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$15K

$42.8K

$64.5K

How much do graduate ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate ecology in the United States is $42,750.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,500.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical collaborative projects a Graduate Ecologist might participate in during their first year?

As a Graduate Ecologist, you will often work on multidisciplinary projects alongside senior ecologists, environmental consultants, and sometimes engineers or planners. Common collaborations include conducting habitat surveys, assisting with environmental impact assessments, and supporting biodiversity monitoring programs. These projects usually require teamwork, clear communication, and an eagerness to learn from more experienced colleagues. Participating in these collaborations early in your career helps build practical field skills and fosters professional relationships that can support your development.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Ecologist, you need a degree in ecology or a related environmental science, a solid understanding of ecological principles, and experience with fieldwork. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and survey methods is typically required, along with certifications like protected species licenses. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help you interpret data, collaborate on projects, and engage stakeholders. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively assessing ecosystems, informing conservation efforts, and supporting sustainable environmental management.

What are graduate ecologists?

Graduate ecologists are individuals who have recently completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in ecology or a related environmental science and are beginning their careers in the field. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced ecologists, assisting with research, data collection, environmental impact assessments, and ecological surveys. Graduate ecologists often work for environmental consultancies, government agencies, non-profits, or research institutions, gaining practical experience and developing their expertise in ecology. Their roles can involve both fieldwork and data analysis, contributing to the understanding and conservation of ecosystems.

What is the difference between Graduate Ecology vs Environmental Technician?

AspectGraduate EcologyEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, environmental agenciesFieldwork, laboratory, environmental consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, research organizationsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, NGOs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Graduate Ecology and Environmental Technician roles share similarities in required education and work environments, often involving fieldwork and research. However, Graduate Ecology typically requires a higher level of academic qualification and focuses more on research and ecological analysis, while Environmental Technicians often perform more practical, on-the-ground environmental assessments and data collection.

More about Graduate Ecology jobs
What states have the most Graduate Ecology jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Ecology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Ecology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Ecology jobs are:
Graduate Ecology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Ecology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,750 per year, or $20.6 per hour.
Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UTK

Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology - UTK

The University of Tennessee

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description


The Suissa lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the lab (https://www.botaneelab.com/). This 2-year, full-time position will focus on the hydraulics of seed-free plants, with an emphasis on mechanisms of drought tolerance.
The successful candidate will take a leading role in advancing research on vulnerability to drought-induced embolism and vascular architecture in seed-free plants. This work will integrate physiological and anatomical approaches to address fundamental questions in plant function and evolution. The fellow will be expected to drive projects toward publication, contribute to grant development, and actively engage with the broader EEB community.
Responsibilities
  • Lead research on vulnerability to embolism in seed-free plants
  • Conduct anatomical analyses on vascular structure.
  • Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Present research at national and international conferences.
  • Mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Education: PhD in plant physiology, ecophysiology, evolutionary biology, or related field.
  • Experience:
    • Strong background in physiology, hydraulics, and anatomy.
    • Experience with estimating vulnerability to drought-induced embolism (preferred using the optical vulnerability method).
  • Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
    • Proficient in statistical analyses and data visualization, using R or a related language.
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.
Work Location
  • Location: Knoxville, TN
  • Onsite

Compensation and Benefits
  • Anticipated hiring range: $62,000
  • Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions
To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted on or before June 30, 2026 or until position is filled.
  • Resume/CV
  • Summary of research interests and experiences

About The Department
EEB is in the top 10% of ecology programs in North America based on research impact (Keville et al., 2017), ahead of peer institutions such as UCLA and UC San Diego. Our faculty and students come from around the globe. Our faculty is a mix of internationally known senior researchers and an energetic group of junior faculty at the cutting edges of their fields. We train graduate and undergraduate students with research interests in ecology, evolutionary biology, animal behavior, conservation biology, behavioral and population genetics, computational biology, development of theory for evolution and ecology, ecosystem and community ecology, global change biology, diverse areas of organismal biology, and biology education.
About Us
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees-the Volunteers-who uphold the university's tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee's flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy's largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as "Best Employer for New Graduates," "One of America's Best Large Employers," and "Best Workplace for Women," and has been designated as "Best Place for Working Parents" by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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