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Entry Level Recent Graduate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

BRIDGEMED SOLUTIONS INC

Entry Level Biologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

This role is ideal for a recent graduate with a biology or life-science background who is ... Job Title: Entry Level Biologist Experience: 0-1 years of experience, experience in medical device ...

BRIDGEMED SOLUTIONS INC

Entry Level Biologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

This role is ideal for a recent graduate with a biology or life-science background who is ... Job Title: Entry Level Biologist Experience: 0-1 years of experience, experience in medical device ...

BRIDGEMED SOLUTIONS INC

Entry Level Biologist

Irvine, CA · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

This role is ideal for a recent graduate with a biology or life-science background who is ... Job Title: Entry Level Biologist Experience: 0-1 years of experience, experience in medical device ...

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Entry Level Recent Graduate information

What is the best job for an entry level recent graduate?

Entry-level recent graduates often start in roles such as administrative assistant, customer service representative, or sales associate, which require basic skills and offer opportunities to gain experience. These positions typically require minimal prior experience and may involve on-the-job training, making them accessible for new graduates entering the workforce.

What types of projects or responsibilities can an entry level recent graduate expect in their first few months on the job?

As an entry-level recent graduate, you can anticipate working on foundational tasks that help you build practical skills and become familiar with company processes. This may include assisting with data analysis, supporting team projects, shadowing experienced colleagues, and handling day-to-day administrative duties. You'll likely receive structured training and regular feedback, and have opportunities to participate in cross-functional meetings to better understand how your role fits within the broader organization. These experiences are designed to help you gradually take on more complex assignments as you develop confidence and expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level recent graduate, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Entry Level Recent Graduate, you generally need a relevant academic degree, foundational knowledge in your field, and strong problem-solving abilities. Familiarity with industry-standard software, basic data analysis tools, or productivity platforms such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace is often expected. Strong communication, willingness to learn, and adaptability help you stand out in a competitive environment. These skills and qualities enable you to quickly contribute, collaborate effectively, and grow in your new role.

What is the difference between Entry Level Recent Graduate vs Data Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Recent GraduateData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in related field, internshipsBachelor's degree in data science, statistics, or related field; some roles prefer certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, team collaborationOffice setting, project-based, analytical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles across various industries, including tech, finance, healthcareData-driven industries like finance, marketing, healthcare, tech
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level opportunities for recent graduatesClarifying roles and expectations for data analysis positions

In summary, an Entry Level Recent Graduate is an entry-level candidate with limited professional experience, often seeking their first role after graduation. A Data Analyst, while also often entry-level, requires specific skills in data interpretation and tools. The main difference lies in the focus: general entry-level roles versus specialized data analysis positions.

What are entry level recent graduate jobs?

Entry level recent graduate jobs are positions designed for individuals who have recently completed their college degrees and are starting their professional careers. These roles typically require little to no prior work experience and offer on-the-job training to help new graduates develop essential skills. Common industries hiring recent graduates include business, technology, healthcare, and education. Employers look for candidates with relevant coursework, internships, and a willingness to learn. Entry level jobs help graduates gain practical experience and serve as a stepping stone for future career growth.
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Recent Graduate jobs in California? For Entry Level Recent Graduate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Recent Graduate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Recent Graduate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Recent Graduate jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Recent Graduate job openings:
Entry Level Recent Graduate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Recent Graduate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, and 23% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Mechanical Engineer (Recent Graduate)

Bureau of Reclamation

Folsom, CA • On-site, Remote

$57K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Bureau Of Reclamation rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Summary
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Mechanical Engineer (Recent Graduate). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
  • Engineering Analysis- Performs engineering analyses to include performing and/or coordinating technical planning activities; data collection (including validation and management); design; modeling and data analyses; analyses of site location and/or conditions; troubleshooting mechanical equipment and systems; and risk estimation and analyses.
  • Documentation and Presentation- Prepares and reviews technical documentation such as technical memorandums and reports, engineering study analyses and results, correspondence, etc.
  • Investigations, Assessments, and/or Inspections- Plans, schedules, coordinates, and conducts mechanical engineering facility examinations, reviews, and/or inspections which include conducting condition assessments and construction and transfer inspections.
  • Other Duties: Project Management, Administration of contracts and agreements, Database Operation.

