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Environmental Earth Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PT Geography Instructor

Norwalk, CA · On-site

$97.54 - $145.02/hr

... in Earth science, geography, geology, environmental science, oceanography, and meteorology. The Earth Science Department believes that an effective department is one that: (1) provides instruction ...

Showing results 21-40

Environmental Earth Science information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$83K

$121.4K

How much do environmental earth science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental earth science in California is $83,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $97,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental earth scientist?

Environmental Earth Scientists study the interactions between the Earth's systems—such as the atmosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and geosphere—and human activities. They work to understand natural processes and how they are affected by pollution, resource extraction, and climate change. Their work often includes field research, data analysis, and environmental impact assessments to inform policy and promote sustainability. Environmental Earth Scientists may be employed by government agencies, consulting firms, research institutions, or non-profit organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in environmental earth science when working on field research projects?

Environmental Earth Science professionals often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited access to remote study sites during field research. Coordinating logistics, ensuring personal safety, and managing time efficiently are essential, as fieldwork can be physically demanding and requires adaptability. Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, local stakeholders, and sometimes regulatory agencies is also crucial to address environmental concerns and gather accurate data.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental earth scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Earth Scientist, you need a solid background in geology, environmental science, and data analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as a B.S. or M.S. in Earth Science or related fields. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental sampling equipment, and data modeling tools is often required, along with certifications like HAZWOPER for fieldwork safety. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail help you collaborate with stakeholders and ensure accurate reporting of findings. These skills are crucial for assessing environmental risks, developing sustainable solutions, and complying with regulations to protect ecosystems and public health.

What is the difference between Environmental Earth Science vs Geology?

AspectEnvironmental Earth ScienceGeology
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree often in environmental science or earth scienceBachelor's or higher in geology or earth sciences
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, laboratories, environmental agenciesFieldwork, labs, mining or consulting firms
Industry UsageEnvironmental consulting, government agencies, researchMining, oil & gas, natural resource exploration
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Environmental Earth Science focuses on understanding and solving environmental issues related to the Earth's processes, often emphasizing sustainability and pollution control. Geology concentrates on studying Earth's physical materials, structure, and history, primarily for resource exploration and understanding Earth's formation. While both fields share foundational earth science knowledge, their applications and career paths differ significantly.

What can I do with an environmental earth science degree?

An environmental earth science degree prepares individuals for careers such as environmental scientist, geologist, conservation specialist, or environmental consultant. These roles often involve fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting, and may require knowledge of GIS tools, environmental regulations, and laboratory techniques.

What jobs can I do with environmental earth science?

Environmental Earth Science graduates can pursue careers such as environmental scientist, geologist, environmental consultant, or conservation specialist. These roles often involve fieldwork, data analysis, and reporting, and may require knowledge of GIS tools, environmental regulations, and sampling techniques.

What jobs can you do with environmental earth science?

Environmental Earth Science graduates can pursue careers such as environmental scientist, geologist, environmental consultant, conservation scientist, or water resource specialist. These roles often involve fieldwork, data analysis, and environmental impact assessments, and may require knowledge of GIS tools and environmental regulations.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Earth Science jobs in California?

For Environmental Earth Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Environmental Earth Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,022 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

2026-27 Lecturer Pool Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Opt For Healthy Living

Chico, CA • On-site

$61.46 - $74.51/hr

Other

Medical, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Key responsibilities

  • Teach courses in Earth and Environmental Sciences based on qualifications and departmental needs.

  • Develop and grade assignments, and create or update course syllabi.

  • Contribute to course development and support student success in the department.


Job description

2026-27 Lecturer Pool Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Apply now Job no: 555913
Work type: Instructional Faculty - Temporary/Lecturer
Location: Chico
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Temporary, Part Time, Time Varies, Faculty - Natural Sciences

California State University (CSU), Chico is a comprehensive and residential public university, holding Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation. Chico State operates as part of the 22-campus CSU system, which educates the most ethnically, economically, and academically diverse student body in the nation. The University enrolls over 14,000 students, with over half identifying as first-generation college students.

Chico State is committed to recruiting outstanding candidates. The ideal candidate will embrace our values predicated on the primacy of student success and the elimination of equity gaps, have demonstrated experience working with diverse populations, and will contribute to policies, programs, and practices that support an inclusive, accessible, and equitable learning and working environment.

