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Earth Science Graduate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Staff Hydrogeologist

Sacramento, CA

$7.0K - $8.0K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepare project reports and work plans Education Bachelor's degree in hydrology, geology, earth sciences, civil engineering, or environmental engineering; graduate degree and professional geologist ...

Showing results 41-60

Earth Science Graduate information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$47.8K

$78K

How much do earth science graduate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for earth science graduate 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 is the difference between Earth Science Graduate vs Geologist?

AspectEarth Science GraduateGeologist
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in earth sciences or related fieldOften requires a bachelor's degree in geology or earth sciences; advanced roles may need a master's or PhD
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, educational settingsFieldwork, consulting firms, government agencies, mining companies
Industry UsageEntry-level, academic, or research rolesProfessional roles in exploration, environmental consulting, resource management

Earth Science Graduates often possess foundational knowledge suitable for entry-level positions or further specialization, while Geologists typically have more experience and credentials for professional fieldwork and consulting roles. Both roles are integral to understanding Earth's processes but differ in experience level and job responsibilities.

What projects or tasks can an earth science graduate expect to work on in their first professional roles?

As an Earth Science Graduate entering the workforce, you can expect to engage in tasks such as collecting and analyzing soil, water, or rock samples, assisting with field surveys, and contributing to environmental impact assessments. You may also support data entry, mapping, and report preparation while collaborating closely with more experienced geologists, environmental scientists, or engineers. These foundational responsibilities help you develop practical skills and form an understanding of industry-standard methodologies, setting the stage for future specialization and advancement.

What is an earth science graduate?

Earth Science Graduates are individuals who have completed a degree in earth sciences, a field that studies the physical constitution of the Earth and its atmosphere. Their education covers subjects like geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental science. These graduates often pursue careers in research, environmental consulting, government agencies, or education. They play an important role in understanding natural processes, managing natural resources, and addressing environmental challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an earth science graduate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Earth Science Graduate, you need a strong background in geology, environmental science, chemistry, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Experience using GIS software, remote sensing tools, and laboratory instrumentation is highly valued in this field. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate on research or fieldwork projects. These skills and qualifications are important for addressing complex environmental challenges and making informed scientific contributions.
What are popular job titles related to Earth Science Graduate jobs in California? For Earth Science Graduate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Earth Science Graduate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Earth Science Graduate jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Earth Science Graduate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, and 41% Part Time. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,757 per year, or $23 per hour.

Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot (Direct Hire)

US National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Edwards, CA

$161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

The Armstrong Flight Research Center (AFRC) is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Research Pilot to support aeronautics flight research and Earth science missions. The incumbent will conduct experimental and developmental flight tests, support complex airborne science operations, and contribute to NASA's mission to advance aerospace technology and scientific discovery flying a wide range of aircraft to include upcoming flight research on Boeing 737 and 777 aircraft.Qualifications:In addition to the Basic Education Requirement (in the Education section below), to qualify for this position you must meet the requirements below. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular ability, skill, and knowledge to successfully perform the duties of this position and is typically in or related to this line of work.
NASA utilizes OPM-approved qualification and rating requirements specific for Aerospace Technology (AST) positions which recognizes NASA's unique aerospace work. The specific qualifications and minimum education requirements are further described below and within the education section of the job announcement.
1. Certificate and Rating:
  • A current Federal Aviation Administration commercial pilot's license with an instrument rating OR
  • A pilot and instrument rating from the armed services.

2. Flight Hours:
  • 1,500 hours of pilot-in-command (or first pilot) flight time that included at least 500 hours in jet aircraft having at least 3,000 pounds of thrust per engine.
3. Specialized experience:
  • To qualify for GS-14, you must have one year of directly related specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level:
  • Inflight experience executing flight test techniques for performance and flying qualities testing;
  • Performing Pilot in command experience in transport or bomber type aircraft;
  • Performing flight research, flight test, or airborne test bed aircraft operations.
To receive proper consideration, you must:
  • Submit a copy of your license (front and back) with your application AND
  • Ensure that your flight hours are indicated in your resume.
Your resume must include a clear and detailed narrative description, in your own words, of how you meet the required specialized experience. Experience statements copied from a position description, vacancy announcement or other reference material constitutes plagiarism and may result in disqualification and losing consideration for the job.
Please visit https://www.nasa.gov/careers/how-to-apply/#Artificial-Intelligence to review NASA's guidance on the use of artificial intelligent (AI) or AI-assisted tools during the application process.Education:Basic Education Requirement: You must have successfully completed a bachelor's degree with a major in one of the following:
a) Engineering from a college or university that has ABET accredited engineering programs
b) Physical Science, Mathematics, Life Science or other field of Science
c) Computer Science that included 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours of course work in any combination of mathematics, statistics and computer science with at least half of those hours in mathematics and statistics courses that included differential and integral calculus; and that provided an in-depth knowledge of theoretical and practical applications of computer science, including digital computer system architecture and system software organization, the representation and transformation of information structures, and the theoretical models for such representations and transformations.
If you did not complete a qualifying bachelor's degree, you may be eligible if you have obtained a graduate degree in an AST qualifying field, as listed above.
Applicants who do not fully meet the basic education requirement may still be considered if they possess exceptional relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience, that clearly demonstrates significant full performance-level achievement directly related to the duties of this position.
Engineering degrees earned within the United States: Engineering degrees earned within the United States must be from a college or university that has at least one ABET accredited engineering program. To find out if a school has at least one ABET accredited program, please visit http://www.abet.org.
Engineering degrees earned outside the United States: Engineering degrees earned outside the United States must be recognized by a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), often known as accords. These are non-governmental agreements among organizations that accredit academic degree programs. MRAs recognize the substantial equivalence of mature accreditation systems and programs accredited by signatory organizations within their jurisdictions. For a listing of Signatories, please visit, https://www.abet.org/global-presence/mutual-recognition-agreements/is-your-program-recognized/.
Science and other related degrees earned within the United States: Science and other related degrees must have been awarded from colleges or universities that are accredited by recognized accrediting organizations. For a list of schools that meet this criteria, go to http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
Science and other related degrees earned outside the United States: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs. These education credentials must be deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
All degrees must have been received in the year of, or any year subsequent to the original date of accreditation.Employment Type: OTHER