GS-05: Serves as a basic entry-level trainee mechanical engineer. Assignments are like those assigned to non-professional employees, but such tasks are primarily for training purposes, and, in some cases, to relieve higher-grade engineers of routine work.
GS-07: Serves as an advanced entry-level trainee mechanical engineer. Assignments are primarily for training purposes, and, in some cases, to relieve higher-grade engineers of routine work.
GS-09: Serves as an advanced trainee mechanical engineer. Participates with higher graded engineer in planning and accomplishment of specific work assignments. Performs design and layout of mechanical equipment systems such as plumbing, heating, air conditioning, steam distribution, etc.
GS-11: Serves as a journey level Mechanical Engineer performing a full range of conventional, journey level assignments.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
  • Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Direct Deposit participation required.
  • Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
  • Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
  • You are required to wear a uniform and comply with the uniform standards. A uniform allowance will be provided.
  • You are required to complete training, obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
  • You must be at least (1)18 years old or (2) at least 16 years old and: (a) Have graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or (b) Have completed a formal vocational training program; or (c) Have received a statement from school authorities agreeing with their preference for employment rather than continuing their education; or (d) Be currently enrolled in a secondary school and either work only during school vacation periods or work part-time during the school year under a formal student employment program.
  • Recent Graduates will enter a formal training program with a mentor and execute an Individual Development Plan outlining training requirements and program expectations.
  • Recent Graduates must receive at least 40 hours of formal training directly linked to their employment field.
  • Recent Graduates will be required to sign a Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement.

Recent Graduate applicants must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement, 08/20/2026.
To be eligible, you must meet one of the following:
  1. A student that has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associate's, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. Certain exceptions to the two-year limitation will be made for veterans who, due to military service obligations, were precluded from applying to the Program during the two-year eligibility period. OR,
  2. An individual who has completed a qualifying career or technical education program which may include Registered Apprenticeship Programs, Job Corps, Climate Corps, AmeriCorps, and Peace Corps or specific Volunteer Service Programs.

Qualifications
Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/20/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.
Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
Basic Educational Requirement AND/OR Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying.
Basic Educational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following:
  • A. Degree: I possess a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics. You must submit transcripts. -OR-
  • B. Combination of education and experience: College-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following: 1. Professional registration or licensure Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1, or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions. 2. Written Test Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico. 3. Specified academic courses Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A. 4. Related curriculum Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelors degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions.

Applicants that meet the basic qualification requirements minimally qualify for the GS-05 grade level.
-AND-
To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level:
  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Perform trainee level duties to assist higher-graded engineers in data collection, designs; knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least one full academic year of graduate level education (18 semester hours) in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position, such as Mechanical Engineering. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Superior Academic Achievement (SAA): Successfully completed a bachelor's degree in a directly related field AND meet one of the following: (1) Class Standing: rank in the upper 3rd of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, based on the completed courses; OR (2) Grade-Point Average (GPA): earn a GPA of (a) 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on 4 years of education, or based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum -or- (b) 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field, or the required courses completed during the final two years. Note: GPA will be rounded to one decimal place, for example, 2.95 = 3.0, 2.94 = 2.9; OR (3) Membership in a National Scholastic Honor Society.
  • Combination of education and experience. To combine education and experience, first take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Then, divide your semester hours of graduate education by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include hours per week and transcripts.

** Continued below in Education **
Education
Qualifications Continued...
To qualify for this position at the GS-09 grade level:
  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Provide support to higher-graded engineers in reviewing inspection data of equipment/systems; knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts; experience developing mechanical engineering designs and plans for mechanical utility systems using computer software. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least a masters or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years (36 semester hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as Mechanical Engineering. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Combination of education and experience. To combine education and experience, first take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Then, divide your semester hours of graduate education beyond the first year (total graduate semester hours minus 18) by 18. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include hours per week and transcripts.

To qualify for this position at the GS-11 grade level:
  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: Performing more independent data collection, designs, preparing cost estimates, and engineering duties concerned with design, construction, maintenance and operation for hydroelectric powerplants, pumping plant, dams, reservoirs, canal structures, various offices and shop facilities; knowledge of mechanical engineering concepts; perform inspections and investigation of equipment/systems. You must include hours per week worked. -OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree or 3 full years (54 semester hours) of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of the position, such as Mechanical Engineering. You must include transcripts. -OR-
  • Combination of education and experience. To combine education and experience, first take the number of months o

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