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Spatial Ecologist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

CSS, Inc

GIS Analyst

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

... spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning. Responsibilities

CSS, Inc

GIS Analyst

Chevy Chase, MD · On-site

... spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning. Responsibilities

CSS, Inc

GIS Analyst

Silver Spring, MD · On-site

... spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning. Responsibilities

WSP

Early Career Environmental Scientist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys collecting observational, spatial ... Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life ...

WSP

Early Career Environmental Scientist

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys collecting observational, spatial ... Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related life ...

WSP

Environmental GIS Planner

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborating with experts in planning, GIS, civil engineering, and ecological sciences to support ... ArcGIS Pro software for data management, spatial analysis, and creating maps for decision-making ...

WSP

Environmental GIS Planner

Herndon, VA · On-site

Collaborating with experts in planning, GIS, civil engineering, and ecological sciences to support ... ArcGIS Pro software for data management, spatial analysis, and creating maps for decision-making ...

MCKISSACK & MCKISSACK

Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$75K - $108K/yr

Perform spatial analysis related to infrastructure, ecological restoration and/or development Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in Engineering * Minimum 5 years' professional experience performing ...

All JobsSpatial Ecologist JobsSpatial Ecologist Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Spatial Ecologist information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$30K

$64.5K

$84.8K

How much do spatial ecologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for spatial ecologist in Silver Spring, MD is $64,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,900.00 and $71,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Spatial Ecologist, and how do they interact with other professionals?

A Spatial Ecologist's typical day often involves a mix of fieldwork to collect ecological data, followed by desk-based tasks such as analyzing geographic datasets, creating maps, and interpreting spatial trends using GIS software. They regularly collaborate with conservation biologists, land managers, and data scientists to share findings and integrate spatial data into broader environmental projects. Team meetings, report writing, and presentations to stakeholders or governmental agencies are also common. This role offers a dynamic balance between independent work and interdisciplinary collaboration, which is vital for addressing complex ecological questions.

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

To thrive as a Spatial Ecologist, you need a solid background in ecology, spatial analysis, and geographic information systems (GIS), usually supported by a relevant degree such as environmental science or ecology. Proficiency with GIS software (like ArcGIS or QGIS), remote sensing tools, and statistical programs (such as R or Python) is essential, and professional certifications in GIS can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, collaboration skills, and clear communication set top candidates apart. These combined skills are crucial for effectively studying environmental patterns, managing ecological data, and informing conservation or land-use decisions.

What does a Spatial Ecologist do?

A Spatial Ecologist studies the relationships between organisms and their environments using spatial data and geographic information systems (GIS). They analyze ecological patterns, habitat distributions, and environmental changes to inform conservation efforts, land management, and policy decisions. Their work involves remote sensing, statistical modeling, and field research to understand how ecosystems function across different scales.

What job categories do people searching Spatial Ecologist jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Spatial Ecologist jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
Spatial Ecologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Spatial Ecologist job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,523 per year, or $31 per hour.

GIS Analyst

CSS, Inc

Chevy Chase, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

CSS is seeking to hire a GIS Analyst to join the NOAA Seascape Ecology and Analytics (SEA) Branch! We need a qualified individual to process, analyze and manage geospatial data to support a variety of environmental assessment, restoration, and habitat modeling projects. This position requires proficiency with GIS software and the technical aspects of processing and managing large and complex geospatial datasets. Familiarity with coastal, marine, or freshwater datasets are desirable. The ideal candidate will drive innovative GIS solutions, engage, and work closely with a project team, and have excellent problem-solving skills.
The NOAA Seascape Ecology and Analytics (SEA) Branch is an interdisciplinary research group of contract and federal employees within NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (http://coastalscience.noaa.gov/), a nationally recognized scientific research program that conducts spatial ecological analysis, statistical modeling, ecological forecasting, and predictive mapping to support marine ecosystem management, conservation, and spatial planning.
Responsibilities
  • Collect, clean, and process spatial data from various sources such as lidar, multibeam, remotely operated vehicle navigation systems, satellite imagery, GPS data, and public datasets
  • Conduct statistical analysis to analyze scientific data and to determine accuracy of derived products, such as maps and models
  • Integrate spatial data from various sources, including with non-spatial datasets to provide comprehensive analyses
  • Develop and maintain geodatabases and other geospatial data management tools to promote efficient access and retrieval of project data
  • Design and produce high-quality maps and visual representations of geospatial data for reports, presentations, and decision support
  • Develop and manage web maps and dashboards
  • Create geoprocessing and data management workflows
  • Utilize Python, R and other scripts to support data processing and analysis
  • Develop metadata and prepare technical documentation describing workflows
  • Support project field teams in developing data collection tools for GIS and field surveys
  • Work in the field to collect geospatial data using a variety of environmental instruments and sensors
  • Work closely with scientists, analysts, engineers, and other team members to integrate GIS capabilities into broader project workflows

Qualifications / Skill Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Earth Science, Computer Science, or closely related field, and at least one year of professional experience performing geospatial analysis, GIS data management, geospatial project coordination, or spatial modeling. An Associate's Degree may substitute for a Bachelor's Degree; a Master's Degree in GIS or closely related field may substitute for professional experience.
  • Experience with data preparation, data management, workflows, cartography, spatial analysis, and coordinate reference systems
  • Experience with compiling and manipulating raster datasets
  • Proficiency using R, Python, or other similar scripting languages to manipulate data and develop reproducible workflows
  • Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro
  • Ability to maintain focus on routine and repetitive tasks, and strong attention to detail and task tracking
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to be flexible in responding to changes in schedules and job priorities
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team with strong organizational and time management skills
  • Able to work on a small boat collecting and/or managing geospatial data
  • Experience with basic computer programs such as excel and word
  • Able to work in the US without sponsorship

At CSS, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and merit-based workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals, ensuring that hiring and employment decisions are based on qualifications, skills, and performance. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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