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Senior Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tectonic MSA LLC

Senior Ecologist

Newburgh, NY

$110K - $160K/yr

Tectonic is currently looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our team full-time at our Newburgh, NY or Millburn, NJ Office. Tectonic, a multi-disciplined engineering firm that supports ...

Tectonic MSA LLC

Senior Ecologist

Millburn, NJ

$110K - $160K/yr

Tectonic is currently looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our team full-time at our Newburgh, NY or Millburn, NJ Office. Tectonic, a multi-disciplined engineering firm that supports ...

Talent Torch

£45K/yr

Senior Ecologist - 1,600 Placement Bonus Location: Perth or Glasgow, Scotland (Hybrid Available) Salary: Up to 45,000 DOE 1,600 Placement Bonus - See details below. Lead impactful ecological projects ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

San Diego, CA

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

San Diego, CA

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

San Diego, CA

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

San Diego, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

San Diego, CA

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

Orange, CA

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

Los Angeles, CA

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

AECOM

Senior Ecologist

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our Southern California Natural Resources Group as a senior level leader and mentor with expertise in business development and project ...

Talent Torch

£45K/yr

Senior Ecologist (Ornithology) - 1,600 Placement Bonus Location: Perth or Glasgow, Scotland (Hybrid Available) Salary: Up to 45,000 DOE 1,600 Placement Bonus - See details below. Make a real impact ...

Versar, Inc.

PTOC Senior Benthic Ecologist

Columbia, MD · On-site

$60/hr

Versar's Environmental Services Group has an immediate opening for a PTOC Senior Benthic Ecologist to augment its Natural Resources team in Columbia, MD. The ideal candidate will have 25+ years of ...

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How much do senior ecologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior ecologist in the United States is $37.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.17 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Senior Ecologists face when managing multidisciplinary projects?

Senior Ecologists often lead projects that require integrating expertise from fields such as hydrology, botany, and environmental engineering. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and collaboration across diverse teams with varying priorities and timelines. Additionally, balancing regulatory requirements, client expectations, and ecological integrity can be complex. Effective project management and stakeholder engagement skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges and deliver impactful results.

How much do senior ecologists make?

Senior ecologists typically earn between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often have advanced degrees and specialized skills in ecological assessment, environmental consulting, or conservation planning.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

Senior ecologists and other experienced environmental scientists can earn over $100,000 annually, especially with advanced degrees, specialized skills, and leadership roles. Positions in consulting, government agencies, or private industry often offer higher salaries, particularly for those with expertise in ecological modeling, GIS, or environmental policy.

What is the difference between Senior Ecologist vs Ecologist?

AspectSenior EcologistEcologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related field; often with additional certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology or related field; fewer certifications required
Work EnvironmentLead projects, mentor junior staff, coordinate research effortsAssist in research, data collection, and analysis under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, government agencies, environmental organizationsResearch institutions, environmental NGOs, government departments

The main difference between a Senior Ecologist and an Ecologist lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership roles. Senior Ecologists typically lead projects and mentor others, while Ecologists focus on supporting research activities. Both roles require a strong background in ecology, but Senior Ecologists often have more advanced credentials and industry experience.

What does a senior ecologist do?

A senior ecologist studies ecosystems, wildlife, and plant communities to assess environmental impacts and develop conservation strategies. They often lead field research, analyze ecological data, and collaborate with stakeholders, using tools like GIS and environmental modeling. This role typically requires advanced knowledge of ecology, relevant certifications, and strong project management skills.

What is the highest paying job in ecology?

The highest paying roles in ecology are often senior-level positions such as Ecological Consultants, Environmental Directors, or Research Directors, which can earn six-figure salaries. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong project management skills, often working in consulting firms, government agencies, or private industry.

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

To thrive as a Senior Ecologist, you need advanced knowledge in ecology, environmental science, and field survey techniques, usually backed by a relevant degree and substantial field experience. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and environmental legislation is commonly required, along with certifications like CIEEM membership. Leadership, project management, and strong communication skills help in mentoring teams and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for delivering accurate ecological assessments, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading successful conservation projects.
More about Senior Ecologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Ecologist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Ecologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Ecologist jobs? The most popular types of Ecologist jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Senior Ecologist jobs? The top employers for Senior Ecologist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Ecologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Ecologist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Ecologist jobs? For Senior Ecologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Ecologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 41% As Needed, 2% Full Time, 38% Temporary, and 11% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,128 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Senior Ecologist

