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Microplastics Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Microplastics information

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$8

$25

$60

How much do microplastics jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for microplastics in California is $25.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $30.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Microplastics Researcher, you need a robust background in environmental science, chemistry, or biology, often with at least a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Technical expertise in laboratory analysis, including spectroscopy, microscopy, and possibly experience with Mass Spectrometry or FTIR, as well as familiarity with data analysis software, is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills are important for interpreting data and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills enable researchers to accurately detect, quantify, and report microplastic contaminants and contribute meaningful insights toward environmental protection.

What is a Microplastics job?

A Microplastics job typically involves researching, analyzing, and mitigating the impact of tiny plastic particles on the environment and human health. Professionals in this field work in laboratories, government agencies, or environmental organizations to study sources, distribution, and effects of microplastics. They may develop policies, conduct sampling, or create solutions for plastic pollution. Roles can vary from scientific research to policy advocacy and environmental consulting.

What does a typical day look like for a Microplastics Researcher in a laboratory setting?

A typical day for a Microplastics Researcher often involves collecting and preparing environmental samples, conducting microscope or spectroscopic analyses to identify and quantify microplastics, and recording detailed results. Researchers may spend part of their day collaborating with colleagues, troubleshooting experimental procedures, or reviewing the latest scientific literature to inform their work. Data analysis and the preparation of reports or presentations are also common tasks. The role often requires meticulous attention to detail and adaptability, as research methods and project priorities can shift based on findings or evolving environmental concerns.

What are the most commonly searched types of Microplastics jobs in California? The most popular types of Microplastics jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Microplastics jobs in California? For Microplastics jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Microplastics jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Microplastics jobs in California are:
Microplastics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Microplastics job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,653 per year, or $25.8 per hour.
CALPIRG Zero Waste Campaign Associate

CALPIRG Zero Waste Campaign Associate

The Public Interest Network

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$38K - $39K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

CALPIRG is hiring a passionate, dedicated, and organized campaign associate to help drive our campaigns to reduce fashion waste, plastic pollution, and in general move us towards a "zero waste" economy in which less is consumed and all materials are reused, recycled and composted. 

Our country has a waste problem. Natural resources are continually extracted to produce goods that are used - often just once - before they are thrown into landfills, incinerators or the natural environment. For example, it takes a lot of water and energy to produce clothing, but with the rise of fast fashion, many clothes are thrown away after being worn a few times or never at all, and now the equivalent of a dump truck filled with clothing is sent to a landfill or incinerator every second. 

To protect public health and the environment, conserve natural resources and landscapes, and address the mounting crisis of climate change, California needs to move toward an economic system characterized by zero waste. 
Our Zero Waste Campaign Associate will support campaigns to tackle fast fashion, reduce needless plastic waste, protect us from microplastics and other zero waste efforts. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance.
  • Educate and mobilize public support: Conduct online and in-person outreach to educate the public on our issues and ways to get involved. 
  • Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to demonstrate support for our campaign goals.
  • Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
  • Lobby elected officials: Meet with decision makers - from city council members to state legislators - to make the case for our campaign goals. When a critical vote is happening on your campaign, work to demonstrate the support you've been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win.
  • Research and write reports: Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
  • Recruit new people to your team: Help build your team by recruiting volunteers, interns and full-time staff.
  • Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns. Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move.
Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. Though we expect you to take your campaign and run with it, we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, top-notch writing and public speaking skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups.
Compensation and Benefits
The target annual compensation for this entry-level position is $38,250-$39,500. CALPIRG offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement. 

Location: Los Angeles, CA

We are accepting applications on a rolling basis for a summer 2026 start. 

Why work with CALPIRG? Check out 10 reasons: https://calpirg.org/why-work-with-us/ 

Our Mission and Values
CALPIRG and PIRG are part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit https://pirg.org/core-values for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

CALPIRG is an equal opportunity employer and will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

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