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Fish Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Audubon Society

Manager, Research

Naples, FL · On-site

$62.03K - $65K/yr

Strong quantitative and research skills (specific disciplines could include wetland ecology, fish ecology, aquatic invertebrate ecology, wading bird ecology, or restoration ecology) and a ...

University of Toledo

$42K - $47K/yr

Must have knowledge of basic fish ecology, limnology, and Great Lakes science. A valid US driver's license and ability to drive University of Toledo's vehicles is required. Experience sampling Great ...

University of Toledo

$42K - $47K/yr

Must have knowledge of basic fish ecology, limnology, and Great Lakes science. A valid US driver's license and ability to drive University of Toledo's vehicles is required. Experience sampling Great ...

Audubon

Manager, Research

Naples, FL

$62.03K - $65K/yr

Strong quantitative and research skills (specific disciplines could include wetland ecology, fish ecology, aquatic invertebrate ecology, wading bird ecology, or restoration ecology) and a ...

Virginia Tech

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Blacksburg, VA

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534164 Work type: Staff ... Fish and Wildlife Conservation Location: Blacksburg, Virginia Categories: Natural Resources The ...

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Fish Ecology information

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$11K

$73.5K

How much do fish ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for fish ecology in the United States is $72,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fish Ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fish Ecologist, you need a strong background in biology, ecology, and environmental science, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as R or GIS), field sampling equipment, and sometimes SCUBA certification are commonly required. Excellent observational skills, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication abilities help professionals collaborate and effectively share research findings. These competencies are crucial for conducting accurate research, informing conservation efforts, and influencing management decisions for aquatic ecosystems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in fish ecology, and how can they be addressed?

Fish ecologists often encounter challenges such as collecting accurate field data in remote or variable environments, adapting to seasonal changes in aquatic ecosystems, and balancing fieldwork with data analysis. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including hydrologists, conservationists, and policy makers—can help navigate these challenges by providing diverse expertise. Staying current with new sampling technologies and data analysis methods, as well as maintaining flexibility in field study design, are also essential strategies for success in this role.

What is fish ecology?

Fish ecology is the scientific study of how fish interact with each other and their environment. It covers a wide range of topics including fish behavior, population dynamics, habitat use, and how environmental factors like water quality and temperature affect fish species. Fish ecologists often conduct field research, analyze data, and work to conserve fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. Their work is important for managing fisheries, protecting endangered species, and maintaining biodiversity in aquatic habitats.

What is the difference between Fish Ecology vs Fish Biologist?

AspectFish EcologyFish Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology, Ecology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, environmental agenciesResearch institutions, government agencies, environmental consulting
Industry UsageStudying fish populations, habitats, and ecological interactionsMonitoring fish stocks, conducting surveys, managing fisheries

Fish Ecology focuses on understanding fish interactions within ecosystems, while Fish Biologists often apply this knowledge to manage and conserve fish populations. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, but Fish Ecology emphasizes ecological relationships, whereas Fish Biologists focus on practical management and conservation efforts.

More about Fish Ecology jobs
What cities are hiring for Fish Ecology jobs? Cities with the most Fish Ecology job openings:
What states have the most Fish Ecology jobs? States with the most job openings for Fish Ecology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fish Ecology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fish Ecology jobs are:
Fish Ecology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fish Ecology job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 28% Full Time, 69% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,000 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist Aquatic Resource Ecology & Management BF9473

The OSU/A&M System

Stillwater, OK • On-site

$63.90K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR & EXTENSION SPECIALIST
Aquatic Resource Ecology & Management
Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK 74078

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor & Extension Specialist.

