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Mid Level Aquatic Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquatic Biologist

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $116K/yr

Mentor, train, and supervise junior and mid-level staff. * Provide technical guidance and career ... Master's or PhD degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science ...

Mentor, train, and supervise junior and mid-level staff. * Provide technical guidance and career ... Master's or PhD degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science ...

Mentor, train, and supervise junior and mid-level staff. * Provide technical guidance and career ... Master's or PhD degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science ...

Mentor, train, and supervise junior and mid-level staff. * Provide technical guidance and career ... Master's or PhD degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science ...

As an early to mid-level Biologist/Ecologist you will apply your technical knowledge to provide high quality deliverables to support planning and permitting for renewable energy, oil and gas, linear ...

As an early to mid-level Biologist/Ecologist you will apply your technical knowledge to provide high quality deliverables to support planning and permitting for renewable energy, oil and gas, linear ...

Wildlife Biologist 2

Charleston, WV · On-site

$50K - $88K/yr

... performance level. Will assist the District Wildlife Biologist with the supervision and ... natural resources, aquatic biology, botany, biological sciences or environmental sciences.

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Mid Level Aquatic Biologist information

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How much do mid level aquatic biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for mid level aquatic biologist in the United States is $63,488.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $71,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mid level aquatic biologist do?

A Mid Level Aquatic Biologist studies the health and characteristics of aquatic ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and oceans. They collect and analyze water, plant, and animal samples to monitor environmental changes and assess ecosystem health. In this role, biologists often design and conduct field studies, prepare technical reports, and may advise on conservation or restoration projects. They typically have several years of experience and may supervise junior staff or coordinate with other scientists and stakeholders.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mid level aquatic biologist?

A Mid Level Aquatic Biologist typically needs a bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology or environmental science, along with experience in aquatic ecosystem assessment and data analysis. Familiarity with water quality testing equipment, GIS software, and statistical analysis tools is often required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with teams and stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate data collection, effective research, and meaningful contributions to aquatic conservation and management projects.

What is the difference between Mid Level Aquatic Biologist vs Marine Biologist?

AspectMid Level Aquatic BiologistMarine Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or related field; some roles may require a master'sBachelor's or master's degree in marine biology, oceanography, or related field
Work EnvironmentFreshwater and coastal environments, research labs, fieldworkMarine environments, research vessels, coastal areas, labs
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, research institutionsResearch institutions, government agencies, conservation organizations

The main difference between a Mid Level Aquatic Biologist and a Marine Biologist lies in their focus areas. Mid Level Aquatic Biologists typically work with freshwater and coastal ecosystems, while Marine Biologists specialize in oceanic and marine environments. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often overlap in work environments, but Marine Biologists tend to focus more on ocean-specific research and conservation efforts.

What can you do with a mid level aquatic biologist degree?

A mid-level aquatic biologist can work in research, environmental consulting, conservation, and resource management, often analyzing water ecosystems, collecting data, and developing conservation strategies. They typically use tools like GIS and sampling equipment and may require relevant certifications or advanced degrees for certain positions.

What cities are hiring for Mid Level Aquatic Biologist jobs?

Cities with the most Mid Level Aquatic Biologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Aquatic Biologist jobs?

The most popular types of Aquatic Biologist jobs are:

What states have the most Mid Level Aquatic Biologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mid Level Aquatic Biologist jobs include:

Aquatic Biologist

Stantec

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$80K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Stantec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

123rd of 450 rated engineering


Job description


Your Opportunity
Stantec is actively seeking marine and freshwater senior aquatic biologist to support our Environmental Services team of scientists, engineers, planners and other environmental professionals in Northern California.
We are seeking a highly motivated Aquatic Scientist with approximately 10-15 years of experience in freshwater and marine aquatic sciences to join our Environmental Services team. This position will support a diverse portfolio of projects throughout the Western United States, including water resources, transportation, energy, restoration, and municipal infrastructure projects.
The successful candidate will provide technical leadership for aquatic resource assessments, environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, environmental documentation, and complex scientific analyses. The position offers opportunities to work closely with multidisciplinary teams while mentoring staff, supporting business development efforts, and contributing to the successful delivery of high-profile projects
Your Key Responsibilities
Technical Leadership
  • Lead and conduct freshwater and marine aquatic resource investigations, fisheries studies, habitat assessments, and environmental analyses.
  • Interpret and apply scientific principles to evaluate potential project impacts on aquatic and marine ecosystems and fisheries resources.
  • Serve as a technical lead on multidisciplinary projects involving aquatic and marine ecology, fisheries biology, water quality, hydrology, habitat restoration, and environmental compliance.
  • Provide technical review and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) of reports, analyses, and regulatory documents.

