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Community Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Giant Magellan Telescope

Project Scientist

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$155K - $240K/yr

... community. To this end, the PS will have a variety of specific responsibilities working with the GMTO Science Advisory Committee; working with the Project Manager and technical team; supporting the ...

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Community Science information

What are examples of community jobs?

Community science jobs include roles such as community outreach coordinator, citizen science project manager, environmental educator, and volunteer coordinator. These positions often involve engaging the public in scientific activities, organizing events, and promoting scientific literacy within communities.

What is community science?

Community science, also known as citizen science, is a collaborative process where members of the public participate in scientific research and data collection, often in partnership with professional scientists. This approach empowers communities to contribute to scientific studies that impact their local environment, public health, or other shared interests. Community science projects can range from monitoring local wildlife and air quality to gathering health data, fostering a sense of ownership and engagement with scientific outcomes. It is a valuable way to democratize science and help address real-world issues with direct community involvement.

What do community scientists do?

Community scientists, also known as citizen scientists, collect and analyze data to support scientific research and environmental monitoring. They often participate in projects using tools like mobile apps or sampling kits and work under the guidance of professional scientists to contribute valuable data for studies and conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Community Science vs Environmental Technician?

AspectCommunity ScienceEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or related fieldsOften an associate degree or certification in environmental technology or related areas
Work EnvironmentCommunity-based settings, outreach programs, educational eventsFieldwork, laboratory, and site assessments in environmental sites
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, educational institutionsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites

Community Science and Environmental Technicians both work in environmental fields but differ mainly in focus and work environment. Community Science emphasizes public engagement and education, often working directly with communities, while Environmental Technicians focus on field assessments and technical data collection. Both roles require related environmental credentials and serve overlapping industries, but their daily tasks and settings vary significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Science professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Science professional, you need a background in scientific research methods, data collection, and public engagement, often supported by a degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software, citizen science platforms, and GIS tools is commonly required. Strong communication, collaboration, and project management skills help build trust and engage diverse communities. These skills are important to ensure accurate data collection, effective outreach, and meaningful scientific outcomes that benefit both science and society.

What is the highest paying job in social science?

In social science, high-paying roles include senior research directors, policy analysts, and university professors with tenure, often earning six-figure salaries. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and strong analytical or research skills.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Community Science, and how can they be addressed?

Community Science professionals often encounter challenges such as building trust with community members, ensuring data quality, and effectively engaging diverse populations. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills, cultural sensitivity, and transparent collaboration. It’s important to design inclusive outreach strategies, provide clear training on data collection, and maintain open feedback channels to foster sustained participation and reliable results.

What biology jobs pay over $100k?

Community science roles typically do not pay over $100,000; however, advanced biology careers such as biomedical scientists, pharmacologists, and certain research directors often exceed this salary threshold. These positions usually require advanced degrees, specialized skills, and experience in laboratory or clinical settings.
What are popular job titles related to Community Science jobs in California? For Community Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Science jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Community Science jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Community Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Community Science job openings:
Community Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Science job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Project Scientist

Giant Magellan Telescope

Pasadena, CA • On-site

$155K - $240K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Title: Project Scientist
Element: Science
Manager: Chief Scientist
Type: Full-Time
Location: Pasadena, CA
Job Summary
Reporting to the GMTO Chief Scientist (CS), the Project Scientist (PS) will assist and support the CS in all aspects of the scientific definition, development, and planning efforts for design and construction of the GMT observatory, and in interacting with the scientific community.
To this end, the PS will have a variety of specific responsibilities working with the GMTO Science Advisory Committee; working with the Project Manager and technical team; supporting the activities of the Development and Communications team and the Education and Public Outreach team. The successful candidate will represent the project at national and international meetings.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced observational astronomer with at least 10 years of post-doctoral experience in research, writing publications and grants, and giving scientific, technical, and public talks. Research and observational experience should include a range of observational techniques, data analysis and reduction. The ideal candidate will also have experience in the development of optical and infrared imagers and spectrographs, adaptive optical (AO) systems, and the integration and scientific operation of AO-enabled high-contrast, high spatial resolution, and high temporal resolution astronomical instrumentation
Job Duties
Work with the Chief Scientist to provide scientific leadership for the GMT Project. Specific areas of support will include:
  • The scientific and logistical organization of the annual Community Science Meetings.
  • Serve as an ex-officio member and vice-Chair of the Science Advisory Committee to support the Chair in coordinate the activities and presentations to the SAC and organize SAC meetings.
  • Monitor and refine the scientific, functional, and operational requirements for the Observatory as appropriate, responding to evolution of the field and input from the community and Project.
  • Maintain the GMT Observatory Level One Requirements.
  • Work closely with the GMT Project Manager, Project Engineer and System Engineer to ensure the implementation of the Level 1 Requirements throughout the construction and commissioning phases.
  • Serve as a member of the GMT Change Control Board.
  • Works closely with the Science Instrument Element Manager to develop the first-generation science instruments and develop the second-generation instrumentation plan.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of the science requirements for the GMT instruments during the development of the first-generation instruments, in collaboration with the Science Instrument Element Manager.
  • Work with the Project Manager on the development of the operational plans for the observatory.
  • Work with the Lead Systems Engineer to guide commissioning activities.
  • Support GMT's Development and Communications Team as needed.
  • Support GMT's Education and Public Outreach activities as needed.

Essential Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
  • A PHD in astronomy, astrophysics, or related field.
  • 10 years post-doctoral experience engaged in observational research using ground-based observations.
  • Demonstrated analytical, leadership, maangement, and organizational skills.
  • Demonstrated excellence in scientific writing and verb al communication in English.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively in diverse scientific, technical, and public environments.
  • Ability to travel and work in a variety of environments, including the GMTO offices in Pasadena, Santiago (Chile), international GMTO partner sites, and the GMTO site within Las Campanas Observatory (LCO) in Chile.

Desired Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
  • Experience in instrument development for ground-based observatories
  • Experience in the development and use of adaptive optics systems on 8-m class telescopes
  • Experience with the daytime and nighttime operation of 8-m class optical observatories.
  • Experience supporting the development of international scientific projects.

Working Conditions
  • Open-plan office spaces
  • Indoor and outdoor fabrication and construction sites
  • National and international travel

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to travel by air between US, Chile, and international work sites
  • Ability to function safely and effecitvely in remote and high elevation (2500m/8500ft) observatory environments

Direct Reports
None
Featured Benefits
  • Medical Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Disability Insurance

Hiring Range
$155,000-$240,000
The salary for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, and training.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, contact a Giant Magellan Telescope Corporation Human Resources Representative.

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