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Entry Level Environmental Science Jobs in Merced, CA

Entry Level Environmental Science information

See Merced, CA salary details

$13

$23

$36

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

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level environmental science in Merced, CA is $23.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $26.63 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Environmental Science jobs in Merced, CA?

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

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Entry Level Environmental Science job openings in Merced, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,323 per year, or $23.2 per hour.

Library Assistant I (Extra Help Only) Yosemite Branch

Mariposa County, CA

Mariposa, CA • On-site

$20.17 - $24.52/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Salary: $20.17 - $24.52 Hourly
Location : Yosemite, CA
Job Type: Extra-Help (Part-time)
Job Number: 16-01336
Department: Library
Division: Yosemite
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
The Mariposa County Library has a vacancy for a Library Assistant I (Extra Help Only) for the Yosemite branch location.
Only online applications only.
DEFINITION
To perform a variety of responsible, sub-professional library and clerical work in support of daily Library operations; to assist patrons in the use of the Library and related services; and to perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
Library Assistant I is the entry-level classification in the series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform a variety of duties related to the circulation, reference, inter-library loan, and collection monitoring operations of the Library.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the County Librarian.
Exercises lead direction over extra-help and volunteer staff.
Examples of Duties
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Assists in planning and implementing Library programs and services.
Prepares newly acquired library materials for processing and shelving.
Performs basic cataloging work.
Performs circulation work, including checking materials in and out of the Library, maintaining circulation statistics, processing returned materials and preparing them for reshelving.
Collects, stacks, shelves and reshelves library materials.
Accepts and receives payments for overdue or lost materials and maintains related records; prepares and processing billings for lost / overdue materials.
Processes library card applications and issues library cards; maintains records of current patron information.
Receives, researches and responds to patrons' reference requests; locates and provides requested materials and information; may refer complex reference questions to professional librarians as necessary.
Assists and instructs patrons in the proper use of library equipment and reference sources.
Reserves library materials and notifies patrons of their availability; initiates and processes inter-library loan requests.
Assists in maintaining order and discipline in the Library.
Performs various tasks related to the selection, ordering, purchasing, distribution and use of books and other materials; reviews and recommends the acquisition of new materials for the Library's collection; weeds out-dated materials from the collection.
Monitors the condition of books and materials and performs necessary binding and repairs.
Plans and prepares library displays.
Assists in researching and preparing grant applications for program and project funding.
Receives and responds to inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints from the public regarding library programs, services and policies.
Prepares and/or assists in preparing a variety of reports and correspondence related to Library operations, including budget and statistical reports, as assigned.
Participates in special projects as assigned.
Provides training and lead direction over extra-help and volunteer staff as assigned.
Assists in maintaining a neat, clean environment for staff and patrons.
Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, attending meetings, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, digitizing documents for preservation, etc.
Minimum Qualifications
Experience:
Two years of full-time equivalent clerical experience with some public contact.
Education:
High school diploma or GED equivalent. Completion of two years of college level course work in literature, liberal arts, library or social science or closely related field is desirable.
Additional Requirements:
Possession of a valid California driver's license or reliable transportation to and from assigned work areas . Under certain circumstances, the Human Resources Director may accept a valid driver's license from another state if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form.
Supplemental Information
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Report and business letter preparation techniques.
Modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for data and word processing.
Alphabetical, numerical and topical filing systems.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Basic arithmetic.
General functions and operations of a library.
Ability to:
Learn, understand and apply pertinent laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Sort and organize materials in alphabetical, numerical and topical order.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Type or word process accurately at a rate required for successful job performance.
Effectively use computers for word and data processing, records management.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Prepare clear and concise records and reports.
Perform mathematical computations with accuracy.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Deal effectively with patrons with special needs, or in confrontational situations.
Actively pursue personal professional growth through continuing education.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a normal office / library environment.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires the ability to sit at a desk for long periods of time and intermittently walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb and reach while performing office duties; lift and/or move weights of up to 40 pounds; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating office equipment. Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
All interested applicants must complete and submit a job application including any required supplemental questionnaires, and attach any required documentation. For those who meet the minimum qualifications, a competitive evaluation of the training and experience described on your application or supplemental questionnaire, a written examination, a structured oral interview, a performance rating, or a combination of any of these, may be performed. You will be scored based on that competitive evaluation. This process may be altered if there are ten or less applicants that qualified.
Extra-Help employees are not entitled to County benefits.
01
Please describe in detail any specialized training you have completed in library science, literature or related fields
02
One of the requirements of this position is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Do you have a high school diploma or GED equivalent?
  • Yes
  • No

03
Possession of a valid California driver's license or reliable transportation to and from assigned work areas. Under certain circumstances, Human Resources may accept a valid driver's license from another state if applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver's license within three months by signing an acknowledgement form.Do you have a valid California driver's license or reliable transportation to and from assigned work areas?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question