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Climate Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Stand Insurance

Fire Science Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$30/hr

Our leadership team brings deep experience across insurance, technology, and climate science, having built significant market value at prior ventures. Traditional insurance models often rely on broad ...

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$24.2K

$47.8K

$78K

How much do climate science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for climate 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 key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a climate scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Scientist, you need a strong background in environmental science, atmospheric physics, mathematics, and typically a graduate degree in a related field. Familiarity with climate modeling software, programming languages like Python or R, and experience analyzing large datasets are commonly required. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and share findings with diverse audiences. These skills ensure rigorous scientific research, accurate climate predictions, and impactful contributions to environmental policy and public understanding.

What are some common challenges climate scientists face when conducting field research?

Climate scientists often encounter logistical and environmental challenges while conducting field research. These can include accessing remote or hazardous locations, dealing with unpredictable weather conditions, and transporting sensitive equipment. Collaboration with local experts and interdisciplinary teams is essential to ensure accurate data collection and analysis. Additionally, securing funding and adhering to regulatory requirements can be ongoing hurdles, but overcoming these challenges provides valuable experience and contributes to meaningful scientific advancements.

What do climate scientists do?

Climate scientists study the Earth's climate systems, analyzing data on temperature, weather patterns, and greenhouse gas levels to understand climate change. They use tools like computer models and conduct field research to assess environmental impacts and inform policy decisions.

Do climate scientists make a lot of money?

Climate scientists' salaries vary depending on experience, education, and location, but they generally earn a median annual wage comparable to other environmental science roles, often ranging from $50,000 to $100,000. Advanced positions, such as research scientists or those with PhDs, tend to have higher salaries, especially in government or private sectors. Skills in data analysis, modeling, and environmental monitoring are valuable in this field.

What is climate science?

Climate science is the study of Earth's climate system, including the atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, and ice. It involves understanding how these components interact, how the climate has changed in the past, and how it may change in the future due to natural and human influences. Climate scientists use data from observations, models, and experiments to analyze trends, predict climate scenarios, and inform policy decisions. Their work is crucial for addressing issues like global warming, extreme weather events, and environmental sustainability.

What can you do with a climate science degree?

A climate science degree prepares individuals for careers such as climate analyst, environmental consultant, research scientist, or policy advisor. These roles often involve data analysis, modeling, and using tools like GIS and climate models to assess environmental impacts and develop sustainable solutions.

What is the difference between Climate Science vs Environmental Science?

AspectClimate ScienceEnvironmental Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Climate Science, Environmental Science, or related fields; certifications in climate modeling or data analysisBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields; certifications in environmental management
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, government agencies, climate modeling centersEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, NGOs
Industry UsageFocuses on climate change, atmospheric processes, and global warmingFocuses on ecosystems, pollution, conservation, and sustainability

Climate Science and Environmental Science share overlapping skills and work environments but differ in focus. Climate Science centers on climate change and atmospheric processes, while Environmental Science covers broader ecological and pollution issues. Both fields are vital for addressing environmental challenges and often collaborate in research and policy development.

What are popular job titles related to Climate Science jobs in California? For Climate Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Climate Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Climate Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Climate Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Climate Science job openings:
Climate Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Climate Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,757 per year, or $23 per hour.

Staff AI Researcher for Ecogical and Industrial Optimization

X, The Moonshot Factory

Mountain View, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
X, The Moonshot Factory is a diverse group of inventors and entrepreneurs focused on creating technologies that address significant global challenges. The role involves leading the development of advanced AI models for ecological and industrial optimization, bridging the gap between AI research and practical applications.
Responsibilities:
• Drive innovation in modeling techniques across varied scientific and technoeconomic fields.
• Develop technologies to automate the generation of mechanistic, physics-inspired and operator models of various real-world phenomena.
• Create methodologies for large-scale, global designs utilizing these models.
• Utilize Earth Foundation Models and scalable geospatial tech to build models that detect natural phenomena and their temporal dynamics.
• Partner with scientists and engineers to convert research into production-grade solutions using GCP and MLOps, facilitating robust experimentation and client delivery.
• Engineer advanced agentic systems to interpret real-world data, produce task-specific algorithms, and support users in reaching climate goals.
• Keep pace with the rapid evolution of ML, specifically focusing on generative and multi-modal systems.
• Act like an owner; be fearless in diving deep, asking questions, proposing solutions, establishing consensus and then making things happen.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Graduate degree (Master's or PhD) in Engineering, Computer Science, or a comparable technical discipline.
• 6+ years of professional experience in the design, development, and deployment of machine learning solutions.
• Demonstrated proficiency in training deep learning, generic, and domain-specific mechanistic models (e.g., biological or physical).
• Practical experience working with LLMs, Earth Foundation Models, and multi-modal systems like VLMs.
• Strong Python programming abilities and a solid grasp of software engineering best practices.
• Familiarity with MLOps/DevOps tools and methodologies, including Vertex AI, Kubernetes, and CI/CD pipelines.
Preferred:
• Prior experience thriving in small-team or startup environments.
• Background knowledge in climate science, ecosystem dynamics, or economics.
• A record of published research in pertinent academic fields.
Company:
X, the moonshot factory invents and launches breakthrough technologies and radical solutions. It is a sub-organization of Alphabet. Founded in 2010, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

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