ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Volunteer Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Interior

Biologist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$64K/yr

You will serve as a Biologist for the Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Duties are ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

US Department of the Interior

Biologist

Ashland, WI · On-site

$61K/yr

This position is a Biologist , GS-0401-9 working in Ashland, WI for the R3-Ashland Fish and ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

System One

Biologist

Boston, MA · On-site

$74.83 - $88.04/hr

Job Title: Biologist (7+ years) Location: Boston, MA Type: Contract Compensation: $74.83 - 88.04 ... voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan. System One is an Equal Opportunity ...

US Department of the Interior

Biologist

Key West, FL · On-site

$65K/yr

Basic Requirement - Biologist Series (0401) You must meet one of the following: * You have a ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

US Department of the Interior

Biologist

San Marcos, TX · On-site

$92K/yr

This position is a Biologist , GS- 0401-12 working in Austin, TX or San Marcos, TX for the R2 ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

US Department of the Interior

Biologist

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$101K/yr

Degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

US Department of the Interior

Biologist

Avon Park, FL · On-site

$61K/yr

This position is a Biologist , GS- 0401-9 working in Avon Park, Florida for the R4-Florida ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

US Department of the Interior

Biologist

Avon Park, FL · On-site

$61K/yr

This position is a Biologist , GS- 0401-9 working in Avon Park or Tyndall AFB, Florida for the R4 ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

US Department of the Interior

$61K/yr

This position is a Biologist , GS- 0401-9 working in Avon Park or Tyndall AFB, Florida for the R4 ... Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVolunteer Biologist Jobs

Volunteer Biologist information

See salary details

$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do volunteer biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer biologist?

Volunteer biologists are individuals who contribute their time and expertise to assist with biological research, conservation projects, or environmental monitoring without monetary compensation. They often work with organizations, universities, or government agencies to support scientific studies, wildlife surveys, habitat restoration, or educational outreach. These roles are ideal for people passionate about biology and conservation who want to gain experience or make a positive impact while learning from professionals in the field.

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

To thrive as a Volunteer Biologist, you need a solid understanding of biology principles, fieldwork techniques, and data collection, usually supported by a degree or coursework in biological sciences. Familiarity with tools like GPS devices, data analysis software (such as Excel or R), and sometimes certifications in wildlife handling or first aid are often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and respond to changing field conditions. These skills ensure accurate scientific contributions, safety, and productive teamwork in research or conservation projects.

What is the difference between Volunteer Biologist vs Research Biologist?

AspectVolunteer BiologistResearch Biologist
CredentialsTypically no formal degree required; relevant coursework or certifications helpfulBachelor’s or higher degree in biology or related field, often with specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, conservation sites, non-profit organizationsLaboratories, research institutions, universities
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, environmental agencies, conservation projectsUniversities, government agencies, private research firms

Volunteer Biologists often assist with fieldwork and conservation efforts without formal employment or advanced degrees, focusing on hands-on environmental work. Research Biologists typically hold degrees and conduct scientific studies in labs or academic settings. Both roles contribute to biological research but differ mainly in credentials, work environment, and employment status.

What kinds of projects does a volunteer biologist typically work on, and how do they collaborate with other team members?

Volunteer Biologists often contribute to a variety of field projects, such as wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and ecological surveys. These roles typically involve data collection, species identification, and reporting findings to project coordinators or lead scientists. Collaboration is key; Volunteer Biologists regularly work alongside other volunteers, researchers, and sometimes local community members to achieve conservation goals. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as many tasks require coordinated efforts and sharing of observations to ensure data accuracy and project success.
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Biologist jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Biologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Biologist jobs? The most popular types of Biologist jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Biologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Biologist jobs include:
Volunteer Biologist jobs near you

Biologist

US Department of the Interior

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$64K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 21 days ago

U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

412th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

You will serve as a Biologist for the Pacific Reefs National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Duties are primarily to plan, develop, coordinate, and implement the biological programs for a refuge/complex, or a limited segment of biological programs.
Salary: $64,438 - $101,359. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate.

Cost of Living Allowance rate of 8.64 percent is authorized.
Applicants that applied to vacancy number R1-26-13014310-RM-DE will need to re-apply.

Qualifications:

Requirements Continued...

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/11/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. All candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements.

To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:

  • A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.You must submit transcripts. -OR-
  • B. Combination of education and experience: course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

-AND-

General Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience may include: Conducts routine field experiments using various data-collection systems and extracts and analyzes data from these systems; Gathers, organizes, and interprets a wide variety of biological, ecological, and pathological data or other information pertinent to scientific studies; Develops and maintains computer databases; conducts geospatial analysis; and gathers, analyzes, tabulates and summarizes scientific, programmatic, and/or budgetary data; Participates in the development of reports, briefings, presentations, and training materials on analytical findings and recommendations; and plans and carries out field camps for remote biological expeditions. You must include hours per week worked. -OR- Education: Successful completion of at least two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree in a discipline directly related to the position. You must include transcripts. -OR- Combination of education and experience.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:

This position has a mandatory education requirement.
You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Employment Type: OTHER

What U.S. Department Of The Interior employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply