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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. ...

Veg & Wildlife Mgmt Opening Date: 08/12/2026 Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA ... This is an opportunity to put your ecological expertise to work in the field and on the ground ...

Restoration Ecologist

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

$90K - $110K/yr

... wildlife monitoring. Biohabitats works with public, private, and not-for-profit clients to restore and regenerate life-supporting ecological processes and create a world of abundant biodiversity ...

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

Restoration Ecologist

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... wildlife monitoring. Biohabitats works with public, private, and not-for-profit clients to restore and regenerate life-supporting ecological processes and create a world of abundant biodiversity ...

$61K - $64K/yr

... or ecology of a commercially important species in a particular wildlife refuge. Organizes and ... oversees the work of lower level personnel engaged in research studies and projects. Studies the ...

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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 16, 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 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 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 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

US Department of the Interior

Copper Center, AK • On-site

$101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 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

415th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Experience Your America and build a fulfilling career by joining the National Park Service (NPS) as we prepare for a second century of Stewardship and Engagement. Become a part of our mission to connect with our past and create important connections to the future by building a rich and lasting legacy for the next generation of park visitors, supporters and advocates. To find out more about the National Park Service visit: https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/index.htm

Qualifications:Requirements Continued...
  • Prior to conversion to competitive service, incumbent must meet the following education requirements:
    • Education: 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; and at 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-
    • 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 above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.
This trial period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 08/13/2026 unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
Special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof is required. Local knowledge of the resources and the typical conditions that affect the work to be accomplished will be applied in the performance of duties.
-AND-
To be eligible your application package must clearly show periods of time having lived or worked in or near the area of consideration. The area of consideration can be found in the below paragraph:
Areas considered "near" Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve are Chisana, Chistochina, Chitina, Copper Center, Dot Lake, Gakona, Gakona Junction, Glennallen, Gulkana, Healy Lake, Kenny Lake, Long Lake, Lower & Upper Tonsina, McCarthy, Mendeltna, Mentasta Lake, Nabesna, Nelchina, Northway/Northway Village, Northway Junction, Slana, Tanacross, Tazlina, Tetlin, Tok, Tonsina and Yakutat.
-ALSO-
The following are the competencies identified for this position. Applicants are not required to address these competencies in a separate document but are encouraged to include in their resumes experience related to these competencies:
  1. Planning and Evaluating - Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  2. Wildlife Biology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of wildlife, including classification, taxonomy, population dynamics, distribution, habitat requirements, life histories, reproduction, behaviors, conservation, and care of wildlife.
  3. Ecology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.
  4. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
  5. Research - Knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results.
Education:There is no substitution of education for the required special knowledge or expertise concerning the park's or preserve's natural and/or cultural resources and the management thereof as outlined in this announcement. However, prior to conversion to competitive service you will be required to meet the education requirements outlined in the Requirements section.Employment Type: OTHER

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