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Environmental Researcher 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 ...

All Environmental Inc

Zoning Researcher

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

POSITION: Zoning Researcher LOCATION: Flexible / Nationwide (Remote) POSITION SUMMARY AEI ... We offer a collaborative, flexible and inclusive work environment where employees have the ...

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 ...

County of Mendocino, CA

Environmental Health Technician

Ukiah, CA · On-site

$49K - $60K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... research; environmental research, monitoring, surveillance or enforcement; or resource recovery may be substituted on the basis of one year experience for 15 units, for a maximum of 15 units.

EEC Environmental

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Orange, CA · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Environmental Compliance Specialist at EEC will play a vital role in planning, executing, and ... Evaluate regulatory applicability, conduct rule research, and interpretation. * Be familiar with ...

Ceribell, Inc

Clinical Researcher

Sunnyvale, CA

Ceribell is looking for a Clinical Researcher to oversee our open projects focused on data ... Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment where priorities can ...

Cartesia

Researcher, Models

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... deployment environments, from cloud to on-device. • Explore and develop capabilities such as statefulness, long-range memory, and innovative conditioning mechanisms for enhancing model ...

Hp

Design Researcher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$105K - $161K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Design Researcher Description - HP's vision and promise is to engineer experiences that amaze our ... Working in a collaborative and agile environment, you will play a critical role in rapidly ...

Scout AI

AI Researcher

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

... environments • Investigate transfer learning and continual learning paradigms across diverse robotic domains • Collaborate with engineering, robotics, and field teams to integrate research into ...

eStaffLLC

User Researcher

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Experience conducting research within Agile or SAFe environments. * Experience supporting enterprise digital transformation or government modernization initiatives. * Knowledge of accessibility ...

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All JobsEnvironmental Researcher JobsEnvironmental Researcher Jobs in California

Environmental Researcher information

See California salary details

$29.6K

$111.6K

$162.3K

How much do environmental researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental researcher in California is $111,621.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,100.00 and $152,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges environmental researchers face when conducting fieldwork?

Environmental Researchers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and logistical issues when accessing remote or protected sites. Additionally, collecting accurate data can be complicated by seasonal changes, wildlife, or limitations in equipment. Researchers must also navigate regulatory requirements and collaborate closely with local communities, government agencies, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure ethical and effective research practices.

What does an environmental researcher do?

An Environmental Researcher studies the natural environment and the impact of human activities on ecosystems, air, water, and soil. They collect and analyze data, conduct field and laboratory experiments, and develop solutions to environmental problems such as pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. Their work helps inform policy decisions, improve sustainability practices, and raise public awareness about environmental issues. Environmental Researchers often collaborate with government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations to address environmental challenges.

What are the top 12 careers for environmental researchers?

Environmental researchers can pursue careers in areas such as environmental consulting, conservation science, environmental policy, ecological research, water resource management, renewable energy, climate change analysis, environmental education, waste management, environmental engineering, GIS analysis, and regulatory agencies. These roles often require strong analytical skills, fieldwork, data analysis, and relevant certifications or advanced degrees. Job opportunities are available in government, private sector, non-profit organizations, and research institutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an environmental researcher?

To thrive as an Environmental Researcher, you need a solid background in environmental science, data analysis, and research methodology, typically supported by a relevant degree such as environmental science, biology, or ecology. Familiarity with statistical software, GIS tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with certifications like HAZWOPER for fieldwork safety. Critical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written and verbal communication skills help researchers collaborate and clearly present findings. These skills and qualifications are vital to conduct accurate research, inform policy, and contribute to effective environmental solutions.

What do you need to be an environmental researcher?

Environmental researchers typically need a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or a related field, with advanced degrees often preferred for specialized roles. Strong analytical skills, proficiency with data analysis tools, and knowledge of environmental regulations are important. Fieldwork experience and relevant certifications can also enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Environmental Researcher vs Environmental Scientist?

AspectEnvironmental ResearcherEnvironmental Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, academic institutionsResearch labs, government agencies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, NGOsGovernment agencies, environmental consulting firms, industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Environmental Researchers and Environmental Scientists often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments. However, Environmental Researchers typically focus on conducting specific studies and experiments, often within academic or research institutions, while Environmental Scientists may work more broadly in applying research findings to policy, consulting, or environmental management. Both roles are vital in advancing environmental understanding and solutions.

