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Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Ecologist information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$39.3K

$67.8K

$118.4K

How much do entry level ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecologist in Seattle, WA is $67,766.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,700.00 and $84,200.00 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.

More about Entry Level Ecologist jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Ecologist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Ecologist jobs in Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ecologist jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ecologist jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Entry Level Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $67,766 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Development Engineering Supervisor

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District

Federal Way, WA

$58.20 - $76.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Lakehaven Water and Sewer District has an immediate opening for one (1) Development Engineering Supervisor. The position is open to both internal and external candidates. Compensation based on education/certifications, knowledge, and professional experience as it relates to Development Engineering and the Water and Wastewater industry.
Position Range
Pay Level
2026 Hourly Pay Range
Development Engineering Supervisor
15
$58.20 - $76.31
Position placement and pay is dependent upon experience and qualifications.
As a Lakehaven Development Engineering Supervisor, you will be part of a team that has been recognized by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies for its environmental stewardship and has been a long-standing member of the American Water Works Association. Lakehaven has a service area population of over 135,000 people living across a 35 square mile area in south King County, making us the second largest special-purpose water and sewer district in the state. Our water system includes 450 miles of water mains, 25 active wells and 12 storage tanks, which allow us to meet the current annual average water demand of 10 million gallons per day (MGD) from the community. Lakehaven also has two wastewater treatment plants, 35 sewer lift stations, and 350 miles of sewer mains capable of collecting and treating up to 15.6 MGD. Our employees work hard to produce and treat high-quality drinking water and to ensure treated wastewater adheres to EPA standards which safeguard the local ecological system of Puget Sound. If you want to work for an award-winning, innovative utility with competitive pay rates, career advancement and training opportunities, this is the right opportunity for you.
A Development Engineering Supervisor administers and directs the technical staff and support services within the Development Engineering (DE) section of the Engineering Department. Provides management with information related to the performance of technical and support services. Supervises, directs, assigns, coordinates, and reviews the work of technical amp; support services personnel. Works on sub-professional engineering problems, in connection with maps, plans and drawings; maintains technical records and accounts. As needed, obtains engineering plan review through coordination with other departments and/or assisting in managing consulting engineers' contracts.
The successful candidate should have the following (at entry level):
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Two (2) years of successfully completed college-level course work, or Associate Degree in Civil Engineering/Physical Science/Math, or allied technical field, or completion of a technical community college program, and five (5) years progressively responsible experience with a water or wastewater utility of which three (3) years were supervising technical staff within an office and/or field environment, or any equivalent combination of experience, knowledge and/or education.
  • Education and/or experience in civil drafting, land and/or GPS surveying, public works infrastructure construction, design engineering plan review, public communications (external customers and internal personnel), construction inspection, and/or project management is desirable.
BENEFITS:
  • State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems PERS Plans
  • State of Washington Department of Retirement Systems Deferred Compensation program.
  • State of Washington Health Care Authority’s Medical, Dental, Vision benefit programs, life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
  • HRA VEBA Account
  • Paid Time Off (Paid time off – 8.0 hrs. per month (increases with years of service); and Sick leave accumulates at the rate of eight (8) hours per month and will accumulate without limit for regular full-time employees.
  • Holiday Pay (12 paid holidays plus one (1) personal floating holiday)
  • Please visit: Lakehaven Water and Sewer District Benefits Summary
Does this sound like the job for you? Lakehaven Water and Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Individuals interested in applying for this position must submit a completed Cover Letter, Resume, and District Application through our portal on our website at www.lakehavenwsd.gov/154/employment.
If you need an accommodation in the recruitment process or an alternate format of this announcement, please inquire directly with the Human Resources Assistant Manager.

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