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Marine Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$4.5K - $6.2K/wk

Marine Reserves Ecologist (Natural Resource Specialist 1) Initial Posting Date: 08/28/2026 Application Deadline: 09/17/2026 Agency: Department of Fish and Wildlife Salary Range: $4,519 - $6,276 ...

Develop and implement models of marine mammal population dynamics. * Develop quantitative risk assessment approaches evaluating effects of natural and man-made stressors on marine mammal populations.

Quantitative Ecologist

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Develop and implement models of marine mammal population dynamics. * Develop quantitative risk assessment approaches evaluating effects of natural and man-made stressors on marine mammal populations.

Develop and implement models of marine mammal population dynamics. * Develop quantitative risk assessment approaches evaluating effects of natural and man-made stressors on marine mammal populations.

CSS, Inc. is looking for a qualified candidate to provide quantitative ecology support to the Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD) of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). This individual ...

Quantitative Ecologist

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

AIS is looking for a Quantitative Ecologist to support SEFSC Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD). Primary Function: The Quantitative Ecologist will support data management and analysis for the ...

$70K - $85K/yr

AIS is looking for a Quantitative Ecologist to support SEFSC Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD). Primary Function: The Quantitative Ecologist will support data management and analysis for the ...

CSS, Inc. is looking for a qualified candidate to provide quantitative ecology support to the Marine Mammal & Turtle Division (MMTD) of the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC). This individual ...

$52K - $105K/yr

D. in marine biology, ecology, microbiology, or another appropriate discipline from a U.S ... regionally accredited institution or foreign equivalent. The successful candidate will need to be ...

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Marine Ecologist information

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$29K

$62.4K

$82K

How much do marine ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for marine 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 does a marine ecologist do?

A Marine Ecologist studies marine ecosystems, including the interactions between organisms and their environment. They conduct research on ocean habitats, monitor biodiversity, and assess human impacts such as pollution and climate change. Their work may involve field surveys, data analysis, and developing conservation strategies. Marine Ecologists often collaborate with government agencies, research institutions, and conservation organizations to protect marine life and ecosystems.

What are the typical work environments and daily responsibilities for a marine ecologist?

Marine Ecologists often split their time between fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and office-based data interpretation or report writing. Their daily tasks may include collecting samples from marine habitats, monitoring ecosystems, analyzing data, and preparing scientific reports or presentations. Collaboration is common, with Marine Ecologists working alongside other scientists, conservationists, and occasionally government agencies to design research studies and implement conservation strategies. While some roles focus primarily on research, others may emphasize policy development or community education, providing diverse opportunities for specialization and career growth.

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

To thrive as a Marine Ecologist, you need a strong background in marine biology, ecology, and environmental science, typically with at least a bachelor's degree and often a master's or PhD. Experience with field sampling techniques, data analysis software (such as R or ArcGIS), and relevant certifications like scuba diving are common requirements. Excellent observational skills, collaboration, and effective scientific communication are important soft skills. These abilities enable marine ecologists to conduct rigorous research, partner with diverse teams, and inform conservation policies to protect marine environments.

Are marine ecologists in demand?

Marine ecologists are in moderate demand, especially in research institutions, government agencies, and environmental consulting firms focused on conservation and ecosystem management. Employment opportunities often require specialized skills, fieldwork experience, and knowledge of ecological modeling and data analysis tools.

How much money do marine ecologists make?

Marine ecologists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with advanced degrees or specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in research or consulting roles.
More about Marine Ecologist jobs

What cities are hiring for Marine Ecologist jobs?

Cities with the most Marine Ecologist job openings:

What states have the most Marine Ecologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Marine Ecologist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Marine Ecologist jobs?

For Marine Ecologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Marine Ecologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,415 per year, or $30 per hour.

Marine Ecologist

San Francisco, CA โ€ข On-site

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC
Water Transportationย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$30 - $38/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
POSITION: Full Time
LOCATION: Hybrid (Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary/Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, San Francisco, CA)
Relocation No relocation offered for this position
Pay $30 - $38 per hour (depending upon experience)
Description
Cardinal Point Captains Inc. is seeking a Marine Ecologist to join the Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary/Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (GFNMS/CBNMS) Conservation Science Team, an interdisciplinary team located within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS). The Marine Ecologist shall assist the GFNMS/CBNMS Research Ecologist in carrying out field work (from NOAA and partner vessels and from shore in potentially harsh offshore environments with unpredictable weather), data management and analysis, and science communication. Field schedules may fluctuate due to weather, sea state, tides, and vessel/equipment availability and field work may consist of long days (up to 12hrs) and overnights and may span holidays, weekends, and evenings to meet vessel/equipment schedules and good weather windows often without much lead time.
Office locations in Pt. Reyes Station and San Francisco, CA, expected to be in office for staff meetings, team meetings, and project meetings, about 1 day per week; field activities generally depart from ports in San Francisco, Sausalito, and Bodega Bay, CA
Roles/Responsibilities.
โ€ข Participate in the Applied California Current Ecosystem Studies (ACCESS) project, a collaborative ocean ecosystem project (accessoceans.org). Tasks include cruise planning and preparation, participate in up to four multi-day research cruises per year (6-12 days each), manage data collected in the field, and develop summary reports. ACCESS surveys are scheduled May through September.
โ€ข Support science activities at the site including projects such as benthic surveys, hypoxia monitoring, rocky intertidal sampling, and ocean noise monitoring. Tasks shall include but are not limited to cruise and trip planning and preparation, participating in field work (up to five projects, 1-12 days each), data management, and developing summary reports. Ship based projects primarily occur May through October; rocky intertidal sampling occurs in the winter.
โ€ข Analyze data and information collected during field activities, such as processing oceanographic data, or identifying species, analyzing time series data, and creating data visualization products.
โ€ข Support data management including updating species inventory, cruise register, photo management, server files, metadata, and other data sets at the site.
โ€ข Develop data summaries for use in reports and presentations.
โ€ข Assist with developing, reviewing, and editing content, and compiling resources for the sanctuary reports.
โ€ข Provide content for science communication. Tasks include developing new content and revising existing content for webpages and producing summary reports on science activities.
Requirements
โ€ข Master's Degree in Marine Science or related discipline
โ€ข Experience on vessels and knowledge of safe vessel operations
โ€ข Excellent written and verbal communication
โ€ข Experience with ArcGIS software
โ€ข Work experience with some or all of the following: 1) marine ecological field sampling, 2) experience planning and coordination research expeditions, 3) experience working with a diverse science team, 4) at-sea data collection including oceanographic sampling, predator and prey sampling, mooring deployment and recovery, and benthic ecology sampling
โ€ข Demonstrated understanding of field work principles and scientific standards
โ€ข Valid driver's license
โ€ข Knowledge of a range of marine associated disciplines to include ecology, oceanography, and fisheries
โ€ข Able to lift and carry up to fifty (50) pounds to assist transporting equipment and gear
AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary Description
$30-$38 per hour, DOE