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Geospatial Analysis Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Analytics Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$119K - $188K/yr

Hands-on GIS and geospatial analysis experience (e.g., H3, PostGIS, GeoPandas, Kepler.gl, or equivalent tooling) * Strong SQL and cloud data warehouse experience (BigQuery preferred) * Python ...

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Analytics Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$148K - $222K/yr

Hands-on GIS and geospatial analysis experience (e.g., H3, PostGIS, GeoPandas, Kepler.gl, or equivalent tooling) * Strong SQL and cloud data warehouse experience (BigQuery preferred) * Python ...

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Analytics Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$148K - $222K/yr

Hands-on GIS and geospatial analysis experience (e.g., H3, PostGIS, GeoPandas, Kepler.gl, or equivalent tooling) * Strong SQL and cloud data warehouse experience (BigQuery preferred) * Python ...

Viasat, Inc.

Senior Analytics Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$148K - $222K/yr

Hands-on GIS and geospatial analysis experience (e.g., H3, PostGIS, GeoPandas, Kepler.gl, or equivalent tooling) * Strong SQL and cloud data warehouse experience (BigQuery preferred) * Python ...

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All JobsGeospatial Analysis JobsGeospatial Analysis Jobs in California

Geospatial Analysis information

See California salary details

$21.7K

$76.5K

$120.4K

How much do geospatial analysis jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for geospatial analysis in California is $76,480.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,800.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a GIS analyst earn?

The average salary for a GIS analyst typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced analysts with specialized skills or advanced tools can earn higher salaries.

What does a geospatial analyst do?

A geospatial analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets geographic data using GIS (Geographic Information Systems) tools and software. They create maps, perform spatial analysis, and support decision-making in fields like urban planning, environmental management, and transportation. Strong technical skills and knowledge of spatial data are essential for this role.

What are some common challenges faced by geospatial analysts when working with large and complex datasets?

Geospatial analysts often encounter challenges related to managing and processing large volumes of spatial data from various sources, which can lead to issues with data compatibility, accuracy, and processing speed. Ensuring data quality and integrating datasets with different projections or formats requires strong technical skills and attention to detail. Analysts also need to communicate their findings clearly to non-technical stakeholders, which involves translating complex spatial patterns into actionable insights for decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Geospatial Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Geospatial Analyst, you need strong analytical skills, geographic knowledge, and proficiency in GIS (Geographic Information Systems), typically supported by a degree in geography, environmental science, or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, remote sensing software, and spatial databases, as well as certifications like GISP, are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you present complex spatial data clearly to stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for producing accurate spatial analyses that inform decision-making in fields like urban planning, environmental management, and logistics.

What is the highest paying job in GIS?

The highest paying jobs in GIS often include roles such as GIS Director, Geospatial Program Manager, or Senior GIS Consultant, which typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and certifications like GISP. These positions can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, especially in industries like defense, engineering, or technology. Leadership roles overseeing large geospatial projects tend to be the most lucrative in the field.

Is geospatial analysis a good career?

Geospatial analysis is a viable career that involves using geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial data to solve real-world problems. It offers opportunities in sectors like urban planning, environmental management, and defense, often requiring skills in GIS software and data analysis. The field is expected to grow as organizations increasingly rely on spatial data for decision-making.

What is geospatial analysis?

Geospatial analysis is the process of gathering, displaying, and interpreting data that has a geographic or spatial component. It involves using tools such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyze patterns, relationships, and trends related to locations on the earth's surface. Geospatial analysis is widely used in fields like urban planning, environmental management, logistics, and public health to make informed decisions based on spatial data. By visualizing and interpreting this data, organizations can better understand geographic patterns and solve complex problems.
What are the most commonly searched types of Geospatial Analysis jobs in California? The most popular types of Geospatial Analysis jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Geospatial Analysis jobs in California? For Geospatial Analysis jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Geospatial Analysis jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Geospatial Analysis jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Geospatial Analysis jobs? Cities in California with the most Geospatial Analysis job openings:
Geospatial Analysis jobs near you
Infographic showing various Geospatial Analysis job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,480 per year, or $36.8 per hour.

Science and Conservation Associate

Laguna Ocean Foundation

Laguna Beach, CA • Remote

Part-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Science and Conservation Associate

Location: Laguna Beach, California
Organization: Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF)
Status: Part-time (Contingent upon funding)

About Laguna Ocean Foundation

The Laguna Ocean Foundation (LOF) is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring Laguna Beach’s coastal ecosystems through science, education, conservation, and community engagement. Working with universities, government agencies, and community partners, LOF is advancing innovative coastal monitoring by integrating field ecology with drones, GIS, machine learning, environmental DNA (eDNA), and citizen science.

Position Summary

LOF seeks a motivated Science and Conservation Associate to support the technical foundation of its research and conservation programs. This position transforms field observations into high-quality geospatial data that inform ecological monitoring, restoration, conservation planning, and public education across Laguna Beach’s Marine Protected Areas.

The Associate will manage geospatial workflows—from drone and underwater ROV surveys through machine-learning analysis, GIS integration, habitat mapping, and scientific visualization. Working closely with LOF biologists, university researchers, GIS specialists, and interns, the Associate will help build one of California’s most comprehensive long-term coastal spatial datasets while supporting scientific publications, grant-funded research, StoryMaps, and emerging conservation technologies.

Position contingent upon funding.

Primary Responsibilities

Remote Sensing & Field Operations

● Conduct drone surveys under FAA Part 107 regulations.

● Operate underwater ROVs to document marine habitats.

● Coordinate field logistics, equipment, permits, and data collection.

GIS & Spatial Analysis

● Process drone imagery into ortho-mosaics and elevation models.

● Maintain GIS databases and produce habitat, species, and change-detection maps.

● Integrate remote sensing with biological field data.

Artificial Intelligence & Data Science

● Develop and apply machine-learning models for habitat and species classification.

● Improve classification workflows and support Python-based geospatial automation.

Research & Communication

● Collaborate with scientists and partner institutions on applied conservation research.

● Assist with scientific publications, technical reports, grant proposals, and conference presentations.

● Develop Story-Maps, dashboards, and visual products that communicate science to diverse audiences.

Training & Program Support

● Mentor interns and volunteers in GIS, drone operations, and data collection.

● Help establish standardized monitoring and data management protocols.

Required Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Geography, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Ecology, or related field (or equivalent experience).

● At least one year of experience in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis, or environmental monitoring.

● Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and/or QGIS.

● Experience with Python for geospatial analysis or machine learning.

● Experience processing drone imagery using photogrammetry.

● Familiarity with image classification or computer vision workflows.

● Knowledge of geospatial data management and reproducible workflows.

● FAA Part 107 certification (or ability to obtain).

● Excellent organizational, communication, and technical writing skills.

Preferred Qualifications

● Experience in coastal or marine ecosystems.

● Underwater ROV experience.

● Familiarity with eDNA, ecological monitoring, or conservation research.

● Experience working with universities, government agencies, or nonprofits.

● Grant writing or peer-reviewed publication experience.

● Experience with ArcGIS Online, StoryMaps, Dashboards, or web GIS.

● Knowledge of TensorFlow, PyTorch, Detectron2, or similar frameworks.

● Experience with cloud-based geospatial workflows.

Please send your resume and cover letter to: Please send in your material by July 31 to info@lagunaoceanfoundation.org

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