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Fish Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AIS, Inc.

Fisheries Biologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

... Fish Ecology Division (FED) at that Northwest Fisheries Science Center. The FED conducts scientific research on threatened and endangered salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest, including ...

AIS, Inc.

Sr. Ichthyoplankton Ecologist

La Jolla, CA · On-site

... Ecology Program at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The incumbent performs laboratory sorting and identification of fish and zooplankton samples, participates in at-sea sample collection ...

AIS Inc

Sr. Ichthyoplankton Ecologist

La Jolla, CA · On-site

... Ecology Program at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center. The incumbent performs laboratory sorting and identification of fish and zooplankton samples, participates in at-sea sample collection ...

Cramer Fish Sciences

Senior Biologist

Eugene, OR · On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

This role will lead and manage scientific studies on salmonid ecology, fish habitat, and habitat restoration in the Eugene, Oregon area. INTERESTED IN APPLYING? Please submit your resume and cover ...

Cramer Fish Sciences

Senior Biologist

Eugene, OR · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

This role will lead and manage scientific studies on salmonid ecology, fish habitat, and habitat restoration in the Eugene, Oregon area. INTERESTED IN APPLYING? Please submit your resume and cover ...

Cramer Fish Sciences

Senior Biologist

Eugene, OR · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

This role will lead and manage scientific studies on salmonid ecology, fish habitat, and habitat restoration in the Eugene, Oregon area. INTERESTED IN APPLYING? Please submit your resume and cover ...

AECOM

Fish Passage Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

This position will integrate engineering with ecological principles to deliver innovative solutions for fish passage, stream restoration, and river infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include ...

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Fish Ecology information

See salary details

$11K

$73.5K

How much do fish ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 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 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.

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Full Time, and 77% Part Time. Highlights an 54% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 42% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,000 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Fisheries Biologist

Fisheries Biologist

AIS, Inc.

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline.
Primary Function:
AIS is looking for a Fisheries Biologist to support the collection and analysis of habitat data as well as develop and implement salmon life cycle models for restoration planning in support of NOAAs Fish Ecology Division (FED) at that Northwest Fisheries Science Center. The FED conducts scientific research on threatened and endangered salmon populations in the Pacific Northwest, including watershed assessments to aid in restoration planning and habitat monitoring to meet NMFS statutory obligations under the Endangered Species Act.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Collect salmon habitat monitoring data in nearshore, estuarine, and riverine ecosystems.
  • Utilize remote sensing techniques or field methods.
  • Perform quantitative and spatial analysis of fish, habitat and existing data sets.
  • Digitize aerial imagery-derived or field data on freshwater and nearshore habitats and/or fish.
  • Develop salmon life cycle models.
  • Produce technical reports, data and analysis protocols, and peer-reviewed journal manuscripts.

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' availability. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Basic computer skills (MS Office, etc.).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study directly related to the position with an emphasis in fisheries, geology, natural science, hydrology or environmental sciences.
  • Three (3) years of related experience, including experience with quantitative and spatial analyses in R and ARC GIS.
  • Master's Degree may be substituted for experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree, or higher, from an accredited college or university with a major in a field of study directly related to the position with an emphasis in fisheries, geology, natural science, hydrology or environmental sciences.
  • Experience with remote sensing data.

Travel:
  • Reimbursed at an hourly rate along with compensation for miles accrued on a personal vehicle as well as per diem at the specified Government rate.
  • Travel locations include field sites throughout WA, OR, and ID as well as fish passage and trapping facilities for field sampling efforts. Travel will also be required for regional meetings and conferences to discuss and present project related research in WA, OR, ID, CA and British Columbia, Canada.
  • Other travel may be approved on a case-by-case bases.

Location:
  • Northwest Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Blvd E, Seattle, WA 98112, or the associated Manchester Research Station, 7305 Beach Dr E, Manchester, WA 98353.

Contact:
If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please click the following link http://aisobservers.com/careers/ to submit the required information:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
  • 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please feel free to contact the Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisitionteam@aisobservers.com or 508-990-9055.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer

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