Ecological engineering combines the fields of ecology, natural sciences, civil infrastructure systems, and environmental engineering to predict, develop, and restore ecosystems with a focus on human-environment interactions. Combined with principles of engineering design and thinking, ecological engineers are ecological problem-solvers, integrating the systems of natural environments and human development.
Developed over the last 30 years, with extensive growth in the last 10, ecological engineering seeks to restore ecosystems disturbed by human activities and to develop new sustainable ecological systems that value both humankind and natural ecosystems. By integrating engineering sciences and design thinking with biological and natural science expertise, ecological engineers take a multidisciplinary approach to developing solutions for rising environmental challenges.
Ecological engineering is a unique engineering field where practitioners use engineering principles and design to encourage or mimic an ecosystem’s natural processes and organization. Ecological engineers are key to understanding climate variability and developing sustainable solutions for the integration of human communities within natural systems.
What Do Ecological Engineers Do?
Ecological engineers design, restore, and create natural ecosystems with an emphasis on self-design and self-organization. Ecological engineers focus heavily on applied ecology techniques, such as natural resource management, impact assessment, environmental monitoring and management, ecotoxicology, and risk assessment. Ecological engineers design and manage sustainable ecosystems that integrate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both.
Some work that ecological engineers do:
- Assess and develop solutions for wastewater management and pollution in local environments.
- Restore environments disturbed by natural resource extraction, such as mining and logging.
- Develop sustainable agricultural practices that utilize local resources and wildlife, such as aquaponics.
- Manage large-scale reforestation projects following wildfires and other natural disasters.
- Integrate ecological environments in urban environments, such as green roofs and rainwater gardens.
- Influence policy and regulations that support natural environments and sustainable practices.
What Skills Do Ecological Engineers Need?
Students who enjoy and excel in biology, chemistry, and other natural sciences will do well in ecological engineering. Ecological engineers rely on their expertise in ecology and natural resource management to influence their engineering design-thinking and problem-solving skills in order to develop sustainable, efficient solutions. Being able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with teams of fellow engineers and scientists, government agencies, nonprofit land management organizations, and local communities is a necessity for ecological engineers.
What Tasks Do Ecological Engineers Do?
Ecological engineers focus primarily on the restoration and management of environmental systems with an emphasis on the environment’s natural self-design and organization. Ecological engineers collect and assess ecological data, such as water and air quality, plant and wildlife behavior, geological impacts, and more. They develop restoration plans that promote sustainable use and cohesion between natural environments and human communities. Ecological engineers implement new technologies and solutions that protect ecosystems from future disturbance. Ecological engineers often take part in drafting new policy and regulations that protect environments and foster sustainable relations between humans and nature.
Given that ecological engineering is a multidisciplinary field, ecological engineers have many roles across civil and environmental engineering, habitat restoration, urban planning, natural resource management, agriculture, and wildlife management. Ecological engineers may find work with private engineering firms, environmental nonprofits, government agencies, public health organizations, and beyond.
Some ecological engineering roles include:
- Ecological restoration designer
- Coastal engineering specialist
- Environmental project manager
- Air quality engineer
- Environmental technician
- Conservation specialist
- Environmental risk assessor
- Field engineer
- Environmental specialist
- Ecological services manager
- Water resources engineer
- Environmental planner
Ecological engineers are also able to work as environmental scientists, civil engineers, urban planners and development specialists, public health administrators, and environmental educators.
How Much Do Ecological Engineers Earn?
As universities establish and accredit new programs in ecological engineering, salaries and job growth are expected to follow that of civil and environmental engineers. The mean entry-level salary for an environmental engineer is $63,391, according to Payscale. The mean annual salary is $110,570, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which also reports that the top 10 percent of environmental engineers earn $161,910. Job prospects are strong, with a growth rate of 7 percent in the next decade.
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Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025. Figures from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dated May 2024. |
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| Occupation | Mean Entry-Level Salary (Payscale) | Mean Annual Salary (BLS) | Top 10 Percent (BLS) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Environmental Engineer | $63,391 | $110,570 | $161,910 |
| Ecologist | $44,768 | $58,353 | $74,065 |
See additional engineering salary information.
The Future of Ecological Engineering
As environmental challenges continue to grow, so does the need for engineers with an understanding of engineering design, ecological sciences, and sustainability. Government agencies, private firms, and community organizations are seeking restoration ecologists to assist with concerns such as public health, land-use and resource management, and wildlife endangerment. Engineers with a background in ecological approaches are increasingly being sought as professional organizations across industry develop more sustainable and environmentally healthy practices.
Ecological engineers are multidisciplinary by training. Their futures will be as well. Due to the limited number of university programs in ecological engineering, many roles meant for ecological engineers are being filled by civil and environmental engineers. The reverse is also true, with ecological engineers finding work as civil engineers, environmental engineers, urban planners, environmental scientists, and more.
Ecological engineers’ expertise expands across industries and disciplines. As renewable resources and climate resilience continue to be a primary focus of the 21st century, ecological engineers are at the forefront of human-environment integration and sustainable solutions that are better for both people and the natural world.
Pursuing an Ecological Engineering Degree
There are several paths you can take to a career in an ecological engineering profession. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a related field. According to our undergraduate academic advisor, Julie Ross, these tips can help prepare you to pursue a degree in an ecological engineering field.
Tips for High School Students
If you're currently in high school and are considering getting into an ecological engineering field, here are some things to consider.
- Focus on your biology and chemistry classes, as these will form the basis for your ecological engineering education. Additionally, courses related to engineering and materials science may also help. Your enjoyment (or not!) of these courses could tell you a lot about whether or not ecological engineering may be right for you.
- Read or watch video overviews of different ecological engineering degrees to get a sense for which one you may want to pursue.
Choosing a College/University for Ecological Engineering
Selecting a school to study an ecological engineering field can be a difficult decision. Follow these tips to help you.
- Research colleges and universities that would put you on a successful path. It's not necessary to major in a program called "ecological engineering" to have a successful career in this industry! Look for degrees that fall within the ecological restoration, civil engineering, environmental science, and environmental engineering umbrella.
- Make sure the schools you're considering offer accredited degrees since most employers will only consider graduates from such institutions.
- Visit the schools you're interested in and ask lots of questions about the program(s), scholarships and financial aid opportunities, and application requirements and deadlines.
Apply to the schools you think are the right fit for you and your goals sometime between your junior year and the beginning of your senior year. Don't miss those deadlines!
Tips for College Students
If you’re currently in college, our engineering advisor recommends considering these tips to help ensure your success in the ecological engineering field of your choice.
- Work with your academic advisor to choose the appropriate program and courses that will give you the necessary knowledge and skills for a career in an ecological engineering field.
- Gain experience in real ecological engineering projects. Look for opportunities through student organizations, professional conferences, co-ops and internships, and research projects at your institution.
- Form relationships with faculty members in your program. These connections will help you as you look for relevant ecological engineering experience during and after your college career.
- Network with professionals. Whether you're at a conference or an on-campus career fair, seize every opportunity to form connections with professionals in the field—you never know when they could come in handy!
- Keep your resume fresh and brush up on your interviewing skills. Your institution may even have a dedicated career center that can help you.