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Forest Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Forest Ecologist Department: NR-Forestry Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000) Additional Note: Full-time, benefits, 3-year position Summary of Duties and Responsibilities The Forest Ecologist is ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Forest Ecologist Department: NR-Forestry Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000) Additional Note: Full-time, benefits, 3-year position Summary of Duties and Responsibilities The Forest Ecologist is ...

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$141/hr

Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ongoing projects in Oregon * Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with ...

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site

$141/hr

Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ongoing projects in Oregon * Identify potential new clients and project opportunities nationally with ...

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Charleston, SC · On-site

BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife or Fisheries Management, Agricultural Science, or comparable education/experience * A professional ...

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Macon, GA · On-site

BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife or Fisheries Management, Agricultural Science, or comparable education/experience * Located within ...

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife or Fisheries Management, Agricultural Science, or comparable education/experience. * A professional ...

Biohabitats

Restoration Ecologist

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

... and the forest communities of Southeast Atlantic ecosystems. They will also bring project ... Strong field ecology skills are essential, including native plant identification, wetland ...

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Forest Ecologist information

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How much do forest ecologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for forest ecologist in the United States is $39.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.13 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forest ecologist?

Forest ecologists are scientists who study the relationships between forest organisms and their environment. They examine how factors like climate, soil, and human activity affect forest ecosystems, plant and animal populations, and overall forest health. Their work often involves field research, data analysis, and developing management strategies to conserve and restore forests. Forest ecologists play a critical role in understanding and mitigating the impacts of deforestation, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

What does a forest ecologist do?

As a forest ecologist, your responsibilities include finding forests that can be protected and restored by the government, park systems, or universities. You determine which plants and trees should be thinned or harvested and if an area could use more of a type of plant to improve natural resources for wildlife or other purposes like limiting flooding damage. For public recreation forests, you choose the location for trails that minimize environmental impact and oversee maintenance of these trails. Other duties include planning for botanical diseases, limiting invasive species, and incorporating fire management techniques. As a scientist working closely with other scientists and conservationists, you are responsible for forest conservation for future generations, using the most natural and economically-sound methods possible. You communicate your scientific findings and plans of action to the public and media through presentations, meetings, tours, and more.

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

To thrive as a Forest Ecologist, you need a strong background in ecology, biology, environmental science, and typically a relevant bachelor's or advanced degree. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and field data collection techniques is crucial. Excellent observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for interpreting data and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills enable accurate ecosystem assessments, informed conservation decisions, and effective communication of findings to support forest management and preservation.

What are some common challenges faced by forest ecologists in the field?

Forest ecologists often encounter challenges such as navigating remote or difficult terrain, dealing with unpredictable weather, and collecting data in areas with limited access. Additionally, they must balance rigorous fieldwork with data analysis and reporting, sometimes under tight project deadlines. Collaboration is key, as forest ecologists frequently work alongside other scientists, land managers, and local communities to ensure research findings are effectively implemented in conservation and management practices.

What is the difference between Forest Ecologist vs Wildlife Biologist?

AspectForest EcologistWildlife Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Forestry, or Environmental ScienceBachelor's or Master's in Biology, Ecology, or Wildlife Management
Work EnvironmentForests, research sites, environmental agenciesWildlife habitats, research labs, conservation areas
Employer & IndustryEnvironmental agencies, forestry companies, research institutionsWildlife agencies, conservation organizations, research institutions

Forest Ecologists focus on studying forest ecosystems, tree populations, and forest health, often working in forested environments. Wildlife Biologists study animal populations and their habitats, frequently working in diverse ecosystems. While both roles involve ecological research and conservation, Forest Ecologists specialize in forest environments, whereas Wildlife Biologists focus on animal species and their habitats.

