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Independent Contractor 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 ... contractors. * Ability to write technical reports, prepare maps and graphs, analyze data, and to ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID

$55K - $70K/yr

Forest Ecologist Department: NR-Forestry Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000) Additional Note ... contractors. * Ability to write technical reports, prepare maps and graphs, analyze data, and to ...

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 ... Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members ...

WSP

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR · On-site

$141/hr

Serve as forester or forest ecologist on multiple projects in multiple states, including three ... Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members ...

Nature

Forest Management Specialist

Abingdon, VA · On-site +1

They conduct timber, carbon, and other ecological inventories. They have responsibility for ... Oversees contractors, forestry consultants and loggers. Monitors logging and general operations on ...

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Charleston, SC · On-site

You'll also lead agency meetings, mange sub-contractors, and support project management team ... BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife ...

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Macon, GA · On-site

You'll also lead agency meetings, mange sub-contractors, and support project management team ... BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife ...

Naturion

Field Ecologist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

You'll participate in agency meetings, mange sub-contractors, and support project management team ... BA/BS degree; preferable in Natural Resources, Ecology, Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife ...

Colorado State University

$46K - $50K/yr

Document contractor performance and field conditions; recommend acceptance of work within delegated ... fire in forest ecology. * Familiarity with GIS/GPS tools, including ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online ...

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Independent Contractor Forest Ecologist information

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$29K

$62.4K

$82K

How much do independent contractor forest ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor forest ecologist in the United States is $62,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Forest Ecologist vs Forest Technician?

AspectIndependent Contractor Forest EcologistForest Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in forestry, ecology, or related field; often has specialized certificationsUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; some roles may need forestry or environmental certifications
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, project-based work often outdoors, consulting with clientsEmployed by agencies or companies, working outdoors on specific projects
Employer & Industry UsageWorks independently or as a contractor within forestry, environmental consulting, or conservation sectorsEmployed by government agencies, forestry companies, or research organizations

In summary, an Independent Contractor Forest Ecologist typically has advanced education and works independently on ecological assessments and consulting projects. In contrast, a Forest Technician is usually employed by organizations to assist with fieldwork and data collection. Both roles involve outdoor work, but their employment structure and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forest Ecologist jobs?

The most popular types of Forest Ecologist jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Forest Ecologist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Forest Ecologist jobs are:

Independent Contractor Forest Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Forest Ecologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,415 per year, or $30 per hour.

Forest Ecologist

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Plummer, ID • On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 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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