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Stream Ecology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position will involve ecological/stream restoration design, geomorphic studies, hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, and management of environmental and water resources projects/teams. Essential ...

Ecologist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$81K - $97K/yr

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, or similar environmental discipline. * Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience completing stream and wetland delineations, as ...

Ecologist

Atlanta, GA · Hybrid

$81K - $97K/yr

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, natural resource management, or similar environmental discipline. * Minimum 2 years of relevant work experience completing stream and wetland delineations, as ...

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Stream Ecology information

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$11.5K

$66.8K

$118.5K

How much do stream ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for stream ecology in the United States is $66,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Stream Ecologist, you need a strong background in aquatic biology, environmental science, and ecological research, usually supported by a relevant degree such as in ecology, environmental science, or biology. Familiarity with field sampling equipment, GIS software, water quality analysis tools, and statistical analysis programs is typically required. Strong observational skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating on research and sharing findings. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing stream ecosystems, informing conservation efforts, and communicating results to both scientific and public audiences.

What is the difference between Stream Ecology vs Fish Biologist?

AspectStream EcologyFish Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Biology, Fisheries, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in streams, rivers, and aquatic habitatsFieldwork and laboratory work focused on fish populations
Industry UsageEnvironmental agencies, research institutions, conservation projectsWildlife agencies, research labs, fisheries management

Stream Ecology focuses on studying aquatic ecosystems, including water quality and habitat health, while Fish Biologists specialize in studying fish species, populations, and behaviors. Both roles often overlap in fieldwork and require similar educational backgrounds, but their primary focus areas differ. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in aquatic sciences.

What is stream ecology?

Stream ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environment within flowing freshwater systems, such as rivers and streams. It encompasses the examination of physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape the structure and function of these aquatic ecosystems. Stream ecologists investigate topics like water quality, nutrient cycling, biodiversity, habitat connectivity, and the impacts of human activities on stream health. Their research helps inform conservation efforts and sustainable management of freshwater resources.

What are some common challenges faced by stream ecologists in conducting field research, and how can they be managed?

Stream ecologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, fluctuating water levels, and difficult terrain when conducting fieldwork. Managing these challenges requires careful planning, flexibility in scheduling, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Collaborating with local authorities and landowners can help secure access to research sites, while using specialized equipment—like waders, water quality meters, and GPS devices—can increase efficiency and ensure accurate data collection. Teamwork and clear communication are also essential, as fieldwork is usually conducted in small, collaborative groups.
More about Stream Ecology jobs
What cities are hiring for Stream Ecology jobs? Cities with the most Stream Ecology job openings:
What states have the most Stream Ecology jobs? States with the most job openings for Stream Ecology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Stream Ecology job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 54% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 42% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,762 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Stream Restoration Designer/Engineer II/III

Stream Restoration Designer/Engineer II/III

McCormick Taylor, Inc.

Baltimore, MD • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Who We Are McCormick Taylor, Inc. is a full-service civil engineering firm providing creative design, planning, and environmental solutions to the challenges of everyday life. Since 1946, we've focused on our relationships with people-our employees, our clients, and the communities we serve.

Our culture matters because our people matter. We strive to create pathways for career advancement that suit the individual. We embrace hybrid work flexibility and the cultural shift toward a greater work-life balance.

We've grown as a company over 75 years and 17 offices by building our team around people that share our passion for meaningful and impactful work. Who We're Looking For McCormick Taylor is seeking an experienced Stream Restoration Designer/Engineer II/III for our Watershed Services team in our growing Baltimore, MD office. We are looking for a person that is excited to lead a dynamic, collaborative team that is passionate about their work.

The ideal candidate is anticipated to have 5-12+ years of experience with design of stream restoration projects as well as experience with fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, stream ecology and stream assessment principles. The candidate should have experience designing and developing contract documents for Maryland state and municipal/county clients under local on-call contracts for environmental design services. The role may include work in adjacent states and District of Columbia.

Job title and compensation commensurate with depth of design project experience, certifications and degree. This Role's Reach The Stream Restoration Designer/Engineer will work closely with our Team supporting assessment and design of small to large stream restoration projects from conceptual design through development of advertisement packages for construction. This position will involve field and office work primarily in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania performing physical and biological field surveys of streams, evaluating existing conditions, conducting functional assessments, developing restoration design solutions and overseeing environmental restoration construction.

Some travel in the Mid-Atlantic region likely. Responsibilities: Support environmental restoration design projects including but not limited to stream, wetland, and shoreline restoration projects Develop construction plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates Develop reports in support of assessment, design, and monitoring efforts Perform field work including but not limited to geomorphic assessment, natural resource inventories, and watershed inventories and assessments Communicate and collaborate with the project teamB.S. or M.S

in relevant engineering or science field (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Ecological, Biosystems) required. P.E. a plus but not required 5+ professional years of experience Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills required

Critical thinking skills required. Ability to work both collaboratively/in a team environment and independently required. Project design experience related to stream, wetland, living shoreline, and/or other water quality initiatives required.

Project management experience a plus. Experience performing field work for geomorphic assessments, stream functions assessment/ecological uplift potential, environmental construction oversight, and post-construction monitoring required. Experience completing MS4/TMDL credit calculations using Chesapeake Bay Program protocols preferred.

Ability to work in physically challenging outdoor settings required. Experience working in the Mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania) preferred. Experience with HEC-RAS and other hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and analysis software preferred.

Experience developing engineering construction plans using Bentley products (OpenRoads, etc.) preferred. We value your interest in our organization. At McCormick Taylor, our people are our greatest asset

If you join us, we hope for the opportunity to grow and succeed together. We offer an unparalleled, comprehensive benefits package-including no-deductible medical plans, free vision and dental plans, programs to enhance work-life balance, and flexible and hybrid work schedules. McCormick Taylor is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strongly supports and celebrates the unique backgrounds of all our employees and our applicants.

Our commitment to inclusion spans age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, and physical and mental ability. Our focus is on building a culture that promotes, supports, and values the diverse backgrounds and voices of our employees so that everyone feels welcome and can succeed. We strive to build a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.B.S

or M.S. in relevant engineering or science field (e.g., Civil, Environmental, Ecological, Biosystems) required. P.E

a plus but not required 5+ professional years of experience Strong organizational, written and verbal communication skills required. Critical thinking skills required. Ability to work both collaboratively/in a team environment and independently required.

Project design experience related to stream, wetland, living shoreline, and/or other water quality initiatives required. Project management experience a plus. Experience performing field work for geomorphic assessments, stream functions assessment/ecological uplift potential, environmental construction oversight, and post-construction monitoring required.

Experience completing MS4/TMDL credit calculations using Chesapeake Bay Program protocols preferred. Ability to work in physically challenging outdoor settings required. Experience working in the Mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, and Pennsylvania) preferred.

Experience with HEC-RAS and other hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and analysis software preferred. Experience developing engineering construction plans using Bentley products (OpenRoads, etc.) preferred. We value your interest in our organization

At McCormick Taylor, our people are our greatest asset. If you join us, we hope for the opportunity to grow and succeed together. We offer an unparalleled, comprehensive benefits package-including no-deductible medical plans, free vision and dental plans, programs to enhance work-life balance, and flexible and hybrid work schedules.

McCormick Taylor is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strongly supports and celebrates the unique backgrounds of all our employees and our applicants. Our commitment to inclusion spans age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, and physical and mental ability. Our focus is on building a culture that promotes, supports, and values the diverse backgrounds and voices of our employees so that everyone feels welcome and can succeed.

We strive to build a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.