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Entry Level Natural Resource Jobs in Rochester, NY

Entry Level Natural Resource information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$13.6K

$47.7K

$90.7K

How much do entry level natural resource jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level natural resource in Rochester, NY is $47,659.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,918.00 and $53,741.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of fieldwork and projects can I expect as an entry-level natural resource professional?

As an entry-level natural resource professional, you can expect to participate in a variety of hands-on fieldwork such as collecting soil, water, and vegetation samples, monitoring wildlife, and assisting with habitat restoration projects. You'll often work as part of a team with scientists, technicians, and land managers, gaining exposure to data collection, mapping, and report preparation. These experiences provide valuable foundational skills and may involve working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Over time, you'll have opportunities to take on more responsibility and contribute to larger conservation or resource management initiatives.

How to make $80,000 a year without a degree?

Entry level natural resource jobs, such as forestry technician or environmental technician, can pay around $50,000 to $70,000 annually with experience and certifications. Advancing in the field through specialized training, gaining experience, and obtaining relevant certifications like GIS or safety licenses can help increase earnings toward $80,000 or more without a college degree.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Entry-level natural resource jobs typically do not pay $2,000 a day; such high daily rates are usually associated with highly specialized or consulting roles, often requiring extensive experience, certifications, or advanced skills. Most positions in natural resources pay hourly or salary wages, with top consulting or project management roles potentially reaching high daily earnings for experienced professionals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Natural Resource Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Natural Resource Specialist, you need a background in environmental science, biology, or a related field, along with strong research and analytical skills. Familiarity with GIS software, data collection tools, and environmental regulations is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders. These skills are essential for accurately assessing natural resources, ensuring compliance, and supporting sustainable management practices.

What is the difference between Entry Level Natural Resource vs Entry Level Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level Natural ResourceEntry Level Environmental Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or related certificationAssociate's degree or environmental science background
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, outdoor settings, conservation sitesField and lab work, environmental monitoring
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, conservation organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and involve outdoor work, but Natural Resource positions focus more on conservation and land management, while Environmental Technicians typically handle environmental testing and monitoring tasks.

What jobs can you get with a natural resource degree?

An entry-level natural resource degree can lead to jobs such as environmental technician, conservation scientist, park ranger, or resource management specialist. These roles often involve fieldwork, data collection, and environmental analysis, and may require knowledge of GIS tools and environmental regulations.

What are entry level natural resource jobs?

Entry level natural resource jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field of natural resources, often requiring little to no prior professional experience. These roles may include tasks such as collecting environmental data, assisting with field surveys, supporting conservation projects, and monitoring wildlife or plant populations. Common employers include government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private environmental consulting firms. These jobs typically require at least a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as environmental science, forestry, biology, or geography. They offer valuable hands-on experience and serve as a stepping stone to more advanced roles in natural resource management and conservation.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Entry-level natural resource jobs that can pay around $10,000 a month typically involve specialized skills such as environmental consulting, forestry management, or renewable energy project coordination. These roles often require certifications, field experience, or technical knowledge rather than a formal degree and may involve fieldwork, equipment operation, or project oversight.
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Entry Level Natural Resource jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Entry Level Natural Resource job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Natural Resource job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,659 per year, or $22.9 per hour.
Environmental Scientist (Entry-Level / Part-Time) Rochester, NY

Environmental Scientist (Entry-Level / Part-Time) Rochester, NY

Tetra Tech

Rochester, NY • On-site

$25 - $32/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

336th of 356 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech is adding an Entry-Level Environmental Scientist to support our growing energy and remediation practice throughout New York State and the Northeastern United States.

This role will primarily support field studies and environmental surveys associated with renewable energy and remediation projects. The ideal candidate will assist with biological fieldwork, environmental data collection, and natural resource assessments focused on wildlife, wetlands, and related ecological resources.

This position is based out of our Rochester, NY office and offers the opportunity to work alongside a collaborative team of environmental professionals supporting projects across the region.

Location: Rochester, NY (Northeastern U.S. Field Support)

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Conduct biological and natural resource field surveys, including:
    • Avian surveys
    • Wetland delineations
    • Reptile and amphibian surveys
    • Bat surveys
  • Support permitting efforts for renewable energy projects at the state and local level
  • Assist with environmental site characterization and remediation field activities
  • Collect and manage biological field data using:
    • GPS units
    • Tablets and field applications (e.g., Esri Field Maps)
  • Perform independent data QA/QC as required
  • Support technical staff and project teams on a variety of environmental projects
  • Contribute to natural resource assessments and field documentation efforts
  • Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards.
  • Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness.
  • Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns.
  • Additional duties as required.

Required Qualifications:

  • Completion of college-level coursework in:
    • Ornithology
    • Wildlife Science
    • Ecology and/or General Biology
  • 1-3 years of professional experience involving field data collection
  • Experience using field technologies such as:
    • GPS units
    • Tablets/mobile field data systems
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience conducting:
    • Avian surveys in the Eastern United States
    • Rare plant and/or wetland surveys
    • Reptile, amphibian, and bat surveys
  • Experience with wetland delineations using:
    • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers methodologies
  • Familiarity with technical writing and contributing to environmental reports
  • OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification preferred but not required

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions
  • Ability to walk long distances and work extended field days as needed
  • Ability to carry field equipment and work in remote field environments

Work Environment / Travel:

  • Combination of office and field-based work
  • Fieldwork throughout New York State and potentially other areas within the continental United States
  • Exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, including variable weather and rugged terrain
  • Collaborative team-oriented consulting environment

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
  • Medical benefits, workers compensation insurance, and 401(k) plan.
  • Merit-based financial rewards.
  • Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
  • Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
  • Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth. 

A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.

Compensation:

Pay commensurate with experience.

Pay Range: $25.00-$32.00 hourly

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech's employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers  Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

Additional Information
  • Organization: 194 CES

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