Restoration Ecologist Jobs
Restoration Ecologist jobs are open across government agencies, environmental consulting firms, land trusts, and nonprofits, from entry-level field technician roles to senior project leads and program directors, with specializations in wetland restoration, invasive species management, and habitat monitoring. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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 Restoration Ecologist Jobs
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Find Restoration Ecologist JobsRestoration Ecologist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in restoration ecologist jobs.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field
- Experience with native plant identification and vegetation monitoring protocols
- Proficiency in GIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS for spatial data analysis
- Knowledge of wetland delineation methods and Clean Water Act permitting processes
- Valid driver's license and willingness to work in physically demanding outdoor conditions
- Familiarity with adaptive management planning and ecological restoration reporting
Tips for Your Restoration Ecologist Job Search
Tailor your resume for field methods
List specific restoration techniques you've used, such as seed bank cultivation, controlled burns, or bioengineering slope stabilization. Generic ecology resumes get screened out fast. Hiring managers want to see the methods, not just the outcomes.
Highlight certifications that set you apart
Certifications like Wetland Professional in Training, Society for Ecological Restoration credentials, or state-specific pesticide applicator licenses appear directly in job requirements. If you hold them, put them above your work experience, not buried at the bottom.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists restoration ecologist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Target agencies with active restoration budgets
Federal and state agencies tied to conservation funding cycles post roles in waves, often in late winter and early spring. Watch for postings from the Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and state fish and wildlife departments during those windows.
Prepare a site-specific portfolio for interviews
Bring before-and-after documentation of sites you have worked on, including species data, vegetation transect results, or photo monitoring series. Interviewers in this field respond to tangible evidence of ecological change, not just project descriptions.
Negotiate scope alongside salary
Many restoration ecologist offers include discretionary line items like field vehicle access, equipment budgets, or conference travel. These are negotiable. If base pay is fixed, ask what the professional development and fieldwork budget looks like before accepting.
Restoration Ecologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most restoration ecologists?
William & Mary, Smithsonian Institution, and Kleinfelder are hiring the most restoration ecologists right now, with openings concentrated in Florida, Maryland, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. The mix typically includes environmental consulting firms, federal land management agencies, and conservation nonprofits.
How many restoration ecologist jobs are remote?
About 100% of restoration ecologist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the hands-on, site-based nature of most restoration work. The roles most likely to offer remote flexibility are project management, grant writing, and monitoring data analysis positions rather than field implementation roles.
How do you become a restoration ecologist?
Start with a bachelor's degree in ecology, biology, or environmental science, then gain field experience through internships, AmeriCorps conservation programs, or seasonal technician positions. A master's degree strengthens your candidacy for lead roles. Building fluency in GIS, native plant identification, and restoration planning tools moves you into full restoration ecologist positions faster.
How do you get hired as a restoration ecologist with little experience?
Seasonal field technician roles, watershed restoration crew positions, and conservation corps programs are the most accessible entry points with limited experience. Volunteer work on local habitat restoration projects builds your species identification skills and your professional network. Applying to roles where the posting lists field experience as preferred rather than required gives you the best starting foothold.
What does the restoration ecologist interview process look like?
Most employers start with a phone or video screen focused on your field background and familiarity with specific restoration methods. A technical interview follows, where you may be asked to interpret vegetation monitoring data, describe a past site assessment, or walk through how you would develop a planting plan. Some employers include a practical field component or a take-home planning exercise before making an offer.
Where can I find and apply to restoration ecologist jobs?
You can find and apply to restoration ecologist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the United States. Search for roles that match your specialization and experience level, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
See All 12 Restoration Ecologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Restoration Ecologist Jobs