Consultant Ecologist Jobs
Consultant Ecologist jobs are open across environmental consulting, government agencies, infrastructure, and energy sectors, from entry-level field technician roles to senior principal ecologist positions, with specializations in habitat assessment, wetland delineation, and environmental impact assessment. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Work type: Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:60470000 - AG-WILDLIFE ECOLOGY - CONSERV
Res Ast Sctst
Highest degree possible in field; Evidence of pertinent experience for the position and qualities for the academic unit.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
This is a 9-month non-tenure-accruing position that will be 100% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.
Duties will include applied research on the development and assessment of novel biodiversity and host population monitoring methods, the use of camera traps and analysis of the data to survey host populations, and the application of environmental DNA monitoring for pathogens and their hosts. The successful applicant will be expected to present and publish research findings at meetings and in peer-reviewed journals and participate in grant writing efforts. The candidate has the opportunity to participate in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising undergraduate research, and teaching courses.
Background Information:
The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
The programs of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation emphasize biological and human dimensions of wildlife ecology and conservation in local to international arenas. The Department’s existing strengths in spatial ecology, population modeling, wildlife disease ecology, conservation genetics, and environmental communication, among others, support strong collaborations. Department faculty may be affiliated with the Center for Latin American Studies, Center for African Studies, and the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Also housed within the Department is the Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, whose principal focus is on wetlands ecology, coastal ecology, decision science, and endangered and threatened species conservation and management. The nearby 3,600-hectare Ordway-Swisher Biological Station provides an outdoor laboratory for teaching and a site for long-term field research and has been designated as a National Science Foundation NEON core site.
Several units on or nearby the University of Florida campus complement the teaching and research programs of the Department, including The Florida Climate Institute, an interdisciplinary center hosted at UF and comprising 12 Florida universities; the Tropical Conservation and Development Program in the Center for Latin American Studies; Center for Wetlands; UF Biodiversity Institute, Florida Museum of Natural History; the Florida Field Station (Gainesville) of the U.S.D.A. Wildlife Research Laboratory; the Wildlife Research Laboratory of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the Wetlands Aquatic Research Center (WARC) of the US Geological Survey, and others.
Commensurate with Experience and Education
Candidates must possess a doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Biology, Wildlife Science, Parasitology or a related field. Candidates must have evidence of scholarship and depth of knowledge in population dynamics, statistical analysis, predictive modeling and programming skills in the language R. Candidates must have experience supervising large-scale field campaigns, experience collecting arthropod vectors, and capturing and handling small- and meso-mammals. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, and interpersonal relationships. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Preference will be given to applicants with related postdoctoral experience. Experience working within Florida as well as internationally is desirable. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, including presentations at national meetings and peer-reviewed publications in the top journals in their field.
For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by December 12th, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.
Employment Conditions
This position is available January 1, 2027, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.
Please refer to Requisition # 541996
Samantha Wisely
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
PO Box 110430
Gainesville, FL 32611
Telephone: 352.846.0645
Facsimile: 352.392.6984
Electronic Mail: wiselylab@ifas.ufl.edu
Application Information
- Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
- Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.
The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.
Advertised: 12 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled
Work type: Non-Tenure-Track Faculty
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Biology/Life Science, Agricultural Sciences
Department:60470000 - AG-WILDLIFE ECOLOGY - CONSERV
Res Ast Sctst
Highest degree possible in field; Evidence of pertinent experience for the position and qualities for the academic unit.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is creating an environment that affirms community across all dimensions. We particularly welcome applicants who can contribute to such an environment through their scholarship, teaching, mentoring, and professional service. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392-2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF .
This is a 9-month non-tenure-accruing position that will be 100% research (Florida Agricultural Experiment Station) in the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, at the University of Florida. This assignment may change in accordance with the needs of the unit.
