ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Earth System Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsEarth System Science Jobs

Earth System Science information

See salary details

$24.5K

$48.4K

$79K

How much do earth system science jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for earth system science 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Earth System Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Earth System Scientist, you need a solid background in environmental science, geology, atmospheric science, and data analysis, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Expertise in technical tools such as remote sensing software, geographic information systems (GIS), climate modeling platforms, and programming languages like Python or R is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, collaboration, and effective communication skills help translate complex scientific data into actionable insights for diverse audiences. These skills are crucial for advancing our understanding of Earth's processes, informing policy, and addressing global environmental challenges.

What are some common interdisciplinary collaborations for professionals in Earth System Science?

Earth System Science professionals frequently collaborate with experts from fields like atmospheric science, oceanography, geology, ecology, and data science. These interdisciplinary partnerships are essential for addressing complex environmental challenges such as climate change, resource management, and natural hazard prediction. Teamwork often involves joint research projects, data sharing, and contributing specialized expertise to integrated models or policy recommendations. This collaborative environment not only broadens your skill set but also opens up diverse career advancement opportunities.

What is Earth System Science?

Earth System Science is an interdisciplinary field that studies the interactions between the Earth's atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, geosphere, and human activities. It seeks to understand how these systems interact, influence each other, and change over time. By examining these complex relationships, Earth System Science helps us predict environmental changes, manage natural resources, and address challenges like climate change. Professionals in this field often use tools from physics, chemistry, geology, and biology to analyze data and build models of the Earth's processes.
More about Earth System Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Earth System Science jobs? Cities with the most Earth System Science job openings:
What states have the most Earth System Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Earth System Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Earth System Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Earth System Science jobs are:
Earth System Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Earth System Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, and 15% Part Time. Highlights an 32% Physical, and 68% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,391 per year, or $23.3 per hour.
Senior Research Associate - Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability

Senior Research Associate - Center for Earth System Science and Global Sustainability

Boston College

Chestnut Hill, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Boston College rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Boston College Introduction
Founded in 1863, Boston College is a Jesuit, Catholic university located six miles from downtown Boston with an enrollment of 9,654 full-time undergraduates and 5,072 graduate and professional students. Ranked 37 among national universities, Boston College has 923 full-time and 1,336 FTE faculty, 2,822 non-faculty employees, an operating budget of $1.4 billion, and an endowment in excess of $3.9 billion.
Job Description
The Senior Research Associate will support the researchmission of Centerfor Earth System Science and Global Sustainability (CES3) andthe Global Carbon Project Boston Office by developing and applying data-driven,integrated platforms and decision support systems.
The position contributes toresearch on the food-energy-water nexus, nature-based solutions, sustainableagriculture and food systems, wildfire and greenhouse gas assessments, MRV andcarbon dioxide removal (CDR), and near-real-time greenhouse gas monitoring andforecasting. Thescientist will collaborate across disciplines to support CES3's mission,strengthen its research portfolio, excel in research performance, developcompetitive grant proposals, and effectively manage projects.
This isa three-year position with continuation dependent on funding availability.
Key Responsibilities
  • Developing and implementing data-driven, integrated platforms and decision support systems
  • Conduct research on nature-based solutions, GHG assessments, MRV, CDR, and food-energy-water systems.
  • Lead/support proposal development and research project management.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams and external partners.
  • Prepare publications, reports, and presentations.

To apply for this position, please submit the following materials:
1) A cover letter outlines your research interest and qualification, 2) your CV, 3) DOI links to two representative publications, and 4) The names and contact information of three referees. For additional information on the position, please contact Prof. Hanqin Tian (Inaugural Director) at email: hanqin.tian@bc.edu
FTE Range $70,000 - $100,000
Requirements
Required Qualifications
  • Ph.D. in Earth system science, ecosystem science, hydrology, geospatial data science, Remote sensing, or a related field.
  • Strong skills in data analysis, modeling, and programming.
  • Record of peer-reviewed publications and effective communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with process-based ecosystem modeling, MRV/CDR, nature-based solutions, or food-energy-water systems.
  • Experience with machine learning, remote sensing, or near-real-time environmental data systems.
  • Experience contributing to research proposals or securing funding.

Closing Statement
Boston College offers a broad and competitive range of benefits depending on your job classification eligibility:
  • Tuition remission for Employees
  • Tuition remission for Spouses and Children who meet eligibility requirements
  • Generous Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Low-Cost Life Insurance
  • Eligibility for both University-Funded 401k and Employer-Sponsored 403b Retirement Plans
  • Paid Holidays Annually
  • Generous Sick and Vacation Pay
  • Additional benefits can be found on https://www.bc.edu/employeehandbook

Boston College conducts pre-employment background checks as part of the hiring process.
Boston College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected category, including disability and protected veteran status. Boston College's Notice of Nondiscrimination can be viewed at https://www.bc.edu/nondiscrimination.

Apply