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Climate Change Research Assistant Jobs in California

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Climate Change Research Assistant information

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$9

$26

$58

How much do climate change research assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for climate change research assistant in California is $26.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.71 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a climate change research assistant do?

A Climate Change Research Assistant supports scientists and researchers by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data related to climate change. Their responsibilities may include conducting fieldwork, managing environmental sensors, compiling research reports, and assisting with experiments or modeling climate scenarios. They often work in academic, governmental, or environmental organizations and contribute to studies on topics like greenhouse gas emissions, climate policy, and adaptation strategies. This role is essential in helping researchers understand the impacts of climate change and develop solutions.

What types of projects do climate change research assistants typically work on, and how do they contribute to the research team?

Climate Change Research Assistants often support projects involving data collection, analysis of climate models, fieldwork, and literature reviews. They play a vital role in gathering and organizing data, preparing reports, and sometimes contributing to scientific publications. These assistants frequently collaborate with scientists and policy experts, attend team meetings, and help present findings. The work environment is typically dynamic, with opportunities to develop technical and analytical skills while making meaningful contributions to climate science.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a climate change research assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Change Research Assistant, you need a solid background in environmental science, data analysis, and research methodologies, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Experience with statistical software (such as R or Python), GIS tools, and familiarity with climate data sets is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills are essential for interpreting findings and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are important to ensure accurate research, meaningful data interpretation, and effective communication of climate change impacts and solutions.

What is the difference between Climate Change Research Assistant vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectClimate Change Research AssistantEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, climate studies, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, academic institutionsResearch facilities, government agencies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, NGOsGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, NGOs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve environmental research, Climate Change Research Assistants focus specifically on climate-related projects, often supporting data collection and analysis. Environmental Scientists have broader responsibilities, including assessing environmental impacts and developing solutions. The roles overlap in credentials and work environments, but differ in scope and specialization.

What are popular job titles related to Climate Change Research Assistant jobs in California?

For Climate Change Research Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Climate Change Research Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Climate Change Research Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Climate Change Research Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 94% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,387 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Research Assistant - International Energy and Climate Research Assistant - International Energy[...]

Seeds Renewables

Oakland, CA โ€ข On-site

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Research Assistant โ€“ International Energy and Climate

10 months ago

Job Description

Rhodium Group is recruiting a Research Assistant to join the companyโ€™s International Energy and Climate team. Location is flexible but our preference is Rhodiumโ€™s San Francisco Bay Area, California office.
Location: San Francisco, Bay Area | Apply by: December 8, 2025 | Start by: February 2026 (or sooner)
Position Description
Rhodium Group is looking for an entrepreneurial and talented Research Assistant to join our worldโ€‘class team of economists, policy analysts, researchers, and data engineers. As a Research Assistant on Rhodiumโ€™s International Energy and Climate team, you will contribute to Rhodiumโ€™s global clean technology investment tracking, assess the impact of emerging energy technologies and supply chains, and analyze major energy and climate policy developments across the world.
Position Responsibilities

  • Collect, verify, and maintain facility-level and project-level investment and capacity data globally across a wide spectrum of clean energy technologies (solar, wind, EVs, batteries, hydrogen, SAF, critical minerals, etc.).
  • Ensure data accuracy and integrity through quality control.
  • Support database maintenance, workflow development, and pipeline improvements to ensure reproducibility and consistency.
  • Manipulate and analyze large energy, economic, and technology datasets using Excel, Python, and other analytic tools.
  • Contribute to reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Assist with collaboration across teams and external partners by preparing and documenting datasets for transfer.
Qualifications
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in economics, public policy, engineering, environmental science, data science or related disciplines.
  • At least one year of relevant work experience preferred.
  • Strong research and analytical skills; ability to navigate multilingual sources and reconcile conflicting information; experience using AI-based tools to conduct and automate research is a plus.
  • Experience with large datasets is required, along with proficiency in Excel and Python; SQL or other database tools a plus.
  • Data-driven and comfortable working with large datasets.
  • Proficiency in spoken and written English; Chinese languages skills are a plus.
  • Basic understanding of energy systems and technology preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, and ability to work independently.
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work independently.
Location and Travel Requirements
  • Location is flexible but our preference is Oakland, California.
  • Occasional domestic travel (<15%)
Compensation, Benefits, and Recruiting Process
Rhodium Group is an equal opportunity employer for all, committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment.
Rhodium Group offers competitive compensation, a progressive benefits package, and opportunities for intellectual and professional advancement while working with a talented and entrepreneurial group of colleagues.
Rhodium Group compensates based on the level and requirements of the role. Salary within our range may also be determined by factors including, but not limited to, your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as required by the role, as well as geographic location, performance, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, internal equity, alignment with market data, and business or organizational needs. Typically, a Research Assistant joins at $70,340. You will also have an additional 15% bonus target based on a combination of company and individual performance.
About Rhodium Group
Rhodium Group is an independent research provider with deep expertise in policy and economic analysis. We help decision-makers in both the public and private sectors navigate global challenges through objective, original, and data-driven research and insights. Our key areas of expertise are Chinaโ€™s economy and policy dynamics, and global climate change and energy systems. More information is available at www.rhg.com .
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