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Associate Environmental Scientist Jobs in California

QK

Associate Environmental Scientist

Visalia, CA · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

QK

Associate Environmental Scientist

Visalia, CA · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

QK

Associate Environmental Scientist

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

QK

Senior Associate Environmental Scientist

Clovis, CA · On-site

$41 - $47/hr

As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist , you'll play a key role in helping public and private clients navigate complex environmental regulations while protecting California's diverse natural ...

QK

Senior Associate Environmental Scientist

Clovis, CA · On-site

$41 - $47/hr

As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist , you'll play a key role in helping public and private clients navigate complex environmental regulations while protecting California's diverse natural ...

Essel

Environmental Associate

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Bachelor's Degree required (Environmental, Science or relevant degree preferred) * Minimum of 6 months experience in the environmental sector, laboratory and field experience required * Proficiency ...

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All JobsAssociate Environmental Scientist JobsAssociate Environmental Scientist Jobs in California

Associate Environmental Scientist information

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How much do associate environmental scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate environmental scientist in California is $35.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.50 and $40.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an associate environmental scientist do?

An Associate Environmental Scientist assists in conducting research, collecting data, and analyzing environmental samples to assess pollution, compliance, and the impact of human activities on the environment. They typically work under the supervision of senior scientists and help prepare reports, conduct fieldwork, and support environmental projects. Their responsibilities can include monitoring air, water, and soil quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and participating in environmental remediation efforts. The role often requires both office and outdoor work, attention to detail, and a strong foundation in environmental science principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate environmental scientist?

To thrive as an Associate Environmental Scientist, you need a solid background in environmental science, data analysis, and report writing, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental sampling equipment, and regulatory compliance systems is often required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help professionals excel in team-based and fieldwork settings. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing environmental impacts, ensuring regulatory compliance, and contributing to sustainable project outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by associate environmental scientists in their daily work?

Associate Environmental Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing fieldwork with reporting deadlines, adapting to changing environmental regulations, and managing data from multiple sources. They may also face unexpected weather conditions or site access limitations during field investigations. Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders is essential, as the role often involves coordinating with engineers, regulatory agencies, and community members to ensure compliance and project success.

What is the difference between Associate Environmental Scientist vs Environmental Technician?

AspectAssociate Environmental ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related field; some roles may require certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical training
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, report writing, often in offices and outdoor sitesPrimarily fieldwork, sampling, and data collection at environmental sites
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutionsEnvironmental service companies, government agencies, industrial sites

The Associate Environmental Scientist typically holds a bachelor's degree and performs a mix of fieldwork and data analysis, often with some certification requirements. In contrast, Environmental Technicians focus more on sampling and data collection with less emphasis on analysis or reporting. Both roles are essential in environmental projects but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Scientist jobs in California?

The most popular types of Environmental Scientist jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Environmental Scientist jobs in California?

For Associate Environmental Scientist jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Environmental Scientist jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Environmental Scientist jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Associate Environmental Scientist jobs?

Cities in California with the most Associate Environmental Scientist job openings:

Associate Environmental Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Environmental Scientist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,745 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Associate Environmental Scientist

QK

Visalia, CA • On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position Purpose
Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to protect the environment from serious hazards. This position is a professional position with responsibility for gathering, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting complex data, then utilizing the information to prepare technical documents and presentations, with an emphasis on NEPA and CEQA compliance. This position is one of a team member who works with general direction from his/her supervisor and expresses a higher level of independence than an Assistant Environmental Scientist by performing more complex tasks with less direct oversight. The Associate Environment Scientist will assist in routine to moderately complex environmental assessment and remediation projects. This includes the assessment of the risks of new construction to the environment that is needed in order to complete our projects.
Essential Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Conduct field surveys for threatened, endangered, or rare species, as well as species' habitat in support of ESA, CWA, Section 404, and other environmental regulations
  • Observe and monitor species in the field
  • Conduct archival / electronic research with USFWS and other state and federal agencies
  • Conduct land use / development monitoring for natural / biological resources protection
  • Assure permits are requested and maintained appropriately
  • Provide input for those sections of NEPA and CEQA documents pertaining to environment and data collection methodology
  • Prepare leave in technical memoranda, meeting minutes, transmittals, presentations, and other written materials
  • Assist senior staff with presentations to public agencies and clients
  • Assist with teaching junior staff
  • Compile data and information for public presentations
  • Other duties as assigned or as needed in order to successfully complete project deliverables or meet internal goals

Essential Skills and Abilities
  • Species identification and research / survey, vegetation community and habitat classification and inventory, monitoring, data synthesis and interpretations required
  • Ability to develop creative solutions to project issues
  • Ability to take direction and use initiative to complete tasks without direct supervision
  • Ability to organize, collect and analyze data, generate and evaluate alternatives, reach logical conclusions, and formulate consistent recommendations as necessary
  • Proficient in MS Word and Excel
  • Quantitative analysis skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Technical writing skills
  • Ability to sit and stand for long periods
  • Strong ability to communicate well (in writing and verbally) with other staff, clients, and agencies to accomplish team goals
  • Visual acuity and manual dexterity
  • Ability to perform repetitive wrist and hand motions required
  • Ability to travel to field sites and walk long distances may be required on occasion
Education
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in biology, botany, wildlife management, ecology, environmental biology, or environmental science
Experience
  • Two (2) to five (5) years' experience (or MA/MS and one (1) years of experience), especially in the areas of NEPA and CEQA compliance, wetlands delineations, CWA, ESA, and related federal and/or state environmental compliance regulations. Field experience in California or with CA species preferred.
Organizational Relationships
The Associate Environmental Scientist provides support to all members of the environmental scientist group, as well as the planning group. Assistant Environmental Scientists are assigned to a Team/Group Leader for managerial purposes but will also receive guidance and direction from the discipline's Technical Leader. The Associate Environmental Scientist is encouraged to create a mentor/protégé relationship with one or more senior members of the bio team and may be asked to act as a Teaming Advisor for junior staff. Associate Environmental Scientists are expected to work with both planning and bio team members throughout the entire firm in order to promote our "One Company" philosophy.
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About QK

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Visalia, CA, US

Year founded

1972

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