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Entry Level Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Assisting the ecological lead in performing stream, wetland, wildlife habitat assessments, and other ecological surveys. * Assisting ecological leads with process field data and development ...

Entry-Level Wetland Scientist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site +1

$72K - $95K/yr

Assisting the ecological lead in performing stream, wetland, wildlife habitat assessments, and other ecological surveys. * Assisting ecological leads with process field data and development ...

Entry-Level Wetland Scientist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$72K - $95K/yr

Assisting the ecological lead in performing stream, wetland, wildlife habitat assessments, and other ecological surveys. * Assisting ecological leads with process field data and development ...

ENTRY LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

New Albany, OH · On-site

$72K - $94K/yr

Completes USACE/OEPA ecological data forms. * Supports ODOT projects through the preparation of technical reports and documentation, including Ecological Survey Reports, Regulated Materials Reviews ...

ENTRY LEVEL ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST

New Albany, OH · On-site

$72K - $94K/yr

Completes USACE/OEPA ecological data forms. * Supports ODOT projects through the preparation of technical reports and documentation, including Ecological Survey Reports, Regulated Materials Reviews ...

This is an entry level postdoctoral position in marine microbiology. The successful candidate will ... A Ph.D. degree in Geophysical Sciences or molecular microbial biology and ecology are most ...

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Entry Level Ecologist information

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$34.5K

$59.5K

$104K

How much do entry level ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecologist in the United States is $59,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $74,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Entry Level Ecologist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Ecologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Ecologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Ecologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 19% As Needed, 1% Full Time, 31% Temporary, and 19% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,547 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Entry-Level Wetland Scientist

Entry-Level Wetland Scientist

AECOM

Pittsburgh, PA

$72K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


AECOM rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is actively seeking a Wetland Scientist to report out of the Pittsburgh, PA. The successful candidate will work within an interdisciplinary, team-oriented environment that provides career growth opportunities within AECOM’s Environmental Planning and Permitting (EPP) East Mid-Atlantic Team.  This position will include performing environmental field assessments and reporting for wetland/stream delineations, invasive and rare, threatened and endangered species (T&E) surveys, as well as wetland mitigation and/or monitoring.  This team primarily works on projects in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio.

The responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

  • Assisting the ecological lead in performing stream, wetland, wildlife habitat assessments, and other ecological surveys.
  • Assisting ecological leads with process field data and development/originating ecological assessment reports.
  • Assisting with coordination of various governmental agencies regarding ecological survey protocols, reporting standards, or endangered and threatened species coordination.
  • Reviewing desktop information to complete environmental impact assessments.
  • Working with the ecological lead to become familiar with our field survey equipment, data forms and other data collection and reporting tools.
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • BA/BS degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Biology, or related field.
  • Ability to work in the field and travel as needed, include overnight travel.
  • Valid U.S. Driver’s License, and as a condition of employment, must pass AECOM’s motor vehicle records review. 
  • Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
  • Knowledgeable in using Trimble GPS survey units, tablets, and other data collection tools.
  • Background knowledge on fauna and flora identification, understanding of USACE wetland determination procedures, and other applicable survey experiences for environmental services.
  • ESRI and/or ARCGIS (ArcMap and/or ArcPro) experience and ability to create figures or perform analysis on location data sets.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and technical writing.
  • Safety training (i.e., OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hours)
  • High degree of self-motivation and ability to work both independently and in a team setting
  • Team player that demonstrates professionalism and accountability.

Additional Information
  • Relocation is not available for this position.
  • Sponsorship is not available for this position.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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