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Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Davis, CA

Staff Scientist I

West Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$50K - $60K/yr

This is an entry-level stormwater professional role and is a great fit for someone who is eager to ... Bachelor's degree in environmental science, engineering, or related field * 0-2 years of experience ...

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Entry Level Environmental Science information

See Davis, CA salary details

$13

$23

$37

How much do entry level environmental science jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level environmental science in Davis, CA is $23.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.70 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level environmental science jobs?

Entry level environmental science jobs are positions designed for individuals who are new to the environmental science field, typically recent graduates with a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related discipline. These roles may include titles such as environmental technician, field assistant, laboratory analyst, or environmental consultant. Responsibilities often involve collecting and analyzing environmental data, assisting with fieldwork, preparing reports, and supporting environmental monitoring or remediation projects. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and are a stepping stone to more advanced roles in environmental science.

What types of projects do entry-level environmental scientists typically work on, and how much fieldwork is involved?

Entry-level environmental scientists often assist with site assessments, environmental monitoring, data collection, and report preparation for projects such as pollution investigations, habitat restoration, or regulatory compliance. The amount of fieldwork varies by employer and project, but you can expect a mix of office-based analysis and on-site sampling or observation, sometimes requiring travel or outdoor work in various weather conditions. These projects offer valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to collaborate with engineers, senior scientists, and regulatory agencies, helping you build both technical and teamwork skills early in your career.

What is the difference between Entry Level Environmental Science vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some roles may require a bachelor's
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, government agencies, consulting firmsFieldwork, sampling, data collection, laboratory analysis
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, government agencies, environmental consulting firmsEnvironmental consulting, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Environmental Science roles typically require a bachelor's degree and involve research, analysis, and project planning in various environmental settings. Environmental Technicians often focus on field sampling and data collection, sometimes with an associate's degree or certification. Both roles are essential in environmental work, but they differ mainly in educational requirements and daily tasks.

How to start a career in entry level environmental science?

To start a career in entry level environmental science, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as environmental science, biology, or chemistry. Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or research projects and developing skills in data analysis, GIS, and environmental monitoring can improve job prospects. Certifications like the EPA's Environmental Professional Certification or OSHA safety training can also be beneficial.

Is it hard to get a job in entry level environmental science right now?

Entry level environmental science jobs are competitive but accessible for recent graduates with relevant skills such as data analysis, fieldwork, and knowledge of environmental regulations. Job availability depends on location, industry demand, and individual qualifications, with opportunities often found in government agencies, consulting firms, and non-profit organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental Science jobs in Davis, CA?

The most popular types of Environmental Science jobs in Davis, CA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Davis, CA?

For Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Davis, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Davis, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Davis, CA are:

What cities near Davis, CA are hiring for Entry Level Environmental Science jobs?

Cities near Davis, CA with the most Entry Level Environmental Science job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Science job openings in Davis, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 75% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,461 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Environmental Specialist

Tetra Tech

Rancho Cordova, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago


Tetra Tech rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

403rd of 451 rated engineering


Job description

The Opportunity:

Tetra Tech, Inc is currently seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Entry-Level Environmental Specialist to support environmental consulting projects across a range of sectors, including regulatory compliance, field investigations, environmental permitting, and reporting. This position is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career professional who is eager to build a career in environmental consulting and contribute to meaningful projects that support responsible development and environmental stewardship.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges.  Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world.  For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.  Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development.  Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.  Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.

Essential Job Functions:

The Environmental Specialist will work under the guidance of experienced staff and project managers to assist with field work, data collection, technical documentation, and client deliverables. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong communication skills, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

  • Support preparation of technical reports, permit applications, compliance documents, and environmental deliverables.

  • Collect, organize, and analyze environmental data in support of project requirements.

  • Conduct literature and regulatory research related to environmental permitting and compliance.

  • Maintain accurate field notes, logs, and project documentation.

  • Follow health, safety, and quality assurance protocols during field and office work.

  • Support senior staff with project coordination, scheduling, and client communication as needed.

  • Travel to project sites as required for field assignments.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Geology, Natural Resources, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

  • 0-2 years of relevant experience, including internships, co-ops, or field research.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook.

  • Ability to organize information, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

  • Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and field conditions.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and by email in field and office settings.

  • A Pre-employment drug screening in compliance with state regulations is required.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license with a clean driving record without restrictions. 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Interest in NEPA, CEQA, ESA, CWA.

Physical Requirements:

  • Occasional travel, including day travel and overnight stays (approx. 25-50% of travel required).

  • Ability to lift, carry, and transport field equipment and supplies, typically up to 25-50 pounds.

  • Exposure to uneven terrain, mud, rocks, standing water, vegetation, and other natural site hazards may occur. Noise, vibration, odors, and airborne dust may be present at some project sites.

  • Personal protective equipment may be required depending on site conditions and project scope. Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, high-visibility vests, steel-toe boots, and respiratory protection if needed.

  • Ability to walk, stand, and/or hike for extended periods, often on uneven or rough terrain. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and reach as needed during field activities.

  • Ability to sit for extended periods when performing office-based tasks such as report writing, data entry, and analysis.

Work Environment / Environmental Factors:

  • Fieldwork may occur outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, snow, and dust. Field locations may include construction sites, industrial facilities, undeveloped land, wetlands, streams, roadways, or remote project areas.

  • Work may involve exposure to traffic, heavy equipment, moving machinery, or active construction operations.

  • Position is based out of the Ranco Cordova, CA or Phoenix, AZ office location. Potential of a hybrid work arrangement but the candidate must reside within 20 miles of the local office. This arrangement is subject to review and may change at the company's discretion.

Additional Information:

  • Full-time, Monday through Friday work schedule (40 hours). Hours may vary based on project demands, weather conditions, or client schedules. Some work may require early mornings, evenings, or weekend assignments.

  • Work is performed in both office and field settings.

Target salary range:  $24.00 / hour to $25.00 / hour. Please note that Tetra Tech considers various factors in determining pay, including but not limited to: education, relevant and demonstrated work experience in the role, skills, geographic location, qualifications, certifications, and other competencies relevant to the needs of the business.

Life at Tetra Tech:

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

  • Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
  • Tetra Tech offers the following optional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long & Short-Term Disability, Health & Dependent Care Flexible Spending. Financial Benefits: Group Term Life, Optional Group Term Life Insurance, Business Travel Accident Insurance, Health Savings Account, 401K, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Time Off with Pay, Employee Assistance Program, Adoption Assistance, Leaves of Absence.
  • Merit-based financial rewards.
  • Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
  • Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
  • Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Please no phone calls or agencies.

Additional Information
  • Organization: 117 ECS

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Tetra Tech logo

About Tetra Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Tetra Tech combines the resources of a global, multibillion-dollar company with local, client-focused delivery in more than 450 locations around the world. Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees-21,000 associates working together to provide smart, scalable solutions for challenging projects. We are proud to be home to leading technical experts in water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.

Industry

Civil engineering construction and environmental consulting services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pasadena, CA, US