Position Description
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management (NREM) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) invites applications for a full-time, 11-month, tenure-track position, with a 75% Extension and 25% teaching appointment. The successful applicant will work within the broad area of aquatic resource ecology and management, which may include aspects of pond and stream management, fish ecology, aquaculture, and terrestrial-aquatic interactions all in the agricultural dominated landscape of Oklahoma.
Extension Component (75%): The mission of the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service is to disseminate information to the people of Oklahoma and encourage the adoption of research-generated knowledge. The faculty member will provide leadership in planning, implementing, and continually evaluating a state-wide Extension education and outreach program in aquatic resource management. Program emphasis will include management of pond and stream ecosystems, including conservation of aquatic biota. Audiences will include natural resource professionals, private landowners, interest groups, and the public. This position will provide continuing education programs and support for Extension personnel, Tribal partners, local, state, and federal agencies, management professionals, and the public. The faculty member will be expected to collaborate with other faculty and stakeholders and to seek and secure external funding to support their Extension program.

Teaching Component (25%): The faculty member will be expected to teach approximately 2 to 3 courses per year using high impact pedagogical approaches. Courses may be undergraduate and/or graduate courses supporting the Natural Resource Ecology & Management majors and enhancing the undergraduate Fisheries and Aquatic Ecology option. Other teaching-related expectations may include mentoring undergraduate students, recruiting, mentoring and training graduate students, advising student organizations, and representing the NREM department at undergraduate recruiting events.

Service Component: Service is an important component of this tenure track position and is assumed to be a part of the Extension and teaching appointment. The faculty member will be expected to serve on departmental, division and university committees appropriate to interests, responsibilities, and organizational mission, and to provide service to professional and scientific disciplines (serving on society committees, manuscript reviews, proposal reviews, etc.).

Research Component: Research is not an explicit component of this job description and thus will not be expected as part of annual reviews or tenure evaluations. However, the faculty member is encouraged to work collaboratively with research faculty in the NREM department and the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, or other departments and universities to conduct nationally recognized, externally funded research that incorporates aspects of aquatic resource ecology and management.
Salary Information
Competitive and commensurate with education, training, and experience. Position contingent upon available funding.

Qualifications
Qualifications include: 1) a Ph.D. in fisheries, aquatic ecology, natural resources, biology/zoology, conservation biology, ecology, environmental science or similar at the time of appointment, 2) demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and the potential to conduct educational programs in aquatic resource management, 3) ability and desire to work collaboratively with NREM faculty, faculty in other departments or universities to address Extension, teaching, and research goals, and 4) ability and interest to work with aquatic resource and other natural resource agencies and professionals.

Application
Applications must be submitted online at: https://jobs.okstate.edu

Candidates should submit: 1) a letter of application that includes a description of the applicant's Extension and teaching philosophies, 2) a complete CV that includes: background, education, experience, and a list of extension and research publications and any received extramural funding, 3) academic transcripts, and 4) contact information for three (3) references. Questions can be directed to Dr. Dan Shoup, daniel.shoup@okstate.edu

Review of applications will begin 11/12/2025 and will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. The position will ideally be filled in 2026 with a negotiable start date. Continuation of this position is subject to performance and need.

About the Department
The Department of Natural Resource Ecology & Management provides instruction, research, and Extension expertise that focuses on the natural resources of fisheries, forests, rangeland, and wildlife within and beyond the boundaries of Oklahoma. Our mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of the ecology, management, and sustainable use of these natural resources that are important for maintaining ecosystem health, species diversity, agriculture and forest production, hunting and fishing, and the enjoyment of experiencing nature

The Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management is comprised of 23 faculty with expertise in fisheries, forest, rangeland, and wildlife resources, plus 12 administrative and research support staff. More than 50 master’s and doctoral graduate students are advised by NREM faculty, and we serve over 230 undergraduate students. The Department is also the administrative home of the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. For more information about the department, visit http://nrem.okstate.edu.

To learn more about OSU Agriculture and Stillwater, visit these websites.
• https://agriculture.okstate.edu
• https://agresearch.okstate.edu
• https://extension.okstate.edu
• https://www.okstate.edu
• https://www.visitstillwater.org
• https://www.stillwaterchamber.org

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