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Environmental Science Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Environmental Health and Safety

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$97K - $132K/yr

Central to that mission is a high-throughput experimental materials science lab that handles ... Comfort working on-site in a fast-paced, high-complexity lab environment where experiments run 24/7 ...

... Science Lab, Flow Cytometry to join IQVIA Laboratories at Valencia, CA. We hire passionate ... Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail in a regulated laboratory environment

Showing results 21-40

Environmental Science Lab information

See California salary details

$15

$28

$47

How much do environmental science lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for environmental science lab in California is $28.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $31.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Environmental Science Lab vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental Science LabEnvironmental Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldAssociate's degree or relevant certification
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, research facilitiesField sites, environmental monitoring locations
Job FocusAnalyzing samples, conducting experiments, data interpretationCollecting samples, site assessments, data collection
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, environmental agencies, labsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Environmental Science Lab roles primarily involve laboratory research and analysis, requiring a strong scientific background. In contrast, Environmental Technicians focus on fieldwork and sample collection. Both roles support environmental protection but differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What jobs can I do with environmental science?

With a background in environmental science, you can pursue roles such as environmental scientist, environmental analyst, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, or sustainability specialist. These jobs often require skills in data collection, environmental regulations, and use of tools like GIS software, and may involve fieldwork, research, or policy development.

What do environmental science lab technicians do?

Environmental science lab technicians assist scientists by collecting, preparing, and analyzing environmental samples such as water, air, and soil. They use specialized equipment to test for pollutants, contaminants, and other environmental factors. Their work helps monitor environmental health, ensure compliance with regulations, and support research on environmental issues. Technicians also record data, maintain laboratory equipment, and sometimes assist in fieldwork.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in an Environmental Science Lab?

Professionals in an Environmental Science Lab often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict safety protocols, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of test results, and managing multiple projects with tight deadlines. They may also face difficulties adapting to rapidly evolving technologies and methodologies in environmental testing. Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, such as field researchers and regulatory agencies, is essential to address complex environmental issues and ensure that findings are effectively communicated and implemented.

What is environmental lab work?

Environmental lab work involves analyzing samples such as water, soil, and air to assess environmental conditions and pollution levels. It requires skills in laboratory techniques, use of specialized equipment, and adherence to safety and quality standards. Environmental scientists and technicians perform these tasks to support environmental protection and compliance efforts.

Can I work in a lab with an environmental science degree?

Environmental science lab positions often require a bachelor's degree in environmental science or related fields. Skills in laboratory techniques, data analysis, and familiarity with environmental monitoring tools are important for these roles.

What careers can I do with environmental science?

Environmental science graduates can pursue careers such as environmental analyst, conservation scientist, environmental consultant, or sustainability specialist. These roles often require skills in data analysis, fieldwork, and knowledge of environmental regulations, and may involve working in labs, offices, or outdoor settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Environmental Science Lab Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Environmental Science Lab Technician, you need a solid background in biology, chemistry, and environmental science, often supported by a relevant degree or laboratory certification. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectrometers, chromatographs, and laboratory information management systems (LIMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate data collection and analysis, compliance with safety standards, and valuable contributions to environmental research and monitoring.
What are popular job titles related to Environmental Science Lab jobs in California? For Environmental Science Lab jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Environmental Science Lab jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Environmental Science Lab jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Environmental Science Lab jobs? Cities in California with the most Environmental Science Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Environmental Science Lab job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,656 per year, or $28.2 per hour.
Research Associate I- Ramani Lab

Research Associate I- Ramani Lab

Gladstone Institutes

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$32.67/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Category:
Science
Lab/Area:
Ramani Lab
Description:
Who We Are
The Gladstone Institutes is a leading independent, not-for-profit research organization dedicated to improving human health through groundbreaking biomedical research and education. Our work spans neuroscience, cardiovascular biology, immunology, and stem cell biology, with a strong emphasis on understanding and treating disease. With approximately 600 team members, including world-renowned scientists and biomedical leaders, Gladstone fosters a collaborative and innovative environment. Located at the Mission Bay Campus in a state-of-the-art facility, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and the resources to empower individuals to maximize their potential and make a meaningful impact on global health.
About the Role
The Ramani Lab at Gladstone Institutes is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support wet-lab research initiatives. The Ramani Lab specializes in the development and application of cutting-edge sequencing technologies to investigate transcriptional regulation at a genome-wide scale. Research
Associates will be expected to help build on recent studies from the lab have focused on understanding chromatin fiber structure in the contexts of regulated transcription and DNA replication (Ostrowski et al, Cell [2025]; Moore et al, Science [2025]; Yang et al, Nature [2026]).
The Research Associate will specifically be responsible for (1) aiding with lab organization and ordering; (2) supporting the lab's biochemistry pipeline for creating and characterizing chromatin in vitro through a combination of protein purification, molecular biology, and genomics data analysis, and (3) generating
single-cell and single-molecule sequencing libraries compatible with Illumina and PacBio sequencing platforms. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in molecular biology, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work independently. Prior Research Associates have successfully matriculated to top molecular biology PhD programs in the US including at UCSF, MIT, the University of Washington, and Columbia.
What you will do:
  • Perform biochemical techniques such as protein purification and in vitro reconstitution of molecular processes.
  • Conduct molecular biology experiments to create sequencing libraries for high-throughput sequencing platforms.
  • Develop and optimize molecular biology protocols, including barcoding, amplification, and processing of DNA and RNA from mammalian cells.
  • Assist with lab organization, including reagent procurement and inventory management.
  • Collaborate with team members to analyze and interpret sequencing data

What you will need:
  • B.S./B.A. degree in a relevant scientific field by the time of hire.
  • Prior experience in protein purification and biochemistry.
  • Candidates currently completing their degree may apply, but the degree must be conferred by the appointment start date.

What is preferred:
  • Experience with high-throughput sequencing technologies, including Illumina, Pacific Biosciences, or Oxford Nanopore.
  • Experience with molecular biological protocols.
  • Familiarity with mammalian tissue culture techniques.
  • Proficiency in bioinformatics or scripting languages such as UNIX, C++, Python, or R.

Salary Range:
$28.35/hr. ($58,968) - $32.67/hr. ($67,949)
Gladstone Perks & Benefits
  • People-work with talented, committed, and supportive teammates within an organization that values each member of its community.
  • A meaningful place to grow and learn-whether it's your professional skills or scientific knowledge, we have the resources and environment to advance either so you can better support Gladstone's mission to drive a new era of discovery in disease-oriented science and to mentor tomorrow's leaders in an inspiring and excellent environment.
  • Healthy work/life balance-you are highly engaged and productive at work because you can have time to recharge and enjoy a vibrant life outside of work.
  • Compensation-competitive salary. Title and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
  • Excellent benefits-generous medical, dental, vision, retirement plan, paid vacation, commuter benefits, access to free shuttle transportation.

Gladstone is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other non-job related characteristic. We make all employment decisions so as to further this principle of equal employment.