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Restoration Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ecotone

Project Ecologist I

Cockeysville, MD · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Water Resources Manager Salary Range: $90,000-$115,000 About Us Ecotone's mission is simple and powerful: we work with nature and people to restore ecological integrity. Position Summary The Project ...

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Restoration Ecologist information

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$39.5K

$64.6K

$86.5K

How much do restoration ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for restoration ecologist in the United States is $64,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Restoration Ecologist do?

A Restoration Ecologist works to restore and rehabilitate degraded, damaged, or destroyed ecosystems and habitats. They assess environmental issues, develop restoration plans, and implement strategies such as replanting native vegetation or controlling invasive species. Their goal is to return ecosystems to a healthy, functioning state, often collaborating with landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations. Restoration Ecologists also monitor restored sites to ensure long-term sustainability and ecological balance.

What is the difference between Restoration Ecologist vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectRestoration EcologistEnvironmental Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field; certifications like Certified EcologistBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Biology, or related; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in ecosystems, wetlands, forests; project sitesLaboratories, field sites, policy settings
Industry UsageFocused on restoring damaged ecosystems and habitatsBroader environmental issues, research, policy, and consulting

Restoration Ecologists specialize in restoring ecosystems and habitats, often working directly in the field. Environmental Scientists have a broader scope, including research, policy, and environmental assessment. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Restoration Ecologists focus more on hands-on ecological restoration projects.

What are some common challenges Restoration Ecologists face when implementing habitat restoration projects?

Restoration Ecologists often encounter challenges such as balancing ecological goals with budgetary and timeline constraints, managing invasive species, and addressing conflicting stakeholder interests. Field conditions can be unpredictable, requiring flexibility and creative problem-solving. Additionally, long-term monitoring and adaptive management are crucial, as restored habitats may respond differently than anticipated. Collaboration with landowners, government agencies, and multidisciplinary teams is essential to navigate these complexities and achieve successful project outcomes.

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

To thrive as a Restoration Ecologist, you need a strong background in ecology, environmental science, and habitat restoration, usually demonstrated by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, ecological monitoring tools, and environmental permitting processes is often required. Strong project management, teamwork, and communication skills help facilitate collaboration with stakeholders and convey complex ecological concepts. These competencies are crucial for designing, implementing, and evaluating successful ecological restoration projects that meet both environmental and regulatory standards.

What Does a Restoration Ecologist Do?

A restoration ecologist works to repair an ecosystem or natural habitat that has been damaged by humans, especially through industrial processes. Your duties in this career include designing and implementing environment rehabilitation projects and educating the public on conservation and ecology. The areas you focus on repairing include soil, water, and air quality, or you can choose a specific specialization. Other responsibilities include assessing areas that require remediation, identifying causes of damage, working in a lab to determine chemical contamination and severity, and conducting research on how to clean up various types of waste using natural processes such as plants or more extreme strategies. You collaborate with other industry experts, especially for complicated cases.

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What cities are hiring for Restoration Ecologist jobs? Cities with the most Restoration Ecologist job openings:
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Restoration Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Restoration Ecologist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 5% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 5% Temporary, 19% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,560 per year, or $31 per hour.
Associate Project Restoration Ecologist

Associate Project Restoration Ecologist

SWCA Environmental Consultants

Amherst, MA • On-site, Remote

$30.13 - $38.88/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About the opportunity
SWCA Environmental Consultants is actively seeking a Project Restoration Ecologist to support our Ecological Restoration team across Upstate New York, with the majority of work concentrated in the Syracuse and Buffalo regions.
This is a full-time opportunity for a hands-on professional with strong expertise in invasive plant management and herbicide application. The role is field-intensive and critical to the successful execution of restoration projects throughout the region.
Candidates must reside within driving distance of Syracuse and Buffalo, NY.
What you will accomplish
  • Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in ecological restoration, with a strong focus on invasive species management and herbicide application.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience applying herbicides; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (NY) or ability to obtain required.
  • Experience leading or supporting field crews and implementing restoration projects.
  • Strong knowledge of plant identification, invasive species control techniques, and Northeast/Great Lakes ecosystems.
  • Experience with ecological assessments, restoration planning, and regulatory compliance.
  • Familiarity with permitting and regulatory coordination in New York (e.g., NYSDEC).
  • Proficiency in GIS tools (e.g., Collector or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • CERP certification or ability to obtain preferred.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet SWCA's driver requirements.

Experience and qualifications for success
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in ecological restoration, with a strong focus on invasive species management and herbicide application.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience applying herbicides; Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (NY) or ability to obtain required.
  • Experience leading or supporting field crews and implementing restoration projects.
  • Strong knowledge of plant identification, invasive species control techniques, and Northeast/Great Lakes ecosystems.
  • Experience with ecological assessments, restoration planning, and regulatory compliance.
  • Familiarity with permitting and regulatory coordination in New York (e.g., NYSDEC).
  • Proficiency in GIS tools (e.g., Collector or similar) and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • CERP certification or ability to obtain preferred.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to meet SWCA's driver requirements.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 100% employee-owned company that offers a full range of environmental services. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges, all while staying true to our commitment to employee ownership. At SWCA, we live our core values every day: we collaborate as #OneSWCA, we're #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices across the country, we're proud to be one of the largest environmental compliance firms in the U.S. and to rank among Engineering News-Record's Top 200 Environmental Firms.
SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. In alignment with this commitment, we post good faith pay ranges in all job postings. An employee in this Amherst, MA-based position can expect an hourly pay rate of $30.13 to $38.88/hour. Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA's Total Rewards package
(https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), which includes a competitive Benefits package, forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.
We offer a supportive, team-focused work environment, competitive pay, and great benefits-including a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to help you build a strong financial future. At SWCA, we're committed to helping our team members grow into industry leaders. Our award-winning Career Landscape program offers a clear and structured path to meaningful career development. We support your growth through conference attendance, internal and external training, education reimbursement, our Science and Leadership Program, and bonuses for qualifying publications. All regular-status employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, wellness, life, and disability coverage, as well as access to our Employee Assistance Program. Employees may also participate in SWCA's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust.
SWCA continues to invest in our people. We value the skills and experience of our internal team members and strongly encourage qualified employees to apply for open positions. We believe in promoting from within whenever possible, offering meaningful opportunities for career growth.
Application Deadline: We will begin reviewing applications immediately and schedule interviews with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The position will remain open until we identify a strong pool of candidates and may close without prior notice. We sincerely appreciate the time and effort of all applicants and will thoughtfully review each submission.
If you need assistance accessing SWCA's website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We're committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response.
EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply. At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment.
We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.
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