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Senior Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a full-time wetland ecologist for our Earth and Environment Sector - North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group working out of the North ...

Stantec's Northern California team is currently seeking a Project Manager with Senior Biology/Ecology experience to join our Environmental Services Practice working within our power utility sector.

Senior Wetland Ecologist

Hailey, ID · On-site

$74K - $146K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a full-time wetland ecologist for our Earth and Environment Sector - North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group working out of the North ...

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How much do senior ecologist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 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:
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 Wetland Ecologist

Senior Wetland Ecologist

WSP

Hailey, ID

$74K - $146K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 58 rated business consultants


Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is seeking a full-time wetland ecologist for our Earth and Environment Sector - North Mountain Environmental Impact Assessment and Permitting group working out of the North Mountain region - including Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Wyoming, and Oregon. The position will be filled by a detail-oriented candidate, with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team environment. An established and successful history completing wetland surveys and associated permitting as well as supporting additional wildlife and botanical surveys is desired for this candidate. The candidate must have the experience to complete and manage wetland field surveys that are required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state regulatory agencies. Effective communication skills are important for success in this role, especially while completing field work and working as part of a larger team.

Your Impact

  • Support and help build the environmental project team working on transmission lines, fire hardening, renewable energy, oil and gas pipelines, transportation projects, environmental surveys, NEPA analyses, and permitting services.
  • Lead wetland field delineation and permitting efforts throughout the North Mountain Region, including Montana, Wyoming , Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. 
  • Support biological field surveys that will include surveys for rare plants and threatened, endangered, and Sensitive wildlife species.
  • Serve as lead wetland ecologist and biologist for permitting efforts that will include federal permitting (NEPA) and state level requirements.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making by adhering to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Wildlife Biology, Environmental Science, Ecology, or other related field
  • Five (5) + years of field experience leading and permitting aquatic resource delineation efforts.
  • Five (5) + years prior consulting work, ideally with linear corridor projects, e.g., pipelines and/or electric transmission
  • Familiarity with the USACE protocols and state-survey requirements for aquatic resources
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Attention to detail and commitment to quality and professionalism
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Must be able to work in remote conditions and independently or as part of a small survey team as needed
  • Valid driver's license and clean driving record
  • Must be willing and able to periodically travel throughout the region with potential travel throughout the U.S.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Professional Wetland Scientist certification
  • Functional Assessment experience - i.e, CRAM, ORWAP, MWAM, etc. 
  • Northwest state permitting experience - i.e. Oregon Department of State Lands, Washington Department of Ecology.
  • Extensive Clean Water Act permitting (Section 404, 401, 408)
  • Experience in writing and managing the preparation of technical reports or permit applications
  • Experience organizing and managing complex field survey efforts for transmission line, pipeline, or renewable energy projects.

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $74,200 - $146,900

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $83,600 - $137,900

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

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