Duties will include applied research on the development and assessment of novel biodiversity and host population monitoring methods, the use of camera traps and analysis of the data to survey host populations, and the application of environmental DNA monitoring for pathogens and their hosts. The successful applicant will be expected to present and publish research findings at meetings and in peer-reviewed journals and participate in grant writing efforts. The candidate has the opportunity to participate in undergraduate and graduate education by chairing graduate committees, serving on graduate committees, supervising undergraduate research, and teaching courses.
Background Information:
The University of Florida is a Land-Grant, Sea-Grant, and Space-Grant institution, encompassing virtually all academic and professional disciplines, with an enrollment of more than 56,000 students. UF is a member of The Association of American Universities. The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences includes the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Florida Sea Grant program, and encompasses 16 on-campus academic departments and schools, 12 Research and Educational Centers (REC) located throughout the state, 6 Research sites/demonstration units administered by RECs or academic departments, and Florida Cooperative Extension Service offices in all 67 counties (counties operate and maintain). The School of Natural Resources and Environment is an interdisciplinary unit housed in IFAS and managed by several colleges on campus. UF/IFAS employs nearly 4,500 people, which includes approximately 990 salaried faculty and 1,400 permanent support personnel located in Gainesville and throughout the state. IFAS, one of the nation’s largest agricultural and natural resources research and education organizations, is administered by a Vice President and four deans: the Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Dean for Extension and Director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service, the Dean for Research and Director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine. UF/IFAS also engages in cooperative work with Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.
The programs of the Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation emphasize biological and human dimensions of wildlife ecology and conservation in local to international arenas. The Department’s existing strengths in spatial ecology, population modeling, wildlife disease ecology, conservation genetics, and environmental communication, among others, support strong collaborations. Department faculty may be affiliated with the Center for Latin American Studies, Center for African Studies, and the School of Natural Resources and the Environment. Also housed within the Department is the Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, whose principal focus is on wetlands ecology, coastal ecology, decision science, and endangered and threatened species conservation and management. The nearby 3,600-hectare Ordway-Swisher Biological Station provides an outdoor laboratory for teaching and a site for long-term field research and has been designated as a National Science Foundation NEON core site.
Several units on or nearby the University of Florida campus complement the teaching and research programs of the Department, including The Florida Climate Institute, an interdisciplinary center hosted at UF and comprising 12 Florida universities; the Tropical Conservation and Development Program in the Center for Latin American Studies; Center for Wetlands; UF Biodiversity Institute, Florida Museum of Natural History; the Florida Field Station (Gainesville) of the U.S.D.A. Wildlife Research Laboratory; the Wildlife Research Laboratory of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission; the Wetlands Aquatic Research Center (WARC) of the US Geological Survey, and others.
Commensurate with Experience and Education
Candidates must possess a doctorate (foreign equivalent acceptable) in Biology, Wildlife Science, Parasitology or a related field. Candidates must have evidence of scholarship and depth of knowledge in population dynamics, statistical analysis, predictive modeling and programming skills in the language R. Candidates must have experience supervising large-scale field campaigns, experience collecting arthropod vectors, and capturing and handling small- and meso-mammals. Candidates should have demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, and interpersonal relationships. Candidates must be supportive of the mission of the Land-Grant system. Candidates must also have a commitment to UF core values.
Preference will be given to applicants with related postdoctoral experience. Experience working within Florida as well as internationally is desirable. Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated skills in verbal and written communication, including presentations at national meetings and peer-reviewed publications in the top journals in their field.
For full consideration, candidates should apply and submit materials by December 12th, 2026. The position will remain open until a viable applicant pool is determined.
Employment Conditions
This position is available January 1, 2027, and will be filled as soon thereafter as an acceptable applicant is available. Compensation is commensurate with the education, experience, and qualifications of the selected applicant.
Please refer to Requisition # 541996
Samantha Wisely
Chair, Search and Screen Committee
University of Florida
Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
PO Box 110430
Gainesville, FL 32611
Telephone: 352.846.0645
Facsimile: 352.392.6984
Electronic Mail: wiselylab@ifas.ufl.edu
Application Information
- Individuals wishing to apply should go online to Careers at UF and submit:
- Cover letter that states applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications relative to the credentials listed above
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information (including email addresses) for 3 individuals willing to write letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
The selected candidate will be required to provide an official transcript to the hiring department upon hire. A transcript will not be considered “official” if a designation of “Issued to Student” is visible. Degrees earned from an education institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).
Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. The University of Florida is a public institution and subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws.
The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University and greater Gainesville community enjoy a variety of cultural events, restaurants, year-round outdoor recreational activities, and social opportunities.
Advertised: 12 Nov 2026 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: Open until filled
See All 12 Consultant Ecologist Jobs
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Find Consultant Ecologist JobsConsultant Ecologist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in consultant ecologist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field
- Experience conducting Phase 1 and Phase 2 habitat surveys to recognized methodology standards
- Proficiency in GIS software for mapping, spatial analysis, and report production
- Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations including NEPA and Section 7 consultation
- Protected species survey licenses or permits for regionally relevant species
- Strong technical report writing skills with experience producing ecological impact assessments
Tips for Your Consultant Ecologist Job Search
Tailor your resume to survey methods
List the specific field survey protocols you've completed, such as Phase 1 habitat surveys, protected species assessments, or botanical transects. Hiring managers scan for named methodologies, not general ecology experience, so name every protocol by its recognized title.
Lead with your species license portfolio
If you hold protected species survey licenses or permits, put them near the top of your resume. Many consultant ecologist roles are gated on holding active licenses for target species, and recruiters filter applicants by this before reading anything else.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists consultant ecologist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter openings by project sector
Target your search by infrastructure, renewable energy, or land development sectors, since each drives different species concerns and report formats. A role supporting highway projects needs different technical depth than one tied to offshore wind or residential planning.
Prepare a site-specific technical example
Interviewers for consultant ecologist positions almost always ask you to walk through a past survey or report you led. Have one project ready with the habitat type, methodology used, any constraints you found, and how your findings shaped the final planning decision.
Negotiate project variety alongside salary
Early-career consultant ecologists often accept flat offers without asking about project mix. Push for roles that give you exposure to multiple habitat types and regulatory frameworks, since breadth of project experience accelerates your progression to senior and principal levels faster than tenure alone.
Consultant Ecologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most consultant ecologists?
The most active employers for consultant ecologists right now are William & Mary, Smithsonian Institution, and Kleinfelder, and the most openings are in Florida, Maryland, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand tends to track large infrastructure and renewable energy project pipelines, so hiring activity shifts by region as new projects break ground.
How many consultant ecologist jobs are remote?
About 100% of consultant ecologist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the field-intensive nature of most roles. Report writing, GIS analysis, and regulatory liaison work are the sub-areas most likely to be performed remotely, while survey and site assessment work almost always requires physical presence.
How do you become a consultant ecologist?
Start with a degree in ecology, environmental science, or biology, then build field survey experience through internships, graduate research, or entry-level ecological assistant roles. Gain proficiency in GIS tools and technical report writing, pursue any protected species survey licenses relevant to your region, and develop familiarity with the environmental legislation that governs impact assessments in your target sector.
Can you get hired as a consultant ecologist with little experience?
Yes, many firms hire ecologists at graduate or ecological assistant level and train them on client projects. Strengthen your application by documenting any fieldwork from university placements or volunteer surveys, completing a recognized field survey methodology course, and demonstrating GIS competency with examples. Firms working in rapidly growing sectors like renewable energy often hire candidates with foundational skills and develop them on the job.
What does the consultant ecologist interview process look like?
Most consultant ecologist interviews run in two stages: an initial screening call focused on your survey experience and regulatory knowledge, followed by a technical interview where you walk through a past project in detail. Some firms include a short written exercise or GIS task. Expect questions on specific habitat classification, species identification, and how you've handled constraints or sensitive findings in previous work.
Where can I find and apply to consultant ecologist jobs?
You can find and apply to consultant ecologist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your survey experience, sector focus, and location, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 12 Consultant Ecologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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