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Forest Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Innovative Emergency Management

SME - Reforestation

$43 - $59.42/hr

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field. * Experience: Ten (10) years of combined experience in reforestation, wildfire recovery, land ...

Tamus

Assistant Professor - Forestry

Temple, TX · On-site

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to applied forest science in a region facing significant ecological and economic shifts, and to support the development of resilient forest landscapes ...

Colorado State University

$46K - $50K/yr

S. forest ecosystems, basic silviculture concepts, forest health, wildfire mitigation, and the role of fire in forest ecology. * Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online ...

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Forest Ecologist information

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How much do forest ecologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 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 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.

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 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.
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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 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,310 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

SME - Reforestation

Innovative Emergency Management

Remote

$43 - $59.42/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

IEM is seeking a Part-Time Reforestation Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support our continued growth. The Reforestation SME provides specialized technical expertise to support wildfire recovery and long-term forest restoration efforts. This role requires deep knowledge of Rocky Mountain ecosystems, post-fire ecological processes, and evidence-based reforestation practices. The SME will support the development of defensible technical assessments and SME reports used to substantiate claimant recovery amounts in alignment with program guidelines.
Primary Location:
  • Live within the United States including any US territory that meets personal location environment standards below.
  • Preference will be given to candidates who live within New Mexico
  • Work from a personal/home office location

Travel Requirements:
  • This position may require travel to complete work assignments or attend meetings/trainings.

Essential Functions:
  • Design and oversee reforestation projects in areas affected by wildfire, with a focus on ecological restoration and long-term forest health.
  • Conduct site assessments to determine soil stability, species suitability, and prioritize areas for intervention based on ecological and community needs.
  • Collaborate with land managers, government agencies, community stakeholders, and non-profit partners to develop reforestation plans tailored to Rocky Mountain landscapes.
  • Provide technical guidance on seed collection, native species selection, planting techniques, and post-planting care specific to post-wildfire recovery in the region.
  • Monitor project outcomes, adapt management strategies, and report on progress and ecological impacts.
  • Deliver training and workshops for field personnel and community volunteers on wildfire reforestation methods and safety protocols.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Degree: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Forestry, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
  • Experience: Ten (10) years of combined experience in reforestation, wildfire recovery, land restoration, forestry, or related ecological disciplines.
  • Demonstrated expertise with Rocky Mountain ecosystems, native species, and post-wildfire regeneration practices.
  • Strong working knowledge of:
    • Wildfire ecology and burn severity effects
    • Forest succession
    • Soil stabilization and watershed dynamics
    • Native plant communities of the Rocky Mountain region
  • Experience preparing technical assessments, valuation summaries, or SME reports related to ecological losses and restoration costs.
  • Proficiency using GIS, remote sensing platforms, and ecological monitoring tools.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical findings to claimants, FEMA staff, and diverse stakeholders.
  • Ability to work safely in remote, rugged terrain and variable weather conditions.
  • Strong customer-service approach when interacting with claimants and community members.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience collaborating with federal and state land management agencies (e.g., USFS, BLM, NRCS).
  • Certification or training in forestry, ecological restoration, fire ecology, or similar fields (e.g., SAF Certified Forester, Society for Ecological Restoration credentials).
  • Knowledge of climate adaptation strategies in forest recovery and long-term resilience planning.
  • Experience with grant development, project budget creation, or multi-stakeholder restoration partnerships.

Additional Information:
  • Personal Office / At Home Locations: All personal office/at home work environments require the ability to maintain minimum Internet speeds of 25 Mbps upload and 3 Mbps download, as well as a ping rate of 100 ms or less during working hours, regardless of the type and number of devices using your Internet connection. You must also have account privileges and access to your Internet service provider account during working hours for the purpose of maintaining the Internet connection, if needed.

Benefits and more:
  • Hourly rate based on location and experience: $43.00 - $59.42 / hour.

Equal Employment Opportunity: All IEM employment decisions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment, if necessary, are made without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, creed, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
Reasonable Accommodation: IEM is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodation for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during any part of the application or employment process, please email IEMhumanresources@iem.com with specific details about the requested accommodation. All accommodation requests are reviewed case-by-case in compliance with applicable law.

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