Graduate Ecologist Jobs
Graduate Ecologist jobs are open across environmental consulting, government agencies, nonprofits, and land management, from entry-level field roles to mid-level positions, with specializations in wetland delineation, wildlife surveys, and environmental impact assessment. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Graduate Ecologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Graduate Ecologist jobs
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 Graduate Ecologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Graduate Ecologist JobsGraduate Ecologist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in graduate ecologist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in ecology, environmental science, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in ArcGIS or QGIS for spatial data collection and mapping
- Experience conducting wildlife surveys or botanical inventories in field conditions
- Knowledge of wetland delineation methods under the Army Corps of Engineers manual
- Valid driver's license and willingness to work in remote outdoor environments
- Familiarity with NEPA documentation, biological assessments, or environmental impact reports
Tips for Your Graduate Ecologist Job Search
Tailor your resume to field methods
List the specific survey protocols you've used, such as point counts, transect walks, or eDNA sampling, rather than generic field work. Hiring managers in ecology scan for method familiarity immediately, so name the techniques before listing the species groups.
Get your PWS certification before applying
Many environmental consulting firms require or strongly prefer a Professional Wetland Scientist credential even for graduate-level roles. If you're close to eligibility, note your pending application on your resume so reviewers don't screen you out automatically.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists graduate ecologist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Filter postings by field season timing
Many graduate ecologist positions open in late winter for spring and summer field seasons. If you apply in autumn, target indoor or lab-focused roles and desk-based GIS positions, which hire year-round and don't follow the same seasonal recruitment cycle.
Prepare a species identification portfolio
Some employers ask candidates to identify specimens or interpret field photos during technical interviews. Compile a concise digital folder of species you've confidently ID'd, organized by taxa, so you can reference it quickly if a panel springs a visual challenge on you.
Ask about report deliverables in the interview
Graduate ecologist roles often involve writing NEPA documents, Phase I reports, or biological assessments. Ask the panel which report types the team produces most and what the typical review cycle looks like. It signals technical fluency and helps you evaluate fit before accepting an offer.
Graduate Ecologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most graduate ecologists?
William & Mary, Smithsonian Institution, and Kleinfelder are hiring the most graduate ecologists right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, Maryland, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Environmental consulting firms and federal land management agencies consistently account for the largest share of open roles.
How many graduate ecologist jobs are remote?
About 100% of graduate ecologist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is relatively low compared to other environmental roles. GIS analysis, report writing, and data management tasks are most likely to allow remote arrangements, while field survey and monitoring positions almost always require on-site presence.
How do you become a graduate ecologist?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, or environmental science, though many roles prefer a master's. Build hands-on experience through university field courses, internships, or volunteer fieldwork with land trusts or wildlife agencies. Proficiency in GIS software and familiarity with common survey protocols like point counts or transect methods strengthens your candidacy significantly before you apply.
How do you get hired as a graduate ecologist with little experience?
Focus your applications on entry-level field technician roles that feed into graduate ecologist positions, since they build the survey hours and species knowledge employers expect. Volunteer with state wildlife agencies or native plant societies to fill gaps on your resume. A well-documented species list and a recommendation from a supervising biologist carry more weight than degree GPA alone.
What does the graduate ecologist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone screen focused on your field experience and geographic availability. A technical interview follows, where you may be asked to identify species from photos, describe a survey methodology, or walk through how you'd approach a wetland delineation. Some firms add a writing exercise requiring you to draft a brief biological assessment section or summarize field data.
Where can I find and apply to graduate ecologist jobs?
You can find and apply to graduate ecologist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search for roles that match your field experience, subspecialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits your background.
See All 12 Graduate Ecologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Graduate Ecologist Jobs