Data Analysis and Modeling Support
  • Perform and oversee technical and statistical analyses of biological, habitat, water quality, and fisheries datasets.
  • Interpret results from aquatic habitat, temperature, hydrologic, and ecological models to support environmental planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance.
  • Integrate field data, monitoring results, modeling outputs, and scientific literature into defensible technical conclusions and recommendations.
  • Develop graphics, figures, tables, and data visualizations to support regulatory submittals and technical reports.

Environmental Permitting and Regulatory Compliance
  • Assist lead in preparing permit applications and compliance documentation, including;
    • Clean Water Act Section 401 Water Quality Certifications
    • Clean Water Act Section 404 Permits
    • California Fish and Game Code Section 1600 Agreements
    • National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) consultations and permitting
    • Endangered Species Act compliance documentation
    • Biological Assessments and Biological Evaluations
  • Coordinate directly with regulatory agencies including USACE, NMFS, USFWS, State Water Boards, CDFW, and other resource agencies.
  • Develop avoidance, minimization, mitigation, and monitoring strategies to support project approvals.

Environmental Documentation
  • Assist lead in preparing of aquatic and marine-related resources sections and supporting analyses for:
    • California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents
    • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents
    • Environmental Assessments (EA)
    • Environmental Impact Statements (EIS)
    • Environmental Impact Reports (EIR)
    • Mitigated Negative Declarations (MND)
  • Support environmental planning and permitting strategies for complex water, infrastructure and restoration projects.

Field Program Management
  • Assist in managing and implementing aquatic field studies and monitoring programs.
  • Coordinate field crews, subcontractors, equipment, logistics, health and safety requirements, schedules, and budgets.
  • Oversee and/or assist in managing collection of fisheries, habitat, water quality, geomorphic, and biological datasets.
  • Ensure technical quality, defensibility, and regulatory compliance of field efforts.

Project Leadership and Mentorship
  • Mentor, train, and supervise junior and mid-level staff.
  • Provide technical guidance and career development support to team members.
  • Contribute to project planning, scope development, scheduling, budgeting, and resource management.
  • Collaborate effectively with engineers, planners, environmental scientists, and regulatory specialists.

Business Development
  • Support business development initiatives and client relationship management.
  • Participate in proposal preparation, interviews, and pursuit strategies.
  • Identify opportunities with state, municipal, transportation, water resources, and energy sector clients.
  • Contribute to strategic growth of aquatic sciences and environmental services throughout the Western U.S.

Qualifications
Your Capabilities and Credentials
  • Strong technical credibility and scientific judgment.
  • Self-directed and collaborative communication style.
  • Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to balance technical excellence with client service and project delivery objectives.
  • Passion for mentoring staff and advancing aquatic science practices.

Education and Experience
Required
  • Master's or PhD degree in Fisheries Biology, Aquatic Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Ecology, or a related field.
  • At least 10 years of professional experience in aquatic sciences, fisheries biology, environmental permitting, or related disciplines.
  • Demonstrated experience preparing technical documents and permit applications, including CDFW and NOAA.
  • Strong technical writing, statistical analysis, and data interpretation skills.
  • Experience managing field programs and multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder coordination skills.
  • Ability to travel for field work and meetings.
  • Master's degree or PhD in a related discipline.
  • Experience interpreting habitat, temperature, hydrologic, or ecological models.
  • Proficiency with statistical software (R, Python, SAS, or equivalent).
  • GIS experience (ArcGIS Pro or equivalent).
  • Professional certifications or scientific collection permits relevant to fisheries and aquatic resources.

Preferred
  • Master's degree or PhD in a related discipline.
  • Experience interpreting habitat, temperature, hydrologic, or ecological models.
  • Proficiency with statistical software (R, Python, SAS, or equivalent).
  • GIS experience (ArcGIS Pro or equivalent).
  • Professional certifications or scientific collection permits relevant to fisheries and aquatic resources.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible.
About Us
Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that's vital to our clients and the communities they serve.
Join a team that's naturally committed to the environment.
About the Team
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

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