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Entry Level Conservation Data Science Jobs in California

Faire

Data Science Intern

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$75/hr

... entry level Master's or PhD students in Computer Science, Operations Research, Statistics ... data collected about you, please visit Faire's Privacy Notice

General Atomics

Data Scientist I

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68K - $116K/yr

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an entry level Data Scientist within our IFT Division located in San Diego, California. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Own the design, development, and ...

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SynergisticIT

data (Entry Level)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

From staffing to full implementation of projects we provide the highest quality IT Services. We Focus on Java/Full stack and Data Science/Machine learning/Python/AI candidates. You'll be responsible ...

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All JobsConservation Data Science JobsEntry Level Conservation Data Science JobsEntry Level Conservation Data Science Jobs in California

Entry Level Conservation Data Science information

What types of projects does an entry level conservation data scientist work on?

As an Entry Level Conservation Data Scientist, you can expect to work on projects such as analyzing wildlife population data, mapping habitat changes using GIS, and modeling the impacts of environmental policies. Your work often involves managing and cleaning ecological datasets, running statistical analyses, and visualizing results to support conservation decisions. You’ll typically collaborate with ecologists, field researchers, and policy teams to translate data insights into actionable conservation strategies. This role is a great starting point for learning how data-driven approaches directly inform and improve conservation practices.

What is entry level conservation data science?

Entry level conservation data science is a field where professionals use data analysis and computational tools to help solve problems in environmental conservation. These roles typically involve collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data related to wildlife, ecosystems, and natural resources. Entry-level positions may include tasks like managing databases, visualizing geographic information, and supporting research projects. This field is ideal for recent graduates with skills in data science, ecology, or environmental science who want to contribute to conservation efforts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level conservation data scientist?

To thrive as an Entry Level Conservation Data Scientist, you need a background in ecology or environmental science, proficiency in data analysis, and experience with statistics, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with programming languages like R or Python, data visualization tools, and GIS software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and share findings clearly. These competencies are crucial for generating actionable insights from complex environmental data to support conservation decision-making.

What is the difference between Entry Level Conservation Data Science vs Entry Level Environmental Data Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Conservation Data ScienceEntry Level Environmental Data Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental Science, Data Science, or related field; basic programming skillsBachelor's in Environmental Science, Data Analysis, or related field; proficiency in data tools
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research institutions, conservation organizationsResearch labs, government agencies, environmental consultancies
Employer & Industry UsageConservation projects, wildlife agencies, NGOsEnvironmental impact assessments, policy analysis, sustainability firms

While both roles involve analyzing environmental data, Conservation Data Scientists focus on applying data science techniques to conservation efforts, often combining field data with advanced analytics. Environmental Data Analysts typically handle data interpretation for environmental reports and policy. The roles overlap in skills and industry but differ in focus and application.

What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Data Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Conservation Data Science jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Conservation Data Science jobs in California?

For Entry Level Conservation Data Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Conservation Data Science jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Conservation Data Science jobs in California are:

Entry Level Conservation Data Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Conservation Data Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Science and Conservation Associate

Laguna Ocean Foundation

Laguna Beach, CA • Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Science and Conservation Associate

Location: Laguna Beach, California
Organization: Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF)
Status: Part-time (Contingent upon funding)

About Laguna Ocean Foundation

The Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring Laguna Beach’s coastal ecosystems through science, education, conservation, and community engagement. Working with universities, government agencies, and community partners, LOF is advancing innovative coastal monitoring by integrating field ecology with drones, GIS, machine learning, environmental DNA (eDNA), and citizen science.

Position Summary

LOF seeks a motivated Science and Conservation Associate to support the technical foundation of its research and conservation programs. This position transforms field observations into high-quality geospatial data that inform ecological monitoring, restoration, conservation planning, and public education across Laguna Beach’s Marine Protected Areas.

The Associate will manage geospatial workflows—from drone and underwater ROV surveys through machine-learning analysis, GIS integration, habitat mapping, and scientific visualization. Working closely with LOF biologists, university researchers, GIS specialists, and interns, the Associate will help build one of California’s most comprehensive long-term coastal spatial datasets while supporting scientific publications, grant-funded research, StoryMaps, and emerging conservation technologies.

Position contingent upon funding.

Primary Responsibilities

Remote Sensing & Field Operations

● Conduct drone surveys under FAA Part 107 regulations.

● Operate underwater ROVs to document marine habitats.

● Coordinate field logistics, equipment, permits, and data collection.

GIS & Spatial Analysis

● Process drone imagery into ortho-mosaics and elevation models.

● Maintain GIS databases and produce habitat, species, and change-detection maps.

● Integrate remote sensing with biological field data.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

● Develop and apply machine-learning models for habitat and species classification.

● Improve classification workflows and support Python-based geospatial automation.

Research & Communication

● Collaborate with scientists and partner institutions on applied conservation research.

● Assist with scientific publications, technical reports, grant proposals, and conference presentations.

● Develop Story-Maps, dashboards, and visual products that communicate science to diverse audiences.

Training & Program Support

● Mentor interns and volunteers in GIS, drone operations, and data collection.

● Help establish standardized monitoring and data management protocols.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

● At least one year of experience in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis, or environmental monitoring.

● Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS.

● Experience with Python for geospatial analysis or machine learning.

● Experience processing drone imagery using photogrammetry.

● Familiarity with image classification or computer vision workflows.

● Knowledge of geospatial data management and reproducible workflows.

● FAA Part 107 certification (or ability to obtain).

● Excellent organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in coastal or marine ecosystems.

● Underwater ROV experience.

● Familiarity with eDNA, ecological monitoring, or conservation research.

● Experience working with universities, government agencies, or nonprofits.

● Grant writing or peer-reviewed publication experience.

● Experience with ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, Dashboards, or web GIS.

● Knowledge of TensorFlow, PyTorch, Detectron2, or similar frameworks.

● Experience with cloud-based geospatial workflows.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Please send in your material by July 31 to info@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

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