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Environmental Defense Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Title: Associate Attorney, Criminal Defense Attorney Location: Sherman Oaks Compensation: Base ... Entrepreneurial environment -- not a paperwork-heavy associate role * Competitive compensation ...

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment Additional ...

Insurance Defense Attorney (Hybrid) - Los Angeles, CA Are you an experienced Insurance Defense ... Team player who thrives in a collaborative environment. * Ability to work effectively in a fast ...

This role involves managing a diverse caseload of insurance defense matters, including personal ... Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment Additional ...

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Environmental Defense information

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$12

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$34

How much do environmental defense jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental defense in California is $21.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is environmental defense?

Environmental defense refers to the efforts and actions taken to protect the environment from harm caused by human activities. This includes advocating for policies, enforcing environmental laws, conducting scientific research, and raising public awareness about issues such as pollution, climate change, and conservation. Professionals in this field work with governments, organizations, and communities to develop solutions that balance ecological health with economic and social needs. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of natural resources and a healthy environment for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in environmental defense?

To excel in Environmental Defense, you typically need a background in environmental science, policy, or law, often supported by a relevant degree and experience with environmental regulations. Familiarity with data analysis tools, geographic information systems (GIS), and environmental impact assessment software is common in the field. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for engaging stakeholders and advocating for sustainable solutions. These skills enable professionals to effectively influence policy, drive positive environmental outcomes, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes.

What are some of the common challenges faced by professionals working in environmental defense roles?

Professionals in Environmental Defense often face challenges such as navigating complex regulatory requirements, balancing stakeholder interests, and responding to rapidly evolving environmental policies. They may also encounter resistance from parties affected by proposed environmental changes, requiring strong negotiation and communication skills. Additionally, the work frequently involves interdisciplinary collaboration with scientists, policymakers, and legal experts to develop effective solutions for environmental protection.

What is the difference between Environmental Defense vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental DefenseEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, policy, or related field; often requires advocacy or policy experienceBachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; research-focused
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, policy settingsResearch labs, field sites, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental advocacy, policy, and legal organizationsResearch institutions, government agencies, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Environmental Defense primarily involves advocacy, policy work, and legal efforts to protect the environment, often within nonprofit organizations. In contrast, Environmental Scientists focus on conducting research, analyzing data, and studying environmental issues in labs or field settings. While both roles aim to improve environmental health, their work environments, credentials, and daily tasks differ significantly.

What job categories do people searching Environmental Defense jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Defense jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Defense jobs?

Cities in California with the most Environmental Defense job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Defense job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,160 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Environmental and Resource Economics Postdoctoral Scholar (up to 3 positions), Environmental Markets

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site


University of California Santa Barbara
5 - 10K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

210th of 627 rated colleges and universities

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position description
The Environmental Markets Lab (emLab), in collaboration with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), is seeking up to 3 postdoctoral researchers to lead in the development and execution of applied research projects in environmental and resource economics. emLab and EDF are pursuing joint projects to bolster cost-effective climate solutions. With a focus on strengthening compliance markets and designing credible nature-based solutions, our portfolio aims to identify new frameworks, incentives, and institutional design principles to enhance the design of carbon markets. The successful candidate will contribute to this portfolio with research focused on natural resource management, nature-based climate solutions, or carbon pricing.
The Environmental Markets Lab is a team of scientists based at UC Santa Barbara that advances economic research to deliver practical solutions for people and the planet. In collaboration with implementing partners, we design, test, and implement scalable solutions that work across boundaries-connecting science with policy, data with decisions, and ambition with action-to create pathways toward a future where environmental and human wellbeing mutually reinforce one another. We endeavor to foster an inclusive, collaborative work environment to bring interdisciplinary expertise to solve critical environmental problems. The Environmental Defense Fund is a global science, economics, and advocacy organization working to stabilize the climate, strengthen the ability for people and nature to thrive, and protect people's health. Originally founded in the U.S. in 1967, EDF started by bringing lawsuits to ban the use of the pesticide DDT in New York. Over its 50+ year history, EDF has worked with partners to introduce science and market-based solutions to solve environmental, health, business, and climate problem including California's cap and trade, now cap and invest program, the U.S. Acid Rain Program, catch share fisheries programs that restored U.S. fish populations, and putting methane warming and action on the map with seminal research, policy gains, and finally launching its own measurement satellite (MethaneSAT). EDF has a staff of over 1,000 and works primarily in the U.S., the EU, India, and China.
The candidate will have the opportunity to work with Christopher Costello, the emLab Research Director and EDF Chief Economist. The successful candidate(s) will work with emLab and EDF, and can also allocate a fraction of their time to their own research.
This appointment includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance and a UC retirement plan. Salary is commensurate with the applicant's qualifications and experience.
Department: https://msi.ucsb.edu/
Qualifications
Basic qualifications (required at time of application)
Applicant must have a PhD degree (or equivalent) or be enrolled in a PhD program in economics with a focus in environmental and resource economics, or a closely related discipline, at the time of application.
Additional qualifications (required at time of start)
PhD in economics with a focus in environmental and resource economics, or a closely related field, at the time of appointment.
Preferred qualifications
The ideal candidate(s) should have training in economic theory, econometrics, and/or other quantitative research tools, an interest and track record in publishing in top science and/or economics journals, and the ability to translate research into actionable policy recommendations.
• A minimum of 3 years of academic or applied research experience in econometric methods and/or economic theory related to natural resource management, nature-based solutions, or carbon pricing;
• Excellent quantitative and modeling skills including advanced coding in R, Stata, Python, and/or Matlab;
• An interest and track record in publishing in top academic journals;
• Proficiency using GitHub and other modern data management, sharing, and presentation interfaces;
• Proficiency with LaTeX;
• Ability to balance a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously;
• Excellent communication skills to contribute to reports and peer-reviewed scientific publications, deliver presentations, and translate scientific concepts for diverse audiences;
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with academic, NGO, and government partners, and to work effectively as part of a highly collaborative research team.
Application Requirements
Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
  • Cover Letter
  • Writing Sample - Submit paper or other writing sample

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

The search committee will contact references of the top candidate(s) after the interviews. After references are checked, a top candidate will be chosen.
Apply link: https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/JPF03036
Help contact: lswanson@ucsb.edu
About UC Santa Barbara
As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.
  • "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination as defined by the employer.
  • UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
  • UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, students and third parties
  • APM - 035: Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment

Additionally, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs , as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job location
Santa Barbara, CA UCSB


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