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Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

A strong background in environmental impact assessment, permitting, ecological field studies, and ... As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience.

A strong background in environmental impact assessment, permitting, ecological field studies, and ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

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 Sep 7, 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 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:

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,036 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Entry-Level Environmental Scientist

Dewberry

Merrifield, VA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description

Dewberry is currently seeking an Entry-Level Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental Group in our Fairfax, VA office. This is an excellent career opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented individual to join a team of outstanding professionals. This position offers tremendous potential for professional growth in a great working environment and the opportunity to apply the latest technology to help our clients solve their most challenging problems.

Responsibilities
  • Assist with field delineations of wetlands and Waters of the U.S.
  • Assist in the preparation of delineation reports, functional assessments, mitigation plans, and Jurisdictional Determinations
  • Assist in the preparation of permit applications under Sections 404/401 of the Clean Water Actand NPDES Section 402 regulatory permitting
  • Coordinate with state, federal, and local regulators, as appropriate
  • Conduct vegetation and wildlife habitat surveys
  • Provide database reviews and background research for NEPA documents
  • Conduct threatened and endangered species surveys
  • Prepare Section 7 consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Prepare Section 106 consultations with the State Historic Preservation Officer
  • Conduct permit compliance monitoring and assist in conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA)
Required Skills & Required Experience
  • A BS or MS degree in biology, wildlife or natural resources is required
  • 0-2 years of experience is required
  • A strong background in environmental impact assessment, permitting, ecological field studies, and planning is required
  • Specialized expertise may be in environmental, terrestrial, wetland, or wildlife sciences
  • Must have demonstrated ability in field data collection and analysis, technical writing
  • Strong oral and written communication/interpersonal skills is a must
  • Ability to work in a professional and team-oriented work environment
  • Valid Driver's Liscense is required

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, you may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

Salary Range

The projected range for this position is $67,000 - $69,500 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.

Program Information

As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience. Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and team building activities led by an advisory team to:

  • Form lasting connections with peers in your class.
  • Gain a better understanding of career growth and meaningful opportunities to align with your professional goals.
  • Expand your knowledge of Dewberry and what we do.
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