven surfaces, regular bending, climb onto and safely exit a forklift, use of extension ladders daily, ability to climb into and maneuver body in tight spaces
  • Required to work both day and night shifts as needed, with primary shift designation being 12-hour night shifts

Additional Information

Join a company that values Responsibility, Solidarity, Innovation, Customer Focus, and Respect. You'll have opportunities for comprehensive leadership development, career advancement, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on sustainability and environmental protection while leading a talented team.

At Veolia, we realize diverse teams make smarter decisions, deliver better results, and build stronger communities. We’re an organization that champions diversity and inclusion at every rung of the ladder and are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We offer challenging, meaningful careers. Because our people are our greatest assets, we also offer competitive compensation and benefits. Estimated compensation range is $25-$30 per hour.

Benefits:
Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Starting Day 1! 
Life Insurance
Paid Time Off 
Paid Holidays
Parental Leave
401(k) Plan with company matching!
Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts
AD&D Insurance
Disability Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and considers all applications equally, without discrimination.

****Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; the employer will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work authorization (e.g., H-1B visa) for this opportunity****

Veolia does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting firms. All vendors must have a current and fully executed MSA on file before submitting candidates. Any unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles will be deemed the property of the company, and no fee will be due.

As an inclusive company, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.