Position Title: Academic Year Lecturer

College: Natural Sciences

Department/School: Earth and Environmental Sciences

Lecturer A/2 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $5,507 – $6,677 per month
Lecturer B/3 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $6,221 – $13,224 per month
Lecturer C/4 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $6,825 – $14,523 per month
Lecturer D/5 Full-Time Equivalent Salary Range: $8,593 – $15,211 per month

Anticipated hiring range is generally at or near the minimum of the appropriate range, commensurate with education and experience. Most new lecturers are hired at the Lecturer A or B rank. See the Faculty Salaries At-a-Glance guide for more information.

Priority Review Date: 05/1/26; complete applications received after that date may be considered as needs arise.

Position Summary:

The Earth and Environmental Sciences Department in the College of Natural Sciences is collecting application materials for a pool of lecturers with positions available as determined by need during the 2026-27 academic year. Appointments from the lecturer pool are temporary and often made just prior to the start of the academic term.

Minimum Qualifications:

The minimum education requirement for a lecturer appointment is a Master’s of Science in Environmental Science, Geology, Earth Science, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

Candidates with teaching experience and with a Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Geology, Earth Science, or related field will be given preference.

Responsibilities:

Lecturer positions in the department carry responsibilities in the areas of teaching, grading, syllabus and course development. Teaching assignments are based upon qualifications of the individual and the needs of the department.

How to Apply:

Applicants must provide a current cover letter (including how you have addressed, or plan to address teaching to diverse student groups), a CV, a list of courses you believe you are qualified to teach and for which you wish to be considered, a copy of unofficial transcripts for your highest earned degree, and contact information of three professional references. Additional information may be requested at a later time. All applicants must apply online, applications submitted via email or in-person to the department will not be considered. For information about specific courses offered, please refer to the University Catalog .

The Department:

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences offers B.S. degrees in Geology and Environmental Sciences as well as M.S. degrees in Environmental Sciences and Geosciences. The Department continues to grow and currently serves over 160 majors and over 15 graduate students. Faculty and students are actively involved in internal and external research grants and service contracts, and the University and College offer funding to support development of innovative student-learning techniques for both field and in-class activities. The Department is interdisciplinary with faculty having expertise and research interests in the areas of applied ecology, hydrology, biogeochemistry, atmospheric science, sedimentology, volcanology, paleontology, petrology, and oceanography. The Department houses a variety of research-grade instruments and computer resources available to both faculty and students as many of our students regularly present their research at national and international conferences. Water is a critical resource both locally and regionally and our department’s involvement with local water agencies, the CSU, Chico’s Center for Water and the Environment, as well various campus sustainability groups reflect our commitment to be leaders in water-related issues. More information may be viewed at http://www.csuchico.edu/erth/index.shtml .

Job-related questions should be directed to:

This position may qualify for benefits including tuition fee waiver (if eligible). California State University, Chico offers a number of benefits to its employees (e.g., sick leave, vacation, health insurance). For more information and eligibility criteria, please visit https://www.csuchico.edu/hr/benefits/index.shtml .

Additional Information:

All work must be performed within the State of California.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

The person holding this position is considered a “mandated reporter” under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 (revised July 21, 2017) as a condition of employment.

For disability-related accommodations, please call the ADA Coordinator at (530) 898-5959.

All positions are contingent on funding.

About Chico State:

Graduate and undergraduate programs boast high-quality research experiences, exceptional faculty mentoring, and civic and global engagement opportunities. The campus motto, “Today Decides Tomorrow,” is brought to life by inclusive pedagogy, experiential learning, and co-curricular programming. The Chico Experience prepares students to be critical thinkers, engaged citizens, and inspired stewards of environmental, social, and economic resources. Together, they will become leaders solving the challenges of the 21st century.

The campus is located in Northern California, 90 minutes from the state capital, Sacramento, and a three-hour drive from the San Francisco Bay Area. Chico offers year-round natural beauty, outdoor leisure activities, and a thriving arts, music, and events scene. We acknowledge and are mindful that Chico State stands on lands that were originally occupied by the first people of this area, the Mechoopda, and we recognize their distinctive spiritual relationship with this land, the flora, the fauna, and the waters that run through campus. We are humbled that our campus resides upon sacred lands that since time immemorial have sustained the Mechoopda people and continue to do so today.

Chico State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, disability, marital status, or protected veteran status and only employ individuals authorized to work in the U.S.

CSU, Chico's Annual Security Report includes summaries of institutional policy relating to campus safety, drug and alcohol use, sexual assault, and other matters. The report is published in compliance with the Clery Act and includes three years of certain crime statistics that occurred in Clery Act defined geography. A paper copy of the report may be requested in person at CSU, Chico Police Department or by calling 530-898-5555 . It is also available on the web at Annual Security & Fire Safety Report .

Advertised: Mar 09 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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