Tectonic MSA LLC

Newburgh, NY

$110K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Tectonic is currently looking for an experienced Senior Ecologist to join our team full-time at our Newburgh, NY or Millburn, NJ Office.
Tectonic, a multi-disciplined engineering firm that supports the environmental market sector, is currently seeking a full-time, experienced Senior Ecologist with ecological and wetlands experience, permitting, and compliance experience to work on projects throughout the Northeast!
This is an excellent opportunity for tremendous career growth and development in the environmental industry!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • The essential functions of this position include day to day direction and performance of various environmental and ecological compliance services;
  • Technical project planning for complex projects, including interactions with clients, staff, regulators, and contractors, for all phases of the project;
  • Establishing and monitoring schedules and budgets as they relate to assigned projects;
  • Establishing and monitoring schedules and budgets as they relate to assigned projects;
  • Providing ongoing supervision and training of junior staff; conducting preliminary research, provide regulatory consultations, perform project specific field studies and environmental inspections, as well as the coordination of various investigations, delineations, and monitoring, as well as all other related services as required;
  • Report preparation and review;
  • Occasional travel required
  • Assisting in marketing and business development planning and implementation; and related duties as required;
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Ecological Studies, Environmental Science, or similar is required;
  • Minimum of 15 years of related experience;
  • Certified Ecologist and/or Professional Wetlands Scientist (PWS) certifications required;
  • Must have strong knowledge of permitting, compliance, and regulations in New York and New Jersey;
  • Must be proficient in Federal Clean Water Act, Section 404 amp; Section 10 of Rivers and Harbours Action, NYS Article 24 (Freshwater Wetlands), Tidal Wetlands (Article 25), T amp;E (Article 11) and NEPA;
  • Experienced and willing to conduct site-specific field investigations, ecological and environmental inventories, environmental records review, RTE species surveying and monitoring, wildlife habitat assessments, mitigation and post-mitigation monitoring, permitting, freshwater and tidal wetlands investigations and delineations;
  • Skilled in client interaction, team collaboration, and supervising junior staff;
  • Relevant certifications, licenses, and OSHA safety training (or willingness to obtain) preferred;
  • Ability to prepare proposals and scopes of work;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal, and organizational skills;
  • Functional computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel, PDF programs, as well as the ability to utilize various software programs, time reporting systems, and other related computer applications;
  • Ability to work independently or in a project team, either in-person or remotely;
  • Ability to meet project schedules and budgets;
  • Ability to manage and prioritize workload across multiple projects;
  • Desire to work in a fast-paced changing environment;
  • Requires a valid, acceptable driver’s license and personal vehicle to travel to meetings and sites as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is sometimes required to move around the job site and inspect, observe, move, operate, and/or transport documents, materials and/or field testing equipment relevant to the job and communicate about same. Such operable equipment includes, but is not limited to, peristaltic sampling pumps, photoionization detectors, battery packs, and augering instruments. The employee is also sometimes required to traverse the job-site while recording information and must frequently position themselves appropriately to gain access to necessary testing materials and equipment and to perform tests near wells and on the ground. The employee must sometimes lift and/or move up to 27 lbs. The employee is sometimes working in outdoor weather conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, extreme cold, biological hazards conditions and sometimes working in the office environment. The employee will also communicate with colleagues, supervisors and clients both orally and in writing through Corporate communication systems. The employee must also occasionally operate a computer and other related office machinery, such as printers, and fax machines. This position also requires the frequent operation of a motor-vehicle, which sometimes may require remaining stationary for extended periods of time. The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
COMPETITIVE SALARY amp; BENEFITS PACKAGE
In addition to providing competitive salaries, Tectonic offers a wide range of benefit options, including:
  • Comprehensive group medical insurance, including health, dental, vision and life
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick and personal
  • Company–observed paid holidays
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses and dependent care
  • Commuter benefit plan for public transportation costs
  • 401K retirement and profit sharing plan.
PAY RANGE
Tectonic’s goal is to compensate employees fairly and equitable across all positions Companywide. Our advertised pay ranges are representative of our good faith effort to provide a reasonable anticipated salary range. The offered pay may be outside of the provided salary range based upon the selected candidate’s work location, experience, education, certifications, and capabilities compared to the advertised position.
Pay Range: $110,000 - $160,000 / year
Tectonic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Tectonic participates in USCIS E-Verify to verify employment authorization.

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