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Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Ecologist information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$59K

$103.1K

How much do entry level ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecologist in Virginia is $59,036.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,200.00 and $73,400.00 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 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Locum Tenens, 15% As Needed, 16% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 27% Temporary, and 15% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,036 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
Forestry Technician - Open Pool

$46K - $50K/yr

Other

Posted 16 days ago


Colorado State University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

482nd of 611 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job DescriptionPosition Summary:

The Forestry Technician is an entrylevel, office and fieldbased role that supports CSFS programs and operations under the direction of a Supervisory Forester or Lead Project Forester. The position assists with planning and implementation of forestry projects and provides customer service to landowners, communities, and partners.

Work focuses on field execution (inventory, layout, marking, monitoring), basic project , and logistics. Appointments may be fulltime or parttime (openpool). Field work involves periodic travel and occasional irregular hours during peak seasons

Full Consideration Date:

This evergreen posting will remain open and continue collecting applications until December 31, 2026. Applicants who wish to be considered after this date must reapply.

Salary Range:

$46,000 - $50,000

Essential Job Duties:
  • Conduct field forestry tasks including inventories, boundary identification, cruising/marking, treatment layout, and monitoring to support forest management, stewardship, wildfire mitigation/fuels treatments, and urban & community forestry projects.

  • Assist with grant and costshare program delivery (e.g., Colorado Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation, Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program, State & Private Forestry, State Fire Assistance, Community Assistance on Adjacent Lands) by preparing scopes/estimates, collecting documentation, and tracking progress.

  • Support timber sale preparation and administration by assembling maps, assisting with prescriptions, preparing field notes, and coordinating with contractors under guidance.

  • Provide customer service to landowners, HOAs, and community partners; participate in outreach events and educational activities; relay technical guidance from foresters.

  • Maintain project records and reports; support purchasing, equipment logistics, and facility/yard organization for the field office.

  • Participate in pile burning and prescribed fire on state lands as qualified and assigned; follow safety policies and procedures.

Conditions of Employment:
  • Schedule and prioritize daily field tasks to meet safety and quality standards; identify issues and recommend adjustments to the project lead.

  • Select appropriate field methods for measurements, marking, and layout within established prescriptions and guidance.

  • Document contractor performance and field conditions; recommend acceptance of work within delegated limits and elevate nonroutine issues.

Supervision:

This position does not directly supervise, but may serve as a work lead for discrete tasks based on experience.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resource Management or an Associate's Degree or Some College/Tech training in: Associates Degree in Forestry from an SAF accredited college or institution.

  • Valid driver's license (Colorado or ability to obtain) and ability to meet CSU vehicle policy; willingness to travel and occasionally work irregular hours.

  • Physical ability to hike long distances over steep terrain at high elevations (up to ~12,000 ft) while carrying 35+ lbs in varied weather.

  • Foundational knowledge of forestry principles and field techniques; ability to follow prescriptions and technical guidance with attention to safety and quality.

  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and GIS/GPS tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro/ArcGIS Online or similar); effective communication and customer service skills.

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team; reliable organization and recordkeeping skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, watershed science, ecology, or a closely related field through education, coursework, training, internship, seasonal employment, or related experience.

  • Familiarity with field forestry practices such as forest inventory, boundary identification, cruising, timber marking, treatment layout, monitoring, and collecting field notes.

  • Familiarity with Western U.S. forest ecosystems, basic silviculture concepts, forest health, wildfire mitigation, and the role of fire in forest ecology.

  • Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, mobile data collection applications, or similar mapping and field data systems.

  • Familiarity, coursework, training, internship, or related experience supporting grants, cost-share programs, project documentation, estimates, contractor coordination, or project tracking.

  • Experience communicating with landowners, community members, agency partners, contractors, students, or the public in a professional and customer-service-oriented manner.

  • Demonstrated commitment to safety, quality work, professionalism, teamwork, and reliable follow-through in field, office, academic, volunteer, internship, or employment settings.

Application Instructions:

To apply, please upload a resume and cover letter. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position.

To help us better understand your location preferences during the screening process, in your cover letter, please identify the field office location(s) you are interested in working from by listing one or more of the following locations:

Field Office Locations:

  • Boulder

  • Fort Collins

  • Franktown

  • Frisco

  • Golden

  • Canon City

  • La Veta

  • Rifle

  • Woodland Park

  • Alamosa

  • Durango

  • Gunnison

  • Montrose

  • Salida

  • Grand Junction

  • Granby

  • Steamboat Springs

  • Colorado State Forest (Gould)

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

  • Review our detailed benefits information here.

  • Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

  • For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

  • Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.


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About Colorado State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public Tier 1 Research universities and an institution on the rise. Our Ram success is driven by an ambition to be excellent in all we do combined with an unparalleled location that is one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant areas in the country. CSU is a higher education destination for working and learning for faculty, staff, and students from across Colorado, the nation, and around the globe. CSU has produced record enrollment in the past decade, built on all-time highs in student diversity and student success, experienced record fundraising and research expenditures that keep hitting new highs year-after-year, and our faculty are known nationally and internationally for their groundbreaking research. Among other recognition for research and creative scholarship, CSU was recognized in 2022 as one of 10 top research institutions in the world contributing to solving the COVID pandemic. CSU is thriving, with a five-year average enrollment of more than 33,400 students. The record-setting 2022 incoming class of 5,517 students reflects 25% from diverse populations and 24% who were first in their families to attend college. CSU graduates find success with 85% securing a job related to their career plans within six months of graduation. More than nine out of 10 Rams would select CSU again, demonstrating the quality of the campus and learning environments.

Industry

Education

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Fort Collins, CO, US

Year founded

1870

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