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Environmental Policy Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dar Group

Environmental Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental planning, environmental policy or sciences, or related field required, MS preferred. * 5 - 8 years of experience, preferably in environmental ...

Dar Group

Environmental Planner

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Bachelor's degree in urban planning, environmental planning, environmental policy or sciences, or related field required, MS preferred. * 5 - 8 years of experience, preferably in environmental ...

Stantec

Principal Environmental Planner

Fresno, CA · On-site

$111K - $166K/yr

Project management and technical delivery is expected to include discretionary environmental permitting, California Environmental Quality Act/National Environmental Policy Act documentation ...

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All JobsEnvironmental Policy JobsEnvironmental Policy Jobs in California

Environmental Policy information

See California salary details

$36.5K

$66.2K

$96.2K

How much do environmental policy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental policy in California is $66,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,300.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental policy professional?

Environmental policy professionals are individuals who develop, analyze, and implement regulations and policies aimed at protecting the environment. They work for government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private companies to address issues such as climate change, pollution, resource management, and sustainability. Their responsibilities often include researching environmental issues, advising stakeholders, drafting legislation, and evaluating the effectiveness of environmental programs. These professionals play a key role in shaping how society interacts with the natural world and ensures compliance with environmental laws.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in environmental policy, and why are they important?

To thrive in Environmental Policy, you need a solid grounding in environmental science, policy analysis, and regulatory frameworks, often supported by a degree in environmental studies, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with policy research tools, GIS software, and environmental legislation databases is commonly required. Exceptional communication, negotiation, and critical thinking skills help professionals collaborate with stakeholders and advocate for effective policy solutions. These abilities are crucial for developing, analyzing, and implementing policies that address complex environmental challenges while balancing diverse interests.

What collaborative efforts are typically required in an environmental policy role, and who are the key stakeholders involved?

In an Environmental Policy role, collaboration is essential as you often work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, industry representatives, and community groups. Effective communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as you may need to reconcile diverse interests and perspectives when developing or advocating for policies. Teamwork is also common within interdisciplinary groups, such as scientists, economists, and legal experts, to ensure policies are comprehensive and evidence-based. Building and maintaining these relationships is a key part of achieving successful environmental outcomes.

What is the difference between Environmental Policy vs Environmental Analyst?

AspectEnvironmental PolicyEnvironmental Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in environmental science, policy, or related fieldDegree in environmental science, environmental engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentPolicy development, government agencies, NGOs, corporate sustainability teamsData collection, environmental assessments, fieldwork, reporting
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, corporations focusing on sustainabilityConsulting firms, government agencies, research institutions

Environmental Policy professionals focus on creating and implementing policies to promote environmental sustainability, often working in government or organizational settings. Environmental Analysts conduct research, analyze environmental data, and support policy development through technical assessments. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

How to get a job in environmental policy?

To pursue a career in environmental policy, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, public policy, or related fields; advanced degrees can improve prospects. Gaining experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level positions helps build relevant skills such as policy analysis, research, and communication. Familiarity with environmental laws, regulations, and policy tools is also beneficial for securing a role in this field.

Is environmental policy in demand?

Environmental policy professionals are in increasing demand due to growing emphasis on sustainability and climate change mitigation. Careers in this field often require knowledge of regulations, policy analysis, and environmental science, with job growth expected to continue as governments and organizations prioritize environmental initiatives.

What can I do with an environmental policy degree?

An environmental policy degree prepares individuals for roles such as environmental analyst, policy advisor, or sustainability coordinator. These jobs often involve research, policy development, and advocacy, requiring skills in data analysis, understanding regulations, and effective communication.

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

The most popular types of Environmental Policy jobs in California are:

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Policy jobs?

Cities in California with the most Environmental Policy job openings:

Environmental Policy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Policy job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,195 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Environmental Protection Specialist

Death Valley, CA • On-site

Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)
See more jobs at Contact Us - National Parks of New York Harbor (U.S. National Park Service)external

$89K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

You will serve as a Environmental Protection Specialist with National Park Service, Death Valley National Park.
This position is responsible for performing difficult and complex environmental protection assignments in functions related to or within one or more of the following general areas: Rulemaking and Regulation, Compliance and Enforcement, Environmental Considerations and Documentation, and/or Program Administration and Oversight.Qualifications:All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 08/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F.
For current Federal employees, if hours worked per week are not included on your resume, you must submit a non-award SF-50 as part of your application to be used to validate your work schedule and determine the amount of specialized experience that you will be granted. An award SF-50 will not be acceptable documentation for which to consider your amount of qualifying experience. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the work schedule requirement as the service dates will be reflected. For all other applicants who are not current federal employees, 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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:
To qualify for this position at the GS-12 grade level:
Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience that includes activities such as: applying concepts and methods of environmental protection work; interpreting plans and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) laws, regulations, policies and guidance for land and resource management programs; reviewing environmental documents, including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, to ensure legal sufficiency and compliance with applicable laws and regulations; working with public land resource values, issues, or controversies; using computerized database systems to track projects, conducting public involvement or analyzing data.. You must include hours per week worked.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Employment Type: OTHER

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