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For Forest Ecologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Forest Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forest Ecologist job openings in the United States 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 $82,310 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Forest Ecologist

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Plummer, ID • On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Forest Ecologist
Department: NR-Forestry
Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000)
Additional Note: Full-time, benefits, 3-year position
Summary of Duties and Responsibilities
The Forest Ecologist is responsible for planning, scheduling, directing, and managing the "Landscape Scale Fee Restoration" program, which includes developing forest management plans, administrating forest restoration projects, and conducting ecological surveys on Tribal Fee and Trust Lands. The incumbent should be familiar with the five core values of the Tribe and how those core values are expressed within the actions of the Program and the duties of this position. Must show the highest level of professional standards and promote a positive image of the Tribe and its administration at all times. Major duties include:
  • Responsible for administrating a $300,000 Forest Service grant award through FY2026-2029.
  • Work alongside Fish & Wildlife, Environmental Programs Office, and Water Resources to create desired forest structure for multiple wildlife species and their habitats, and ensure protection and restoration of biodiversity and water quality on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation.
  • Conduct ecological surveys to gather data on soil, vegetation, water, and wildlife habitats.
  • Use statistical software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze data and identify patterns.
  • Prepare detailed scientific reports, technical documents, and presentations for various stakeholders.
  • Develop and implement forest management plans (FMP), and environmental analyses (EA) that focus on sustainability, biodiversity, and align with Tribal values.
  • Track the effects of climate change, invasive species, and human activities on forest ecosystems.
  • Ensure Tribal lands are maintained in accordance with administrative objectives, Tribal values and goals.
  • Monitor forest road usage and check for Tribal permits.
  • Enforce trespass and theft of timber resources on Fee and Trust Lands.
  • As qualified, develop and oversee research projects to address specific ecological questions.
  • As qualified, assist in fire suppression and prescribed burning.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Knowledge of stand conditions, environmental considerations, forest ecology, and silviculture of the major forest cover types found on the Coeur d'Alene Reservation.
  • Experience with Forest Projection and Planning System (FPS) and/or Forest Vegetation Simulator (FVS)
  • Ability to interact tactfully and diplomatically with other departments, Tribal members, Tribal leadership, employees, and contractors.
  • Ability to write technical reports, prepare maps and graphs, analyze data, and to summarize results, reports, and findings to multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to use Microsoft Word, Microsoft Access, Excel, ArcGIS and/or ArcPro.
  • Knowledge and experience in firefighting and/or prescribed burning techniques.
  • Knowledge of ecological sampling techniques.

Desired Qualifications
  • A Master's Degree in Forestry, Forest Ecology, or related field of science. However, a Bachelor's Degree might be considered with extensive experience.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in forest management, silviculture, and/or ecology. Preferably, at least two years of the required experience was with a Tribal natural resource management program.
  • Must possess a valid State driver's license and maintain a good driving record, capable of being insured.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and written/verbal communication skills are essential.
  • Expertise in forest ecology, conservation methods, and the impacts of climate change.
  • Good physical condition and the ability to traverse forestlands for long periods of time.
  • Must not have been convicted of a felony involving dishonesty within the past five years.

Work Environment
  • Roughly 75% of the work will be performed in the office with the Forestry Program at the Department of Natural Resources Building in Plummer Idaho. The remaining 25% will be spent working with other programs such as Fish & Wildlife, Land Services, and/or the Forest Service, and will require working in the field on restoration projects, administrating forest regulations, and conducting ecological surveys.
  • This position will report to the Forestry Manager, and will not have supervisory responsibilities.

Guidelines are provided by the Coeur d'Alene Policies and Procedures Manual, Forest Management Plan, federal laws and regulations, Bureau of Indian Affairs manuals and handbooks and technical publications. Other guidance includes scientific literature, environmental assessments, silvicultural prescriptions, written and oral communication from the Forest Manager and other employees of the Natural Resources Department. Professional judgement within those guidelines is necessary to meet landowner objectives, field conditions and special situations.
An applicant may be asked to participate in an interview to establish whether he/she meets the minimum qualifications. Interviews do not create a right to employment and provide no promise or guarantee of employment with the Tribe.
The Coeur d'Alene Tribe reserves the right to hire according to its Indian Preference Policy. Applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug test and at-random testing following employment. Positions with the Coeur d'Alene Tribe are subject to a 6-month orientation period.
Pay Range: $55,000 - $70,000 per year

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