Climate Scientist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking a highly skilled and mission‑driven Climate Scientist to support the climate resilience team within a local utility. In this role, you will apply advanced data science, modeling, and machine learning techniques to analyze climate and weather data, helping the utility better understand and prepare for climate and weather‑driven risks—especially during fire season. Your work will directly inform infrastructure planning, emergency response, and public safety strategies and policies, ensuring our grid and communities are more resilient in the face of a changing climate. This is a contract position with an opportunity to apply for the permanent role.

• Design and implement scientific studies and experiments to collect and analyze data related to the earth’s climate for application in utility specific strategies and policies
• Develop and apply statistical and machine learning models to analyze historical and projected climate and weather data to inform asset hardening, vegetation management, and PSPS (Public Safety Power Shutoff) planning, with a focus on wildfire risk, extreme heat and wind events.
• Stay current on climate science, modeling techniques, and regulatory developments affecting utility climate risk management; apply changes to weather forecast models where appropriate.
• Develop and maintain high-performance data pipelines, integrating a wide range of meteorological data, and implement best practices in data management
• Manage the utility’s meteorology related computing programs, including partnering with IT to troubleshoot hardware and software issues, monitor server health, and manage software upgrades
• Develop and implement software upgrades to increase accuracy of weather forecast models.
• Develop climate‑related policies and strategies for the utility, collaborating with meteorologists, engineers, emergency planners, and external partners to integrate climate and weather insights into operational, strategic, and emergency planning.
• Support Department Emergency Operations Center activations with shift‑based overtime or on‑call work, including nights, weekends, holidays and extended hours.
• This position’s work mode is in‑person.

• Master’s degree in Climate Science, Atmospheric Science, Environmental Science, Data Science, or a related field.
• 3‑5 years of experience.
• Knowledge of computer science principles to implement or modify application software along with data management techniques.
• Proficiency in languages relevant for data analysis, modeling, and machine learning.
• Experience working with climate and weather models and datasets, and downscaling techniques.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical findings into actionable insights.
• A collaborative mindset, ability to operate in a dynamic fast‑paced environment, and a passion for using data to drive climate and weather resilience and public safety.

Slalom is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The targeted hourly pay range is $58/hr to $88/hr. Actual compensation will depend upon an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, location, and other relevant factors. The hourly pay range is subject to change and may be modified at any time. Slalom prides itself on investing in benefits that include meaningful time off and paid holidays, parental leave, 401(k) with a match, a range of choices for highly subsidized health, dental, and vision coverage, adoption and fertility assistance, and short/long‑term disability. We also offer a yearly $350 reimbursement account for any well‑being‑related expenses, as well as discounted home, auto, and pet insurance.

Slalom is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting, developing and retaining highly qualified talent that empowers our innovative teams through unique perspectives and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Slalom will also consider qualified applications with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. Slalom welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations are available for candidates during all aspects of this selection process. Please advise the talent acquisition team or contact accommodations request@slalom.com if you require accommodations during the interview process.