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Wildlife Ecologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Ecologist Department: NR-Forestry Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000) Additional Note ... Wildlife, Environmental Programs Office, and Water Resources to create desired forest structure for ...

Forest Ecologist

Plummer, ID · On-site

$55K - $70K/yr

Forest Ecologist Department: NR-Forestry Compensation: DOE ($55,000 - $70,000) Additional Note ... Work alongside Fish & Wildlife, Environmental Programs Office, and Water Resources to create ...

Wildlife Ecology, Wildlife I.D., Management Techniques, Wetland Ecology, Wildland Fire, Ichthyology, Ornithology, GIS amp;GPS, Equipment Operations, Aquatic Ecology, Land Navigation and Mapping. 2. ...

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Wildlife Ecologist information

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$916

$6.8K

$8.8K

How much do wildlife ecologist jobs pay per month?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average monthly pay for wildlife ecologist in the United States is $6,793.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $6,666.67 and $8,208.33 per month, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wildlife ecologist?

A wildlife ecologist travels to a particular spot in nature, researches the conditions there, and writes a report on any risk factors for animal and plant life. You may also work with a biologist to learn how wildlife functions in a given biome. In this career, you work with the conservation of the ecosystem. You do this through a private agency or the government. Wildlife ecologists don’t always interact with the biome directly; rather, you observe and report your findings. The qualifications necessary for a career as a wildlife ecologist are usually a bachelor’s degree in environmental science as a minimum, but many ecologists have a master’s degree or even a doctorate. You should also demonstrate the skills, experience, and ability to navigate the wilderness.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wildlife ecologist?

To thrive as a Wildlife Ecologist, you need a solid background in ecology, biology, and environmental science, usually supported by at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, statistical analysis tools, and field data collection methods is commonly required. Strong observational, problem-solving, and communication skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies are crucial for conducting research, interpreting ecological data accurately, and effectively sharing findings to support conservation efforts.

How does a wildlife ecologist typically collaborate with conservation organizations and land managers?

Wildlife Ecologists frequently work with conservation organizations and land managers to develop and implement strategies for protecting habitats and species. This collaboration can involve sharing research findings, advising on land use planning, and participating in field surveys or restoration projects. Regular communication and teamwork are essential, as ecologists often need to balance scientific recommendations with practical management needs and policy constraints. These partnerships provide valuable opportunities to influence conservation outcomes and broaden professional networks.

What can you do with a degree in wildlife ecologist?

A degree in wildlife ecology prepares individuals for careers such as wildlife biologist, conservation scientist, or environmental consultant. These roles involve conducting field research, analyzing ecosystems, and developing conservation strategies, often requiring skills in data collection, species identification, and environmental regulations.

What is the difference between Wildlife Ecologist vs Conservation Biologist?

AspectWildlife EcologistConservation Biologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Wildlife Biology, or related field; often requires fieldwork experienceBachelor's or Master's in Ecology, Conservation, or related disciplines; may require certifications in conservation practices
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in natural habitats, research stations, or labsFieldwork, policy work, and community engagement in conservation projects
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, research institutions, environmental consulting firmsNonprofits, government agencies, research organizations focused on conservation efforts

Wildlife Ecologists primarily study animal populations and their habitats, focusing on ecological processes. Conservation Biologists work to protect species and ecosystems, often applying ecological research to conservation strategies. While both roles involve fieldwork and ecological knowledge, Wildlife Ecologists tend to focus more on scientific research, whereas Conservation Biologists emphasize applying that research to conservation policies and actions.

What cities are hiring for Wildlife Ecologist jobs?

Cities with the most Wildlife Ecologist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Wildlife Ecologist jobs?

The most popular types of Wildlife Ecologist jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Wildlife Ecologist jobs?

The top employers for Wildlife Ecologist jobs are:

What states have the most Wildlife Ecologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Wildlife Ecologist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Wildlife Ecologist jobs?

For Wildlife Ecologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Wildlife Ecologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 7% Internship, 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,519 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Wildlife Biologist (Field)

USDA APHIS | APHIS Careers

Athens, GA • On-site

$78K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

If selected, you will be responsible for project and program delivery, management, and administration with minimal supervision. The work is primarily concerned with wildlife damage management (WDM) operations relating to the assessment, reduction, and/or elimination of problems associated with wild and/or feral animal species in urban, suburban, and rural environments.
Qualifications:Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
TIME-IN-GRADE: Current federal employees applying for a promotion opportunity must meet time-in-grade (TIG) requirement of 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression for the position being filled.
BASIC REQUIREMENT: A. Degree: - Biological science that included: At least 9 semester hours in such wildlife subjects as mammalogy, ornithology, animal ecology, wildlife management, or research courses in the field of wildlife biology; andAt least 12 semester hours in zoology in such subjects as general zoology, invertebrate zoology, vertebrate zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology, genetics, ecology, cellular biology, parasitology, entomology, or research courses in such subjects (Excess courses in wildlife biology may be used to meet the zoology requirements where appropriate.); and At least 9 semester hours in botany or the related plant sciences.
OR B. Combination of education and experience: equivalent to a major in biological science (i.e., at least 30 semester hours), with at least 9 semester hours in wildlife subjects, 12 semester hours in zoology, and 9 semester hours in botany or related plant science, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education. In addition to the basic requirement applicants must also possess:
FOR THE GS-11 LEVEL: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-9 level) that may have been obtained in the private or public (local, county, state, Federal) sectors which demonstrates:
  • Has coordinated and performed aerial wildlife damage management projects while representing the program in communications with other organizations and parties.
  • Wildlife damage technical procedures such as animal capture, restraint, marking, and transport, to be able to train others.
  • Modified or revised standard techniques for wildlife damage management operations, to include recommendation of areas for potential research.
OR 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in one of the following degree fields: Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, or Wildlife Management. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for this grade level.
TRANSCRIPTS are required if:
  • This position requires specific coursework or a degree in a specific field to be basically qualified.
  • You are qualifying for the position based on education.
  • You are qualifying for this position based on a combination of experience and education.
  • This education must have been successfully completed and obtained from an accredited school, college, or university
COMBINATION OF EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE AT THE GS-11 GRADE LEVEL: Applicants may have combinations of successfully completed education and specialized experience to meet total qualification requirements. The total percentages must equal at least 100 percent to qualify for that grade level. 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 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:
Please see above for education qualification requirement information.Employment Type: OTHER