Post job

How to hire a restoration ecologist

Restoration ecologist hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring restoration ecologists in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a restoration ecologist is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new restoration ecologist to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a restoration ecologist, step by step

To hire a restoration ecologist, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a restoration ecologist, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step restoration ecologist hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a restoration ecologist job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new restoration ecologist
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
jobs
Post a restoration ecologist job for free, promote it for a fee
  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your restoration ecologist job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a restoration ecologist for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a restoration ecologist to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a restoration ecologist that fits the bill.

    This list shows salaries for various types of restoration ecologists.

    Type of Restoration EcologistDescriptionHourly rate
    Restoration EcologistZoologists and wildlife biologists study animals and other wildlife and how they interact with their ecosystems. They study the physical characteristics of animals, animal behaviors, and the impacts humans have on wildlife and natural habitats... Show more$15-36
    Fish And Wildlife BiologistA fish and wildlife biologist is an expert when it comes to wildlife and aquatic life. As a biologist, it is their duty to conduct studies and help in improving its conditions by recommending and enforcing policies... Show more$16-38
    Wildlife BiologistA wildlife biologist specializes in studying and observing animals and plants in their habitats, mainly for research and scientific purposes. Their responsibilities typically revolve around gathering samples and data, performing analysis through various laboratory and scientific processes, conducting experiments, and creating reports and presentations... Show more$16-36
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Wetland
    • Restoration Projects
    • BLM
    • Ecological Restoration
    • Habitat Restoration
    • Data Collection
    Responsibilities:
    • Create and manage multidisciplinary, interagency research teams.
    • Organize and participate in elk population helicopter survey, utilizing census data to determine big game harvest values for upper management.
    • Sample Comal river macro-invertebrates in the laboratory.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your restoration ecologist job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A restoration ecologist salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, restoration ecologists' average salary in south carolina is 54% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level restoration ecologists earn 56% less than senior-level restoration ecologists.
    • Certifications. A restoration ecologist with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a restoration ecologist's salary.

    Average restoration ecologist salary

    $50,256yearly

    $24.16 hourly rate

    Entry-level restoration ecologist salary
    $33,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 18, 2025
  4. Writing a restoration ecologist job description

    A restoration ecologist job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a restoration ecologist job description:

    Restoration ecologist job description example

    Title: Restoration Ecologist/Habitat Restoration Project Manager Schedule: Monday - Friday Location: Ridgefield, WA Classification: Exempt Opening Date: July 27, 2022 Salary Range: $68,467 - $95,853 Annually Closing Date: Open until filled Position Summary: Assists the with the management of natural resources programs specifically in providing expertise and project management for the protection, conservation, restoration and promotion of culturally relevant species and landscapes of the Cowlitz Tribe. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of the Natural Resources programs.. ***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume*** Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities include the following, and other related duties as assigned.
    • Identifies potential habitat restoration project sites; searches for funding sources for special projects from the federal, state, local, foundation and private sector; coordinates with private, state and federal landowners.
    • Secures additional funding and grant monies for continuation and expansion of restoration program services and equipment.
    • Solicits bids and proposals for projects; secures permits and permissions required.
    • Hires and supervises consultants, contractors, subcontractors, researchers, interns, and other professionals contracted to provide services for restoration projects.
    • Ensures compliance to all bids, proposals, contracts, permits, codes, laws, and other regulations.
    • Collaborates with other CIT departments, local, state, and federal agencies.
    • Prepares and presents reports on the status of restoration projects as needed.
    • Provides technical and policy support to department and other CIT entities.
    • Assists in the coordination of community natural resources, education and cultural awareness projects and events.
    • Maintains professional and technical knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes and conferences; reviewing professional publications; establishing networks; participating in professional societies; conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
    • Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
    • Performs other duties as assigned.
    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
    • Knowledge of traditional form of government and tribal customs and traditions.
    • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations and requirements.
    • Knowledge of current natural resource issues pertinent to the Cowlitz Indian Tribe.
    • Knowledge of a variety of federal and state environmental and natural resources programs and agencies.
    • Knowledge of budget preparation.
    • Knowledge of biology, ecology, and conservation principles and practices.
    • Knowledge of field data collection methodologies and analyzing data.
    • Knowledge of the region’s wildlife and their habitat.
    • Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets and database software programs as well as GIS, GPS, HOBO data loggers, and pressure transducers.
    • Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
    • Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.
    • Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
    • Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
    Supervisory Responsibilities: This position carries a responsibility to supervise subordinates in habitat restoration project activities. This may include scientific technicians, entry level biologists, and other persons delegated to work under projects under the employee’s direction. This position is responsible for supervising construction and technical contractors hired on a project-basis.To apply, please provide a resume, cover letter, and a no more than two-page summary of your experience developing, managing, and implementing habitat actions including lessons learned, restoration philosophies and approaches, and the role you think you will play in habitat restoration and salmon recovery. Please be prepared to provide 3 references if requested. Minimum Qualifications:
    • Bachelor’ degree in ecology, biology natural sciences, or a closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
    • Three years of related experience in ecology and project management.
    • A combination of relevant education and related work experience may be considered.
    • Valid driver’s license is required.
    • Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.
    Background Investigation Requirements:
    • Pre-employment drug screen.
    • Reference checks, education and employment verification.
    • Federal, state, and/or tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification

    The Cowlitz Indian Tribe is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a Drug & Alcohol-Free workplace.

    Physical Demands:
    While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 20lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance.

    Work Environment:
    Work is generally performed in an office setting and occasionally outdoors with exposure to excessive noise. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Work may be performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery and the use protective clothing, equipment, devices, materials is necessary. Evening, weekend work, and travel is occasionally required.

    ***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered for hiring, please note this on your cover letter and/or resume***

    Except as provided by Title 25 CFR, Section 472 which allows for Indian preference in hiring, the Cowlitz Indian Tribe does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, sex, national origin, physical handicap, marital status, politics, or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.
  5. Post your job

    To find the right restoration ecologist for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with restoration ecologists they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit restoration ecologists who meet your education requirements.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your restoration ecologist job on Zippia to find and recruit restoration ecologist candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    To successfully recruit restoration ecologists, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new restoration ecologist

    Once you've found the restoration ecologist candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

    It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new restoration ecologist. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
    Sign up to download full list

How much does it cost to hire a restoration ecologist?

Recruiting restoration ecologists involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

Restoration ecologists earn a median yearly salary is $50,256 a year in the US. However, if you're looking to find restoration ecologists for hire on a contract or per-project basis, hourly rates typically range between $15 and $36.

Find better restoration ecologists in less time
Post a job on Zippia and hire the best from over 7 million monthly job seekers.

Hiring restoration ecologists FAQs

Search for restoration ecologist jobs

Ready to start hiring?

Browse life, physical, and social science jobs