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Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Ecologist information

See Washington salary details

$39.1K

$67.4K

$117.8K

How much do entry level ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecologist in Washington is $67,443.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $83,800.00 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 Washington? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Entry Level Ecologist jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Entry Level Ecologist job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Locum Tenens, 16% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 25% Temporary, and 16% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,443 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Account Associate - Water Treatment Chemicals

Veolia Environnement SA

Laurel, MD • On-site

$47K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


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
Account Associate - Chemical Water Treatment Solutions
Join Veolia as an Account Associate in our Chemical Solutions and Monitoring (CSM) division and begin your career journey in innovation and sustainability!
About This Opportunity
We're seeking an entry-level Account Associate in CSM to support our experienced Account Managers while learning the fundamentals of chemical water and process treatment solutions. You'll work closely with diverse customers across various industries, gaining hands-on experience in technical analysis and customer service while developing your expertise in water treatment technologies.
What You'll Do
  • Learning & Development: Shadow Account Managers to learn chemical treatment programs for Cooling Water, Boiler Water, Wastewater, Memchem, and Process Applications
  • Data Collection & Analysis: Collect and run samples, evaluate treatment data, and assist in preparing technical reports under Account Manager supervision
  • Technical Training: Complete comprehensive technical training programs to build foundational knowledge in chemical applications and water treatment processes
  • Customer Support: Assist with customer visits and service calls to gain exposure to industrial environments and customer relationship building
  • Administrative Support: Help maintain customer records, assist with sample scheduling, and support account documentation
  • Report Writing: Prepare preliminary technical reports and data summaries for review and approval by Account Manager
  • Safety Compliance: Follow all EHS policies and procedures while learning safe work practices in industrial settings

Qualifications
Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Engineering/Technologist (Chemical, Industrial, or Mechanical), preferred. Recent graduates or candidates with 0-2 years of relevant experience are welcome.
  • Interest in chemical water & process treatment
  • Strong academic background or internship experience in technical fields and/or industrial environments
  • A full valid driver's license and willingness to travel (a learner's permit or G1/G2 class will not qualify)

Key Characteristics:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving aptitude
  • Proficiency in mathematical calculations and chemistry concepts
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Eagerness to learn and develop technical expertise
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a mentoring environment
  • Comfortable learning in industrial environments
  • Enthusiasm for environmental sustainability and water treatment
  • Physical capability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs as needed (frequency varies by worksite)

What Success Looks Like
  • Successfully complete all required technical training programs
  • Demonstrate proficiency in sample collection and basic data analysis
  • Contribute accurate and timely support to Account Manager activities
  • Build foundational knowledge of customer industries and applications
  • Show progression toward independent technical analysis capabilities
  • Maintain safety standards and professional conduct at all customer sites

Additional Information
Why Veolia?
Join a company that values Responsibility, Solidarity, Innovation, Customer Focus, and Respect. You'll receive comprehensive mentoring, extensive technical and commercial training, and clear pathways for career advancement in the growing field of water treatment and environmental sustainability.
This position offers excellent learning opportunities and is designed to prepare you for advancement to Account Representative level.
Ready to start your career in water treatment and sustainability? Apply today!
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.
Compensation - The salary range is tied to the market for similarly benchmarked roles. The range is not an absolute, but a guide, and offers will be based on the individual candidate's knowledge, skills, experience, and market conditions, as well as internal peer equity. Depending upon all the preceding considerations for the final selected individual candidate, the offer may be lower or higher than the stated range: $70,000 to $80,000 USD annually.
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Starting Day 1!
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Parental Leave
• 401(k) Plan - 3% default contribution plus matching!
• Flexible Spending & Health Saving Accounts
• AD&D Insurance
• Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this
posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable
law.
****Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the U.S. immediately; 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.