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Environmental Research Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Environmental Planner 2

Irvine, CA

$75K - $96K/yr

Conducts environmental research; writes documents; evaluates potential impact of projects; devises mitigating measures. Working under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Planner or ...

HDR

Environmental Planner 2

Irvine, CA · On-site

$75K - $96K/yr

Conducts environmental research; writes documents; evaluates potential impact of projects; devises mitigating measures. Working under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Planner or ...

BKF

Environmental / CEQA Project Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

Planning and coordinating projects and developing scope of work and work plans including preparing environmental compliance documents, planning assessments, environmental research and assessment ...

BKF

Environmental / CEQA Project Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

Planning and coordinating projects and developing scope of work and work plans including preparing environmental compliance documents, planning assessments, environmental research and assessment ...

BKF

Environmental / CEQA Project Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

Planning and coordinating projects and developing scope of work and work plans including preparing environmental compliance documents, planning assessments, environmental research and assessment ...

AccrueTalent

Research Scientist

San Francisco, CA

Comfortable working in a very early-stage, high-intensity environment with significant ambiguity * High ownership and the ability to operate without a predefined research roadmap Strong Green Flags

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Environmental Research information

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$40.5K

$83K

$121.4K

How much do environmental research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental research 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 research?

An Environmental Research job involves studying the environment, analyzing data, and developing solutions to ecological problems. Researchers may assess pollution levels, conservation efforts, climate change impacts, or sustainable practices. They often work for government agencies, universities, or private organizations, using scientific methods to inform policies and initiatives. The work typically includes field studies, data collection, laboratory analysis, and report writing.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of someone working in environmental research?

Environmental Researchers often split their time between fieldwork, where they collect soil, water, air, or biological samples, and lab or office work, where they analyze data and write reports. They may design and conduct experiments, review scientific literature, and monitor environmental impacts or trends. Collaboration with colleagues, such as scientists, policy specialists, and local stakeholders, is common to ensure comprehensive and meaningful results. This role requires adaptability, as work environments can vary from outdoor sites to professional offices, depending on project needs. Effective time management and continual learning are also valuable for staying current with evolving research methods and environmental regulations.

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

To thrive in Environmental Research, you need a solid background in environmental science or related fields, strong analytical skills, and experience with data collection and interpretation. Familiarity with statistical analysis software, geographic information system (GIS) tools, and environmental sampling equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication help researchers collaborate and translate findings to various audiences. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing high-quality research that supports evidence-based environmental policies and sustainable practices.

How do you become an environmental researcher?

To become an environmental researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Developing skills in data analysis, laboratory techniques, and environmental monitoring tools, along with gaining research experience through internships or projects, can improve job prospects.

What are the top 12 careers for environmental research majors?

Environmental research majors can pursue careers such as environmental scientist, conservation scientist, environmental analyst, sustainability specialist, environmental consultant, climate change analyst, environmental policy analyst, ecological researcher, environmental engineer, renewable energy analyst, water resource specialist, and environmental educator. These roles often require skills in data analysis, fieldwork, and knowledge of environmental regulations and tools like GIS. Many positions may require advanced degrees or certifications depending on the specialization.

What do environmental researchers do?

Environmental researchers study natural and human-made environments to identify issues such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. They collect data through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and computer modeling, often using tools like GIS and statistical software to inform policy and conservation efforts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Research jobs?

Cities in California with the most Environmental Research job openings:

Environmental Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Research job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,022 per year, or $39.9 per hour.

Environmental Planner 2

Irvine, CA

HDR
Specialized Design Services • 5 - 10K employees

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 450 rated engineering

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about HDRexternal

$75K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Primary Responsibilities

The primary duties of the Environmental Planner 2 include working on a wide variety of environmental documentation projects. Conducts environmental research; writes documents; evaluates potential impact of projects; devises mitigating measures. Working under the supervision of a Senior Environmental Planner or Environmental Project Manager, this position will be responsible for research and preparation of CEQA and NEPA documents, including coordination with environmental specialists preparing technical reports to be integrated into project deliverables.

Keywords: Environmental Planner 2, Environmental, CEQA, NEPA, Transportation 

#LI-BO1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning or closely related field
  • A minimum of 5 years experience in planning and design
  • AICP certification desired
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
  • Extensive graphics and report document production experience
  • Experience with GIS
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment
  • May require the ability to travel
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

View All HDR Jobs

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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