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Junior Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will be an important member of the west coast Enviro Socio Permitting team interacting with junior level biologists/ecologist, senior technical experts and project managers as part of an ...

Mentor and provide guidance to junior staff members, including field technicians and ecologists, to support their professional development and project delivery. Regularly meets with office leaders ...

ยฃ45K/yr

Senior Ecologist (Ornithology) - 1,600 Placement Bonus Location: Perth or Glasgow, Scotland (Hybrid ... Mentor and support junior team members, fostering a culture of learning and innovation. Ensure all ...

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR ยท 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 ...

Lead Forest Ecologist

Portland, OR ยท 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 ...

You will be an important member of the east coast biological team interacting with other junior level biologists/ecologists, senior technical experts and project managers as part of an ...

You will be an important member of the east coast biological team interacting with other junior level biologists/ecologists, senior technical experts and project managers as part of an ...

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Junior Ecologist information

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$19K

$52.5K

$88K

How much do junior ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior ecologist in the United States is $52,462.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $57,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Junior Ecologist, you need a foundational understanding of ecology, environmental science, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as biology, ecology, or environmental science. Familiarity with GIS software, field survey equipment, and environmental data management systems is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you excel in both fieldwork and reporting. These skills are vital for accurate ecological surveys, effective collaboration, and contributing to environmental assessments and conservation projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Junior Ecologists in their first year on the job?

Junior Ecologists often encounter challenges such as adapting to fieldwork in varying weather conditions, accurately identifying plant and animal species, and understanding complex ecological data. Balancing fieldwork with desk-based reporting and learning to use specialized equipment or software can also be demanding. However, support from senior team members and structured training typically helps new ecologists build confidence and develop their technical skills over time.

What are Junior Ecologists?

Junior Ecologists are entry-level professionals who assist in studying and managing natural environments, flora, and fauna. They typically support senior ecologists with field surveys, data collection, report writing, and environmental assessments. Junior Ecologists often work for environmental consultancies, government agencies, or conservation organizations. Their work helps ensure compliance with environmental regulations and supports conservation efforts.
More about Junior Ecologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Junior Ecologist jobs? Cities with the most Junior Ecologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs are:
What states have the most Junior Ecologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Junior Ecologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Junior Ecologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,462 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Environmental Scientist/Wetland Ecologist

Environmental Scientist/Wetland Ecologist

RH2 Engineering

Bothell, WA โ€ข On-site

$41 - $52/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

RH2 is seeking a mid-level Environmental Scientist/Wetland Ecologist based in our Bothell, WA location, supporting projects throughout WA, OR and ID.

This role is a key team member for our growing Environmental team who will support a wide range of projects and professional deliverables. The ideal candidate is driven, confident, personable, detail-oriented, collaborative, and brings proven environmental consulting experience. Excellent communication, adaptability, and delegation skills are essential. This role requires a team member who will produce highquality, technically accurate deliverables, mentor and support junior staff, maintain strong client relationships, and manage multiple priorities with professionalism.

With your skills you will:

  • Lead and supervise wetland and OHWM delineations, and classification of aquatic resources, in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
  • Support and manage all phases of projects including proposal development, contract development and management, fieldwork, regulatory coordination, reporting, and client communication.
  • Prepare and review high-quality technical documents such as critical areas reports, wetland delineation reports, mitigation plans, SEPA, HPA, Section 404/401 permit applications, etc.
  • Guide the development, design, and implementation of wetland restoration, mitigation, planting, and monitoring plans.
  • Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior staff.
  • Collaborate with civil engineers, project managers, clients and subconsultants on multidisciplinary infrastructure projects.
  • Apply GIS, CAD, online mappers, and data management tools to support project planning and analysis.
  • Ensure all project work meets regulatory requirements, internal standards, and client expectations.
  • Maintain knowledge and application of evolving environmental regulations, guidelines, and best practices.

What you'll bring:

  • B.S. or M.S. in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum 4-8 years of professional experience in environmental consulting, wetland science or natural resource management.
  • In-depth knowledge of WA and/or Pacific Northwest (PNW) land use, critical areas, and shoreline permitting, and state and federal biological resource regulations.
  • Experience navigating permit approvals and regulatory agency coordination.
  • Proficiency in conducting and leading wetland and stream delineations, functional assessments, classification of resources, and habitat evaluations. Experience preparing mitigation concepts, plans, overseeing installation, and monitoring mitigation sites.
  • Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills, strong people skills, and ability to effectively communicate with a multi-varied audience.
  • Proficient in GIS mapping, GPS field tools, and environmental data analysis.
  • Valid Driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel for fieldwork and client meetings.

Additional Qualifications:

  • UW Wetland Science and Management certificate or similar wetland delineator certificate, and/or WPIT/PWS certification or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment.
  • Familiarity with NEPA (various federal agencies), CWA, ESA, MBTA and BGEPA, and other environmental compliance frameworks.
  • Previous consulting or similar experience, including client development, marketing, contract scoping, strategic project planning, and project execution.
  • Experience supporting and contributing toward the management of complex environmental projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • PNW native plant identification, bird and wildlife identification and ecology, salmonid ecology and fisheries familiarity, and/or work experience.
  • AutoCAD experience is a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite and PDF programs.
  • Regional experience.

Compensation counts:

RH2 has an excellent multi-component compensation package built to recognize and financially reward our employees' contributions throughout their career with the company. Individual base compensation will vary within the range of $41.00-$52.00/hour based on skills, qualifications, and experience as they relate to the requirements for this position. RH2 values our employees' work/life balance and compensates for overtime at 1.5 times the base rate for hours exceeding 40 regular hours in a work week. This position is eligible for RH2's performance bonus, which is equivalent to one month's pay. Time in position, and individual and company performance requirements apply.

Benefits you'll enjoy:

  • Health & Wellbeing 100% paid insurance premiums for medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability, and an employee assistance program (EAP) employee coverage. Two buy-up medical plans are available, and low-cost partner and dependent coverage offered.
  • Rest & Recover Nine (9) paid holidays. Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual benefit.
  • Savings Plans 401(k) retirement plan with pre-tax and after-tax contribution options, generous employer 401(k) match, employer profit sharing contribution, employer Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) contribution, HSA with an annual employer contribution, FSA, and dependent care FSA available.
  • Team Building & Community Office social events, all-company retreat, and paid volunteer hours to encourage local community involvement and partnerships.
  • Career Recognition & Development Service anniversary bonuses and/or additional PTO on milestone anniversaries, incentives for professional licensure, defined career progression for every discipline, and mentorship from experienced professionals. We help advance careers because we care about you.

RH2 is an equal opportunity employer of all qualified individuals, including minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. RH2 will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state, and local ordinances.

Applicants requiring special assistance and/or people with disabilities can contact Human Resources at HR@ RH2.com