1

Environmental Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Services Associate

Compton, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

The Environmental Services Associate is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and functional environment within the assigned facility. This includes cleaning and sanitizing various areas ...

Environmental Services Associate

Compton, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

The Environmental Services Associate is responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, and functional environment within the assigned facility. This includes cleaning and sanitizing various areas ...

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

Position Purpose Associate Environmental Scientists use their species specific and relevant environmental knowledge to provide important services pertaining to the health of communities and work to ...

As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist , you'll play a key role in helping public and private clients navigate complex environmental regulations while protecting California's diverse natural ...

As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist , you'll play a key role in helping public and private clients navigate complex environmental regulations while protecting California's diverse natural ...

As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist , you'll play a key role in helping public and private clients navigate complex environmental regulations while protecting California's diverse natural ...

As a Senior Associate Environmental Scientist , you'll play a key role in helping public and private clients navigate complex environmental regulations while protecting California's diverse natural ...

We are looking for qualified & talent individuals that have experience with soil sampling, environmental assessments and air monitoring. Essel specializes in putting technical teams for large scale ...

We are looking for qualified & talent individuals that have experience with soil sampling, environmental assessments and air monitoring. Essel specializes in putting technical teams for large scale ...

Showing results 41-60

Environmental Associate information

See California salary details

$18.8K

$56.4K

$105.6K

How much do environmental associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental associate in California is $56,368.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $62,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Environmental Associate do?

An Environmental Associate supports projects and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and ensuring regulatory compliance. Their tasks often include collecting and analyzing environmental data, preparing reports, assisting with environmental impact assessments, and helping implement sustainability practices. They may also be involved in fieldwork, such as sampling soil, water, or air and monitoring pollution. Environmental Associates typically work under the guidance of senior environmental professionals in various industries, including consulting, government, and corporate sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Associate?

To thrive as an Environmental Associate, you need a solid background in environmental science or a related field, strong analytical skills, and familiarity with environmental regulations. Proficiency with data analysis tools, GIS mapping software, and environmental monitoring equipment is typically required, along with certifications like OSHA HAZWOPER. Strong communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are soft skills that help manage projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring compliance, accurate data collection, and effective implementation of environmental initiatives.

What are some common challenges Environmental Associates face when balancing fieldwork and office tasks?

Environmental Associates often juggle a mix of fieldwork, such as collecting samples and conducting site assessments, and office responsibilities like data analysis and report writing. Managing time effectively between these tasks can be challenging, especially when unexpected site conditions or urgent compliance deadlines arise. It’s important to develop strong organizational skills and communicate proactively with your team to ensure that both fieldwork and documentation are completed accurately and on schedule. Most organizations provide support through project management tools and mentorship to help associates navigate these demands.

What is the difference between Environmental Associate vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental AssociateEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related field; certifications like OSHA or EPA often preferredAssociate's degree or relevant technical certification; some roles may require OSHA training
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, fieldwork, environmental assessments, regulatory complianceFieldwork, sampling, laboratory testing, site inspections
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, NGOsEnvironmental service companies, government agencies, industrial sites

Environmental Associates typically hold a bachelor's degree and engage in both office and fieldwork related to environmental assessments and compliance. Environmental Technicians often have technical certifications and focus more on sampling, testing, and site inspections. Both roles support environmental efforts but differ mainly in education level and scope of responsibilities.

What can I do with an environmental associate's degree in environmental science?

An environmental associate's degree in environmental science prepares individuals for entry-level roles such as environmental technician, field technician, or compliance assistant. These positions often involve data collection, environmental monitoring, and supporting sustainability projects, and may require knowledge of tools like GIS software and safety protocols. Advancement can lead to technician or specialist roles with additional experience or certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Environmental jobs in California?

The most popular types of Environmental jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Associate jobs?

