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Citizen Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Pennsylvania State University

... citizen science projects and fostering sustainable initiatives at the center. Successful candidates have a strong desire to teach and share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the natural world. A ...

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How much do citizen science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for citizen science in California is $47,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone involved in a citizen science position?

In a Citizen Science position, your main responsibilities often include gathering data through field observations, recording and submitting findings using standardized tools, and sometimes assisting in public education or outreach initiatives. You may work independently or as part of a team, collaborating with professional scientists, educators, or community members to support ongoing research projects. Depending on the project, you might also participate in training sessions, data verification, or public presentations. This hands-on work not only advances scientific understanding but also helps build stronger connections between science and local communities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the citizen science position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Citizen Science role, you should possess strong observational abilities, basic data collection skills, and a keen interest in scientific research, typically supported by relevant training or workshops. Familiarity with data entry platforms, mobile apps for field reporting, and sometimes basic statistical tools is beneficial. Being detail-oriented, communicative, and enthusiastic about community engagement makes you stand out in this collaborative field. These skills ensure the reliability of collected data and contribute to the success and credibility of participatory scientific projects.

What is a citizen science?

A Citizen Science job involves engaging the public in scientific research, often by collecting, analyzing, or interpreting data. These roles exist in various fields, including environmental science, astronomy, and public health. Professionals in Citizen Science coordinate projects, develop outreach programs, and ensure data quality while fostering collaboration between scientists and volunteers. Many positions are found in universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Citizen Science jobs in California? The most popular types of Citizen Science jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Citizen Science jobs in California? For Citizen Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Citizen Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Citizen Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Citizen Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Citizen Science job openings:
Citizen Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Citizen Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,757 per year, or $23 per hour.

Science and Conservation Associate

Laguna Ocean Foundation

Laguna Beach, CA • Remote

Part-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Science and Conservation Associate

Location: Laguna Beach, California
Organization: Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF)
Status: Part-time (Contingent upon funding)

About Laguna Ocean Foundation

The Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring Laguna Beach’s coastal ecosystems through science, education, conservation, and community engagement. Working with universities, government agencies, and community partners, LOF is advancing innovative coastal monitoring by integrating field ecology with drones, GIS, machine learning, environmental DNA (eDNA), and citizen science.

Position Summary

LOF seeks a motivated Science and Conservation Associate to support the technical foundation of its research and conservation programs. This position transforms field observations into high-quality geospatial data that inform ecological monitoring, restoration, conservation planning, and public education across Laguna Beach’s Marine Protected Areas.

The Associate will manage geospatial workflows—from drone and underwater ROV surveys through machine-learning analysis, GIS integration, habitat mapping, and scientific visualization. Working closely with LOF biologists, university researchers, GIS specialists, and interns, the Associate will help build one of California’s most comprehensive long-term coastal spatial datasets while supporting scientific publications, grant-funded research, StoryMaps, and emerging conservation technologies.

Position contingent upon funding.

Primary Responsibilities

Remote Sensing & Field Operations

● Conduct drone surveys under FAA Part 107 regulations.

● Operate underwater ROVs to document marine habitats.

● Coordinate field logistics, equipment, permits, and data collection.

GIS & Spatial Analysis

● Process drone imagery into ortho-mosaics and elevation models.

● Maintain GIS databases and produce habitat, species, and change-detection maps.

● Integrate remote sensing with biological field data.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

● Develop and apply machine-learning models for habitat and species classification.

● Improve classification workflows and support Python-based geospatial automation.

Research & Communication

● Collaborate with scientists and partner institutions on applied conservation research.

● Assist with scientific publications, technical reports, grant proposals, and conference presentations.

● Develop Story-Maps, dashboards, and visual products that communicate science to diverse audiences.

Training & Program Support

● Mentor interns and volunteers in GIS, drone operations, and data collection.

● Help establish standardized monitoring and data management protocols.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

● At least one year of experience in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis, or environmental monitoring.

● Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS.

● Experience with Python for geospatial analysis or machine learning.

● Experience processing drone imagery using photogrammetry.

● Familiarity with image classification or computer vision workflows.

● Knowledge of geospatial data management and reproducible workflows.

● FAA Part 107 certification (or ability to obtain).

● Excellent organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in coastal or marine ecosystems.

● Underwater ROV experience.

● Familiarity with eDNA, ecological monitoring, or conservation research.

● Experience working with universities, government agencies, or nonprofits.

● Grant writing or peer-reviewed publication experience.

● Experience with ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, Dashboards, or web GIS.

● Knowledge of TensorFlow, PyTorch, Detectron2, or similar frameworks.

● Experience with cloud-based geospatial workflows.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Please send in your material by July 31 to info@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

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