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Graduate Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site +1

Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology ...

Save the Redwoods

Forest Ecologist

Mckinleyville, CA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience). * 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology ...

Wisconsin

Vallier Treehaven Ecologist

Tomahawk, WI

$55K - $59K/yr

Vallier Treehaven Ecologist Job Category: Academic Staff Employment Type: Terminal (Fixed Term) Job ... The College of Natural Resources has approximately 1,585 undergraduates, 50 graduate students, and ...

Virginia Tech

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager

Blacksburg, VA · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Molecular Ecology Lab Manager Apply now Back to search results Job no: 534164 Work type: Staff ... graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a ...

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How much do graduate ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate ecologist in the United States is $59,547.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Graduate Ecologist job?

A Graduate Ecologist is an entry-level role for individuals with a degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field. They assist with ecological surveys, data analysis, and environmental assessments for conservation projects or development planning. Responsibilities often include habitat surveys, species identification, report writing, and working with senior ecologists to assess environmental impacts. This role provides practical experience in ecological consultancy, conservation, or research. It is ideal for those seeking to develop field skills and progress toward professional accreditation.

What types of fieldwork and site visits can I expect as a Graduate Ecologist?

As a Graduate Ecologist, you will frequently participate in on-site ecological surveys, species identification, habitat assessments, and sometimes extended fieldwork during peak survey seasons. Your daily activities may include gathering data on flora and fauna, conducting environmental impact assessments, and supporting senior ecologists with technical reports. Fieldwork can be physically demanding and may require travel to various habitats, sometimes working in variable weather conditions. However, these experiences are highly valuable for building your practical skills and gaining firsthand knowledge of diverse ecosystems, helping to develop a well-rounded foundation for your career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Graduate Ecologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Ecologist, you need a solid background in ecological principles, fieldwork techniques, and a relevant degree like ecology, environmental science, or biology. Familiarity with GIS mapping tools, ecological survey methods, and compliance with industry-standard certifications such as a CSCS card is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills help you work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and with external stakeholders. These competencies are essential for accurately collecting data, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing meaningful insights to environmental projects.

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Graduate Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Ecologist job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $59,547 per year, or $28.6 per hour.
Forest Ecologist

Forest Ecologist

Save the Redwoods

Mckinleyville, CA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE or FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The Forest Ecologist advances Save the Redwoods League's capacity to plan, implement, and monitor restoration projects across California's coast redwood and giant sequoia ranges, with emphasis on forest and fire ecology, collaborative partnerships, and landscape-scale conservation.


This role provides scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, field implementation, and monitoring; translates forest science into on-the-ground action; and serves as a technical resource within partnership efforts including Redwoods Rising and the Giant Sequoia Lands Coalition.


This position can be located in McKinleyville, CA or Visalia, CA


ESSENTIALDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide scientific and technical leadership for restoration planning, implementation, monitoring, and adaptive management across coast redwood and giant sequoia landscapes.
  • Develop monitoring strategies (surveillance, effectiveness, research) including questions, metrics, data standards, and coordination of field data collection and management (in collaboration with the GIS Program Manager).
  • Partner with agencies, Tribes, NGOs, and research institutions; serve as a technical advisor within collaboratives focused on forest health, fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and wildfire risk reduction.
  • Support organizational priorities by contributing to cross-team efforts (Restoration & Stewardship, Development, and Marketing & Communications) through technical input, clear communication products, and fundraising support as needed.
  • Provide training and field support to staff, contractors, and crews; represent Save the Redwoods locally and at public events; and perform other related duties as assigned.


Required Qualifications:

  • Graduate degree in forestry, conservation biology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years' experience in a combination of restoration forestry, fuels reduction/fire ecology, management planning, climate adaptation, and/or field research.
  • Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including ability to organize data, conduct analyses, and develop practical technical recommendations.
  • Excellent writing and science-communication skills, including ability to synthesize scientific literature and tailor messages to varied audiences.
  • Commitment to Save the Redwoods' Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values, cultural attributes, and pragmatic, non-confrontational approach to conservation.
  • Strong knowledge of California natural history and ecology.
  • Able to work independently and collaboratively, building productive relationships in complex environments.
  • Strong project-management and organizational skills; able to set priorities, stay flexible, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
  • Strong verbal communication and public-speaking skills; able to manage multiple complex tasks under time constraints.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Cultural competency and ability to work effectively across cultures and identities; additional language proficiency is a plus.
  • Understanding of federal, California, and local environmental regulatory frameworks.
  • Proficiency with GIS and Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools (SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams); R experience a plus.


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • May supervise Forest Fellows; frequently manages contractors and field crews in collaboration with partners.


WORKING CONDITIONS/physical effort:

  • Frequent travel (primarily within California) with occasional evening/weekend and overnight commitments; valid driver's license and safe driving record required.
  • Work includes office-based duties and regular fieldwork in forest conditions (uneven terrain, remote locations) and occasional lifting/carrying up to 30 pounds.
  • When supporting prescribed fire activities, required certifications must be current and work must be performed within certification scope and supervision requirements (unless holding higher qualifications).

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