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

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

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

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

Environmental Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Environmental Researcher job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,621 per year, or $53.7 per hour.

Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Berkeley, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory rating

9.5

Company rating: 9.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 120 rated laboratories

Job description

The Energy/Environmental Technology Researcher 2/3 (EETR2/EETR3) will develop and deploy next-generation modeling, simulation, and optimization tools for energy and control systems using Modelica and FMI. Responsibilities include contributing to the Modelica Buildings Library, the OpenBuildingControl project, and applications for district energy, data centers, and heat pump/chiller plants using Platform- and Model-Based Design.
Working on an interdisciplinary team, you will extend and apply Modelica/FMI-based computing technologies for HVAC and control simulation, supporting research in rule-based, predictive, and AI-driven control systems.
You will also co-author peer-reviewed publications, help secure funding, and present results at conferences and project meetings.
We're here to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
Why join Berkeley Lab?
We invest in our employees by offering a total rewards package you can count on:
  • Exceptional health and retirement benefits, including pension or 401K-style plans.
  • A culture where you'll belong - we are invested in our teams!
  • In addition to accruing vacation and sick time, we also have a Winter Holiday Shutdown every year.
  • Parental bonding leave (for both mothers and fathers).
  • Pet insurance.

EETR2 will:
  • Develop and deploy the Modelica Buildings Library and related Modelica/FMI-based tools.
  • Research and apply these technologies to buildings, district energy systems, and data centers.
  • Advance Platform-Based Design and AI applications for energy systems.
  • Develop object-oriented, equation-based simulation models and control algorithms.
  • Integrate domain-specific tools for rapid prototyping and whole-system lifecycle analysis.
  • Publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with industry.
  • Support applied projects, proposal development, and solve complex technical problems.

In addition to Above, EETR3 will:
  • Lead development and deployment of the Modelica Buildings Library and related Modelica/FMI tools.
  • Conduct advanced research applying these technologies to buildings, district energy, and data centers.
  • Drive Platform-Based Design for energy systems.
  • Publish in high-impact journals, present at conferences, and collaborate with industry.
  • Lead smaller projects or serve as a senior contributor on large efforts.
  • Contribute to or lead proposal development and solve complex problems creatively.

Additional Responsibilities as needed:
  • May lead small proposals or contribute to larger ones.
  • May supervise staff.
  • Engage external partners on programmatic matters.
  • Eligible for full PI status upon approval and required training completion.

Requirements for EETR2:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 5 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; or 3 years and a master's degree; or a PhD degree without experience; or equivalent work experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise in system modeling, simulation, building sciences and controls through journal and conference publications.
  • Demonstrated expertise in HVAC systems for buildings or districts, and in controls.
  • Strong working knowledge of heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and thermodynamics.
  • Experience in software development.
  • Experience developing mathematical models for building energy simulation and optimization. Demonstrated strong skills in developing models in languages and simulators for systems of differential algebraic equations in the domain of energy and control systems.
  • Excellent knowledge of building science, controls, and of numerical methods for optimization and simulation.
  • Excellent knowledge of programming languages, preferably Modelica, C/C++ and Python.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated expertise in working on multiple tasks and projects.
  • Demonstrated experience working effectively in teams, including internal and external collaborations.

In addition to Above, EETR3:
  • Typically requires a minimum of 8 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree; or 6 years and a master's degree; or a PhD degree with 3 years of experience; or equivalent work experience.

Desired skills/knowledge:
  • Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, controls, computer science, architectural engineering or a related building science field.
  • Demonstrated expertise with development of large software packages.
  • Demonstrated experience working with real systems.
  • Demonstrated experience managing project timelines, budget, and/or personnel.

Additional information:
  • Application date: Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by June 8, 2026 Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.
  • Appointment type:This is a full-time, 1 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
  • Salary range:
    • EETR2: The full salary range for this position is $100,668 - 169,986 The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $119,563.2 - 132,148.80. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.
    • EETR3: The full salary range for this position is $124,728 - $210,480. The budgeted salary range that the Lab reasonably expects to pay for this position is $148,120.20-$163,711.80. Salary offers will be commensurate with the final candidate's qualification and experience, including skills, knowledge, relevant education, and certifications, and also aligned with the internal peer group.
  • Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
  • Work modality: This position is eligible for a flexible work mode, with onsite or hybrid work being the preferred modes. Hybrid work is a combination of teleworking and performing work on-site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs.
  • Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: 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, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

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