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Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Lancaster, SC

This is an entry level technical support position, working with Designers, Engineers, GIS ... Environmental Science, Computer Science and/or GIS Certification. Or equivalent technical ...

Project Engineer, Associate

Rock Hill, SC · On-site

$55K - $73K/yr

... environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our ... Qualifications * 0+ years of experience with Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering (preferably ...

Entry Level Environmental Science information

See Lancaster, SC salary details

$10

$18

$29

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

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level environmental science in Lancaster, SC is $18.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.76 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs can you go into with environmental science?

Entry level environmental science graduates can pursue roles such as environmental technician, field analyst, or conservation assistant. These jobs often involve data collection, environmental monitoring, and reporting, requiring knowledge of laboratory tools, GIS software, and environmental regulations.

What is the lowest salary for an environmental scientist?

Entry-level environmental scientists typically earn starting salaries around $40,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on location, education, and employer. Salaries can be lower for internships or part-time roles and increase with experience and certifications such as GIS or environmental impact assessment skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Environmental Scientist, a bachelor’s degree in environmental science or a related field, along with strong analytical and research skills, is essential. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as GIS), laboratory techniques, and environmental regulations is commonly required. Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital for accurately collecting data, interpreting findings, and collaborating on projects that address environmental challenges.

What Are Entry-Level Environmental Science Jobs?

Entry-level environmental science jobs include working in biology, geology, chemistry, education, public relations, public policy, or consulting. Your specific duties differ depending on whether you have a research job or a position in analysis or public relations, which typically requires more extensive writing and a broader knowledge of public policy, ecological law, and environmental regulations. In a research position, your responsibilities include handling sample and data collection, performing land surveys, conducting assessments of wildlife habitat and wetlands, testing and analyzing samples, and helping with studies that recommend further research or policy changes. Environmental science researchers may work at an academic or research institution, while other environmental science professionals may work for a non-profit or in private industry or government.

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 environmental science?

To start a career in environmental science, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or a related field. Gaining practical experience through internships, volunteering, or research projects, along with developing skills in data analysis and environmental tools, can improve job prospects. Certifications such as GIS or environmental monitoring can also be beneficial for entry-level positions.

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.

Can I get an environmental science job with no degree?

Entry-level environmental science positions often require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, but some roles may be available to those without a degree if they have relevant experience, certifications, or technical skills such as GIS or laboratory work. However, many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in environmental science or related fields for more advanced or specialized roles.

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 cities near Lancaster, SC are hiring for Entry Level Environmental Science jobs? Cities near Lancaster, SC with the most Entry Level Environmental Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Science job openings in Lancaster, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,027 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

GIS Technician I-GISTI

UGS

Fort Mill, SC

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:

GIS Technicians are expected to have basic level knowledge of GIS programs, spatial and cartographic understanding, and GIS software skills. This is an entry level technical support position, working with Designers, Engineers, GIS Management, and other support staff. The incumbent will perform cartographic displays (ESRI Suite, Autodesk, and other software programs) which support engineering and construction detailed drawings of electrical assets within a production level team environment. Additionally, the incumbent will assist in tracking project status by using web-based mapping tools (ESRI's ArcGIS Online). This position requires job dedication, team, and individual interactions with driven processes, including QA/QC, and distinct deadlines in order to provide quality to client requested products and services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Prepare drawings using ESRI's ArcMap/ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Microstation, or other integrated electronic drawing packages as required

Assist in creating web-based mapping tools (ESRI ArcGIS Online) webapps, webmaps, and dashboards to assist the client and internal use 

Fully proficient with the placement and maintenance of graphical features in client GIS systems such as ArcFM, Intergraph FRAMME, Small World, or G-Tech.

Develop a working knowledge of client construction standards and utility information systems.

Develop and maintain drawing standards (fonts, line weights, border sheets, naming conventions, etc.) for use in the company produced drawings.

Documentation and report preparations with Microsoft and other industry specific programs such as MS Word, MS Excel, Microsoft Access Database, Fulcrum, Nitro Pro, and Adobe Acrobat.

Assist with implementing and managing field data collection tools and tasks, including the use of GPS devices and execution of post-processing.

Support the maintenance and operation of client's mapping and GIS applications by maintaining, reporting, and posting work or by gathering data to be inputted by others.

 Perform otherduties as assigned by management.

COMPLEXITY OF WORK

Generally routine, established precedents; practices and procedures exist.

RELATIONSHIP OUTSIDE WORK GROUP:

Exchange of routine information only.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

N/A

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

REGULAR ATTENDANCE is required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

Required High school degree or GED.

Preferred Associates degree (AA or equivalent from two-year college or technical school).

Preferred A Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or University in GIS, Geospatial Science, Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and/or GIS Certification. Or equivalent technical experience.

Experience

0-2 Year(s) Experience in GIS and/or CAD programs and working in the GIS utility industry

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

N/A

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING: 

Moderate amount of on-the-job training to use client programs and processes.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

A. Ability to read and interpret documents such as procedure manuals, operational procedures, etc.

B. Ability to write simple correspondence.

C. Ability to effectively present information in one-on one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

A. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume and distance.

B. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

C. Other; Understanding of spatial concepts, projections, and query operations.

REASONING ABILITY: 

A. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

B. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Self-Motivated
  • Detail-Oriented

  • Work independently

  • Team-Oriented

  • Customer Oriented

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. How much on the job time is spent in the following physical activities?

  • Stand 1/3 to 2/3 (Frequently)

  • Walk 1/3 to 2/3 (Frequently)

  • Sit 2/3 and more (Regularly)

  • Talk or Hear  2/3 and more (Regularly)

  • Use Hands to Feel, Handle or finger tools or controls  2/3 and more (Regularly)

  • Climb or balance  None

  • Stoop, Kneel, Crouch or crawl  Up to 1/3 (Occasionally)

  • Reach with Hands and Arms  Up to 1/3 (Occasionally)

  • Taste or Smell  None

  1. Does this job require that weight be lifted or force to be exerted? If so, how much and how often?

  • Up to 10 Pounds  Up to 1/3

  • Up to 25 Pounds  Up to 1/3

  • Up to 50 Pounds  None

  • Up to 100 Pounds  None

  • More than 100 Pounds  None

  1. Does this job have any special vision requirements? 

    Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)

Distance Vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more)

Depth Perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships_

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Wet, humid conditions (non- weather) Up to 1/3 (Occasionally)

  • Work near moving mechanical parts None

  • Work in high, precarious places None

  • Fumes or airborne particles None

  • Toxic or caustic chemicals None

  • Outdoor weather conditions Up to 1/3 (Occasionally)

  • Extreme cold (non-weather) None

  • Extreme Heat (non-weather) None

  • Risk of electrical shock None

  • Work with explosives None

  • Risk of radiation None

  • Vibration None

While performing this job, the noise level in the work environment is:

Moderate Noise (Examples: business office with typewriters, and or computer printer, light traffic)

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Pike Engineering is an equal opportunity employer

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled

Pike Engineering is a Non-Union Company