Cities in California with the most Environmental Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,368 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Natural Resources Associate (4+ years experience)

VAN NESS FELDMAN LLP

Lafayette, CA • On-site

$180K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

Van Ness Feldman is seeking an experienced environmental / natural resources attorney with at least 4 years of relevant experience to join our Environmental, Land Use, Natural Resources, and Real Estate team. The ideal candidate would be based in one of our offices, including Seattle, Houston, Washington, DC, or the Bay Area. We are also open to remote candidates based in the US for this role.

Who We Are

Natural Resources law has been a foundational element of Van Ness Feldman for nearly all of the firm’s 50-year history. Our attorneys are responsible for advising clients on a wide range of federal and state regulatory, enforcement, permitting, siting, and compliance requirements encountered during project development and facility operations including the Clean Air Act (CAA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and federal and state hazardous waste laws, and all parallel state and local equivalents.

What You’ll Do

  • Research and analysis of complex regulatory issues under NEPA, the ESA, CWA, and the NHPA
  • Draft arguments, pleadings and briefs in federal administrative record litigation under NEPA, the ESA, CWA, and the NHPA
  • Participate in settlement negotiations with state and federal agencies with respect to compliance with environmental laws
  • Track and analyze changes in federal regulations and statutes
  • Work with federal and state agencies (e.g. Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, National Marine Fisheries Services) to secure permits on a wide variety of projects including: solar and wind facilities, tide gates, submarine cables, transmission lines, reservoirs
  • Work on high-profile, high-stakes water supply and energy issues, including but not limited to: Colorado River water supply issues, California State Water Project water supply issues, programmatic ESA coverage for drainage infrastructure; renewable energy siting and permitting (hydropower, wind, solar), and the National Flood Insurance Program


Skills and Qualifications:

Role Specific Skills and Experience

  • Experience in environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, and enforcement, and associated litigation under federal and state environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA), the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Clean Water Act (CWA), and the State Environmental Protection Act (SEPA).

Basic Qualifications

  • Graduated with a JD or LLM from an ABA-accredited law school
  • Active admission or eligibility for admission in the jurisdiction in which the candidate will practice
  • 4+ of experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong academic credentials
  • Strong organizational and time management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
  • Excellent research, drafting, and writing skills, and ability to produce high-quality work on tight timelines
  • Excellent oral communication skills including the ability to communicate clearly, directly, and practically with clients and colleagues
  • Ability to take ownership of matters and proactively drive work forward
  • Ability to quickly learn new issues and apply that understanding in practice
  • Comfort operating with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with a lead partner


About Us

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally recognized law firm focused on energy, environmental, and natural resources law and policy. Home to 100 attorneys and policy professionals, the Firm has offices in Washington, DC; Seattle; the Bay Area; Houston; and Louisiana. For nearly 50 years, the Firm has provided strategic business advice, legislative and policy advocacy, legal and regulatory compliance counsel, representation in administrative proceedings and litigation, and support for project development, permitting, and transactions.

In addition to joining an active and highly collaborative team, the candidate will be part of a Firm that is committed to supporting a healthy work/life balance. Attorneys are expected to be in the office at least three days a week / twelve days a month, but scheduling is flexible. With a 1,700 annual billable hour requirement, (including up to 100 hours of pro bono or business development activities), attorneys are encouraged to work hard while maintaining balance outside the office. The Firm rewards attorneys who exceed the target with a generous bonus. The culture at VNF relies on mutual respect, appreciation, and support. A focus on professional development is central, including regular feedback and training opportunities. VNF seeks individuals who share this approach and bring a collaborative mindset and take pride in thoughtful, high-quality work.


Van Ness Feldman is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For this position, the good-faith annual base salary range is $180,000 to $205,000, depending on experience, qualifications, and office location. In addition to base salary, compensation may include a bonus based on hours and other applicable criteria. The Firm also offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) profit-sharing plan, paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, life and disability insurance, employee assistance resources, and professional development opportunities. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact recruiting@vnf.com.