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Environmental Scientist Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Lead Mine Reclamation Soil Scientist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Establish links with other environmental and engineering business units to support and enhance ... Master of Science in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Range Science, Geology, or closely ...

Engineer-Environmental

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$70K - $93K/yr

Bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health environmental science or a related discipline. 8+ years of experience in the semiconductor industry consulting or with a regulatory agency. 5+ ...

Lead Mine Reclamation Soil Scientist

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Establish links with other environmental and engineering business units to support and enhance ... Master of Science in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Range Science, Geology, or closely ...

On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner

Albuquerque, NM

$64K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience.) * 1 to 5 years ...

On-Call Field Biologist / Environmental Planner

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Planning, Ecology, Biological Science (Botany, Wildlife Biology, etc.), Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience.) * 1 to 5 years ...

Senior Environmental Project Manager

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, or a related field * 10+ years of relevant professional experience with increasing levels of responsibility * Demonstrated ...

Generate subsurface maps and cross-sections and collaborate with engineering and environmental scientist staff on projects. Oversee field monitoring and testing of soils including boring ...

Generate subsurface maps and cross-sections and collaborate with engineering and environmental scientist staff on projects. Oversee field monitoring and testing of soils including boring ...

Showing results 21-40

Environmental Scientist information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$38.6K

$79.1K

$115.7K

How much do environmental scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental scientist in Rio Rancho, NM is $79,127.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,500.00 and $92,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an environmental scientist?

Environmental Scientists are professionals who study the environment and find ways to protect it from pollution and other hazards. They analyze air, water, and soil samples to identify environmental problems and develop solutions to minimize human impact on the environment. Their work often involves conducting research, preparing reports, and advising organizations and governments on environmental policies. Environmental Scientists play a crucial role in sustainability and conservation efforts worldwide.

What does an environmental scientist do?

Environmental scientists conduct research designed to recognize hazardous conditions that affect the environment or public health, such as pollution or water contamination, and suggest ways to control or remove them. This research generally involves collecting and analyzing various environmental samples, examining published data from other scientists, and exploring connections between the results and human activity. Environmental scientists need to be excellent communicators and writers, preparing reports, research papers, and presentations that demonstrate and defend their findings.

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

To thrive as an Environmental Scientist, you need a solid background in environmental science or related fields, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental modeling tools, and data analysis programs is often required, along with relevant certifications like HAZWOPER. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for collaboration and effective reporting. These competencies are vital for accurately assessing environmental issues, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving impactful solutions.

What are some common challenges environmental scientists face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Environmental Scientists often collaborate with professionals from engineering, policy, and public health backgrounds. A common challenge is translating scientific findings into actionable recommendations that are understandable to non-scientists. Balancing differing priorities, such as regulatory compliance versus environmental protection, can also create tension. Effective communication and adaptability are essential for ensuring that environmental concerns are accurately represented and integrated into broader project goals.

What is the difference between Environmental Scientist vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEnvironmental ScientistEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, or related field; often advanced degrees for specialized rolesAssociate's or bachelor's degree in environmental technology or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research labs, data analysis, report writingField sampling, data collection, equipment operation
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research institutionsEnvironmental service companies, government agencies, industrial sites

Environmental Scientists and Environmental Technicians both work to protect the environment, but Scientists focus on research, data analysis, and developing solutions, while Technicians primarily collect samples and perform field tests. Their roles complement each other within environmental projects.

Do environmental scientists get paid a lot?

Environmental scientists typically earn a median annual salary that is around the national average for science and engineering occupations, with salaries varying based on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may pay less, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills and certifications can earn higher salaries. Overall, environmental science is considered a moderately paying field compared to other scientific careers.

What jobs can I do with environmental scientist?

Environmental scientists can work in roles such as environmental consultant, conservation scientist, environmental analyst, or sustainability specialist. They often work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, utilizing skills in data collection, environmental assessment, and regulatory compliance.

What job categories do people searching Environmental Scientist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Environmental Scientist jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Environmental Scientist jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Environmental Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Environmental Scientist job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,127 per year, or $38 per hour.

BIOLOGICAL SCIENTIST

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

Kirtland Air Force Base, NM • On-site

$74K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago


U.S. Department Of Defense rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 538 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

28th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below for IMPORTANT additional information.Qualifications:Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the specialized experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards for General Schedule Professional and Scientific Positions.


BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
A. Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
IN ADDITION TO MEETING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS ABOVE APPLICANTS MUST ALSO MEET THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS LISTED BELOW:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
GS-11: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-09) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of environmental biological scientific concepts, principles, methodology, and practices and familiarity with other professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, community planning, and environmental science) to independently perform routine projects with complete responsibility, or portions of large and complex projects.
GS-12: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-11) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge and abilities applicable to a wide range of environmental biological science duties; and the skill to modify standard practices and adapt equipment or techniques to solve a variety of complex problems; adapt precedents or make significant departures from previous approaches to similar projects to provide for the specialized requirements of projects; and apply standard practices of related disciplines as they relate to biological science functions.
GS-13: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-12) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of a wide range of environmental biological scientific concepts to include climate and hydrological science methods, guidelines, standards, research techniques, and state of the art capabilities and ability to resolve highly complex and difficult meteorological and climate science problems and issues.
GS-14: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-13) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of environmental biological scientific concepts, principles, methodology, and practices and familiarity with other professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, community planning, and environmental science) to independently perform routine projects with complete responsibility, or portions of large and complex projects.
GS-15: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to GS-14) experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Your experience must include professional knowledge of environmental biological scientific concepts, principles, methodology, and practices and familiarity with other professional disciplines (e.g., engineering, community planning, and environmental science) to independently perform routine projects with complete responsibility, or portions of large and complex projects.
Click on the link to view occupational requirements for this position:https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0400/general-natural-resources-management-and-biological-sciences-series-0401/
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs):
1. Knowledge of professional environmental principles, practices, techniques, and procedures to effectively perform project development, execution, training, and advisory services in assigned program element.
2. Knowledge to troubleshoot environmental problems requiring investigation of unsanitary or questionable conditions in assigned program(s).
3. Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws, regulations and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning assigned restoration, compliance, conservation, pollution prevention, and/or integration principles and practices; and health, safety, and security practices.
4. Skill to integrate an interdisciplinary team of professionals to include attorneys, public health specialists, public affairs specialists, biological scientists, environmental engineers, physical scientists, general engineers, community planners, regulators, other governmental officials, and community groups.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience; transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER

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