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Earth Science Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Field Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

As a Field Technician with GeoSonics, Inc. you will travel to various worksites, such as homes ... Experience or degree in Construction, Geology, Earth Science or related field, preferred but not ...

Field Technician

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

As a Field Technician with GeoSonics, Inc. you will travel to various worksites, such as homes ... Experience or degree in Construction, Geology, Earth Science or related field, preferred but not ...

Field Technician

Boise, ID · On-site

$32 - $38/hr

Geotechnician - Drill Rig Support We are seeking motivated and safety-focused Geo-Technicians to ... Degree in Geology, Earth Science, or Engineering preferred * Comfortable working in harsh weather ...

Field Technician

Elko, NV · On-site

$32 - $38/hr

Geotechnician - Drill Rig Support We are seeking motivated and safety-focused Geo-Technicians to ... Degree in Geology, Earth Science, or Engineering preferred * Comfortable working in harsh weather ...

Showing results 21-40

Earth Science Technician information

See salary details

$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do earth science technician jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for earth science technician in the United States is $48,391.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers are in earth science?

Earth science careers include roles such as Earth Science Technician, Geologist, Hydrologist, Meteorologist, and Environmental Scientist. These jobs often involve fieldwork, data analysis, and the use of specialized tools and software to study Earth's processes and materials.

What is an earth science technician?

Earth Science Technicians are professionals who assist scientists in conducting research and experiments related to earth sciences, such as geology, meteorology, hydrology, or environmental science. They often collect and analyze soil, water, and air samples, operate scientific equipment, and help maintain laboratory or field sites. Their work supports the monitoring of natural resources, environmental quality, and the effects of human activity on the earth. Earth Science Technicians may work for government agencies, research institutions, or private companies.

Is earth science a good career?

Earth science technicians support geologists and other scientists by collecting and analyzing data related to Earth's processes, often working outdoors or in laboratories. The field offers opportunities in environmental consulting, resource management, and research, with a need for technical skills and relevant certifications. Job prospects depend on industry demand and geographic location, and the work can involve physical activity and fieldwork.

What are some common challenges earth science technicians face when working in the field, and how can they prepare for them?

Earth Science Technicians often encounter challenging field conditions, such as remote locations, inclement weather, and physically demanding tasks like carrying equipment or collecting samples. Preparation is key—technicians should ensure they have proper outdoor gear, are trained in safety protocols, and are comfortable with navigation and basic first aid. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are also important, as fieldwork may require adapting to unexpected changes in schedule or data collection methods. Building good communication with team members helps ensure safety and efficiency during field operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an earth science technician?

To thrive as an Earth Science Technician, you need a background in geology, environmental science, or a related field, often supported by an associate's or bachelor's degree. Familiarity with field sampling equipment, GIS software, and laboratory analysis tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection and analysis, which are crucial for supporting scientific research and environmental monitoring.

What is the difference between Earth Science Technician vs Geologist?

AspectEarth Science TechnicianGeologist
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certificationBachelor's degree or higher in geology or earth sciences
Work EnvironmentField sites, laboratories, data collectionFieldwork, research labs, academic or industry settings
Industry UsageEnvironmental agencies, mining, oil & gas, researchResearch, consulting, resource exploration, academia

Earth Science Technicians typically hold associate degrees and focus on data collection, analysis, and supporting geologists. Geologists usually have bachelor's degrees and engage in more in-depth research, analysis, and interpretation of earth processes. Both roles work in field and lab environments but differ in education level and scope of responsibilities.

More about Earth Science Technician jobs
Infographic showing various Earth Science Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

$50K - $73K/yr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

256th of 615 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Instructional Support Technician I

Apply now Job no: 559744
Work type: Staff
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Administrative, Probationary, Full Time
Position Description

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 23-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 15,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, veterans, and those with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

Job/Department Summary:

Under supervision, the Instructional Support Technician (IST) performs comprehensive support services for providing materials, supplies, equipment and related logistical support to a variety of upper and lower division laboratory courses in several disciplines, having varied needs, and requiring support involving technical and non-technical equipment, material, and supplies for the departments of Earth & Environmental Sciences and Science Education.

Required Education and Experience:

Equivalent to two years of experience providing instructional support services for Earth & Environmental Sciences and/or Science Education, acting as a student assistant, or in producing materials or supplies related to Earth & Environmental Sciences and/or Science Education.
OR
Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in Earth & Environmental Sciences and/or Science Education or related area to which assigned may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
OR
Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in Earth & Environmental Sciences and/or Science Education or related discipline may be substituted for the experience.

Preferences:

Preference may be given to applicants with the following as they may be considered specialized skills: 

  • Undergraduate degree in Earth Science, Environmental Science, or equivalent field (based on curriculum).
  • Full-time equivalent to two years of student assistant level experience providing support services for an instructional program in earth science particularly as it related to science education, including such activities as preparing, producing, dispensing, or storing materials, supplies, and equipment.
  •  

Time Base: Full-time

Pay Plan: 12/12

Work Schedule: Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm, Summer: Mon-Thurs 7:00am-5:30pm 

CSU Classification Salary Range:  $50,208 (Step 1) - $73,152 (Step 20) per year. 

Benefits: This position qualifies for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible).

CSU, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance).  For more information please visit https://www.calstate.edu/csu-system/careers/benefits/Documents/employee-benefits-summary.pdf

Additional Information:

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant's current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. 

California State University, Chico, in accordance with CSU policy, may require that the successful candidate complete a background check (including a criminal records check, sexual offender registry check, and/or fingerprinting) prior to assuming this position. Failure to satisfactorily complete or pass the background check may impact the job offer or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for posted positions identified as sensitive.

The person holding this position is considered a "Limited Mandated Reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment.

Throughout employment in this position incumbent must maintain a valid California Driver's License as well as continued completion and compliance of the CSU Defensive Driver's Training course.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, "Today Decides Tomorrow," is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century. 

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus.  We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status.

Chico State is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555. It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report.

Open Until Filled (Review of Applications will begin 08/11/26. Applications received after that date may be considered.)

Advertised: Jul 21 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US