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Political Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Esri

Sr. Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA

$99K/yr

Bachelor's degree in business administration, legal studies, political science, or a related field * Must be authorized to work in the US; visa sponsorship is not available for this position ...

Novel Prep

Speech & Debate Coach

Irvine, CA · Remote

$50 - $80/hr

Support students pursuing highly selective universities, particularly those interested in public policy, political science, economics, STEM policy, or other interdisciplinary fields. * Coach students ...

Esri

Sr. Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$75K - $118K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in business administration, legal studies, political science, or a related field * Must be authorized to work in the US; visa sponsorship is not available for this position ...

Esri

Sr. Principal Contract Specialist

Redlands, CA · On-site

$100K - $212K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or a related field Recommended Qualifications * Experience with federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR, SBA, EAR ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPolitical Scientist JobsPolitical Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA

Political Scientist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$8

$35

$75

How much do political scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for political scientist in Riverside, CA is $35.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.16 and $47.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the work of a political scientist?

A political scientist studies government systems, political behavior, and public policies. They analyze political trends, conduct research, and often use statistical tools to interpret data, helping inform decision-making and policy development.

What is the best job for a political scientist major?

Political science majors can pursue careers in government, policy analysis, political consulting, or research roles. These jobs often require strong analytical, research, and communication skills, and may involve working in offices, think tanks, or advocacy organizations.

What is the difference between Political Scientist vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolitical ScientistPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsMaster's or Ph.D. in Political Science or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Political Science, Public Policy, or related areas
Work EnvironmentAcademia, research institutions, government agenciesGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research organizations, governmentPolicy development, advocacy groups, government
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, career paths, qualificationsComparing job functions, responsibilities, and skills

Political Scientists analyze political systems, theories, and behaviors, often working in academia or research. Policy Analysts focus on evaluating and developing policies, typically working in government or think tanks. While both roles require knowledge of political systems, Political Scientists tend to focus on research and theory, whereas Policy Analysts are more involved in practical policy development and analysis.

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

To thrive as a Political Scientist, you need strong analytical skills, research proficiency, and typically a master's or doctoral degree in political science or a related field. Familiarity with statistical analysis software (like SPSS or STATA), data visualization tools, and experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods are commonly required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize complex information are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for producing rigorous research, informing public policy, and effectively conveying findings to diverse audiences.

What jobs do political scientists do?

Political scientists analyze government systems, political behavior, and public policies. They conduct research, develop theories, and often work in academia, government agencies, think tanks, or consulting firms, utilizing skills in data analysis, research methods, and policy evaluation.

How do political scientists typically collaborate with government agencies or non-profit organizations in their daily work?

Political scientists often work closely with government agencies and non-profit organizations by conducting research, analyzing policy impacts, and providing recommendations based on their findings. These collaborations may involve designing surveys, evaluating program effectiveness, or advising on legislative initiatives. Working in interdisciplinary teams is common, and political scientists frequently present their insights to stakeholders to inform decision-making. This collaborative environment helps ensure that their research addresses real-world policy challenges and contributes to meaningful societal outcomes.

What is a political scientist?

Political scientists research and analyze government and public policies. As a political scientist, your job duties include conducting polls and surveys, analyzing public opinion data, monitoring current events and political trends, and making predictions based on political theories, research, and analysis. This information helps you evaluate the effects of laws and public policies on citizens, businesses, and the government. You gather data from multiple sources and compare current trends with past political events and government systems. Utilizing your knowledge, you draw conclusions using both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Strong analytical skills and excellent reading comprehension and writing abilities are vital for a career in political science.

More about Political Scientist jobs

What are popular job titles related to Political Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA?

For Political Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Political Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Political Scientist jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Political Scientist jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Political Scientist job openings:

Political Scientist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Political Scientist job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, and 44% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,835 per year, or $35 per hour.

Sr. Principal Contract Specialist

Esri

Redlands, CA

$99K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Esri rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

Overview

Are you a strategic contracts leader ready to take your impact to the next level? At Esri, you`ll do more than manage agreements and a team, you will help shape how we deliver innovative geospatial solutions that make a difference around the world.

As a Sr. Principal Contract Specialist, you will manage a team of Contract Specialists as well as lead high-visibility, complex deals. This role will advise leadership on critical business decisions, and mentor the next generation of contract professionals. This is a career-defining opportunity to operate as a trusted advisor and manager while driving meaningful process improvements across a growing, collaborative organization.

Esri has a Relocation Assistance Program and can provide support with relocating to the Redlands, CA area for this position.

Why Join Esri`s Professional Services Team?

  • Strategic Impact: Influence pricing, negotiations, and contract structures that directly support enterprise-level programs
  • Leadership Opportunity: Manage, mentor, and guide a talented contracts team while help elevate overall practices
  • Variety & Challenge: Work across commercial, public sector, federal, and international agreements
  • Collaborative Culture: Partner with legal, finance, and delivery teams in a highly supportive environment
  • Mission-Driven Work: Contribute to technology that helps organizations solve real-world problems globally

Responsibilities

  • Manage and mentor junior and mid-level contract professionals
  • Lead the full lifecycle of complex services contracts- from RFP through negotiation, execution, and closeout
  • Serve as a strategic advisor to leadership on contract structure, risk mitigation, and pricing strategy
  • Navigate and resolve complex contractual issues across cross-functional teams
  • Drive process improvements and best practices in contract management
  • Support a diverse portfolio of agreements (commercial, public sector, federal, international)
  • Apply knowledge of federal contracting frameworks (FAR/DFAR) where applicable

Requirements

  • 12+ years of progressively complex contract administration experience
  • Proven success negotiating and structuring a variety of agreement types
  • Strong expertise in contract law, risk management, and procurement practices
  • Demonstrated leadership experience, including mentoring and team development
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across all levels
  • US citizenship and ability and willingness to obtain a US Security Clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, or a related field

Recommended Qualifications

  • Experience with federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFAR, SBA, EAR, ITAR)
  • Familiarity with large systems integrator agreements
  • Knowledge of professional services, cloud, and software licensing terms
  • Master's degree in Business Administration, Legal Studies, Political Science, Juris Doctorate, or related field

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About ESRI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our passion for improving quality of life through geography is at the heart of everything we do. Esri's geographic information system (GIS) technology inspires and enables governments, universities, and businesses worldwide to save money, lives, and our environment through a deeper understanding of the changing world around them.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Redlands, CA, US

Year founded

1969

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