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Recent Graduate Environmental Science Jobs in California

Environmental Scientist Manager

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$78K - $102K/yr

... recently recognized by the Zweig Group for our industry-leading growth. Our success is grounded in ... MS or PhD in Environmental Science, Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a related field

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Recent Graduate Environmental Science information

What is a recent graduate environmental scientist?

Recent graduate environmental scientists are individuals who have recently completed a degree in environmental science or a closely related field and are beginning their professional careers. They typically work in entry-level positions, assisting with environmental research, data collection, fieldwork, and reporting. Their roles may include monitoring environmental conditions, supporting sustainability initiatives, or helping with regulatory compliance. These positions provide valuable hands-on experience and opportunities to develop specialized skills in the environmental sector.

What are the typical responsibilities of a recent graduate environmental scientist?

As a recent graduate in environmental science, your daily tasks may include collecting and analyzing environmental data, conducting fieldwork and site assessments, assisting with report writing, and supporting senior scientists in research projects. You'll often collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including engineers, policy experts, and laboratory technicians. Early in your career, you'll have opportunities to develop technical skills, gain exposure to regulatory compliance, and participate in community outreach or public education efforts, all of which can pave the way for advancement in specialized areas.

What is the difference between Recent Graduate Environmental Science vs Environmental Technician?

AspectRecent Graduate Environmental ScienceEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science or related fieldBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications like OSHA or EPA may be advantageous
Work EnvironmentLaboratory, fieldwork, research settingsField sites, laboratories, environmental monitoring locations
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, government agencies, environmental consultanciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, industrial sites
Common Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level roles for recent graduatesEntry-level or early-career environmental monitoring roles

Overall, Recent Graduate Environmental Science roles focus on entry-level research and data analysis, while Environmental Technicians typically perform field sampling and monitoring tasks. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a recent graduate environmental scientist?

To thrive as a recent graduate in Environmental Science, you need a solid understanding of environmental principles, research methods, and data analysis, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as GIS software, statistical analysis programs, and laboratory equipment is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help set candidates apart in this field. These skills are essential for effectively collecting and interpreting data, collaborating with diverse teams, and contributing solutions to environmental challenges.
What are popular job titles related to Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs in California? For Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Recent Graduate Environmental Science jobs? Cities in California with the most Recent Graduate Environmental Science job openings:
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Environmental Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Park Ranger (Recent Graduate)

US Department of the Interior

Angels Camp, CA • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


U.S. Department Of The Interior rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

412th of 842 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Turn your passion for the outdoors into a career that makes a difference.

Join the Bureau of Reclamation as a Park Ranger and help create safe, memorable recreation experiences while protecting public lands and natural resources. Engage with visitors, patrol parks by land and water, support conservation projects, and present educational programs in one of California's premier outdoor recreation areas.
This vacancy is open to Recent Graduates only.

Qualifications:

To be eligible, you must meet both the Pathways Recent Graduate eligibility requirements and the qualification requirements for this position.

You must have successfully completed a qualifying associate, bachelor's, master's, professional, doctoral, vocational, or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years (or within six years for eligible veterans under 5 CFR 362.302). You must submit documentation verifying your eligibility.

Recent Graduates may be eligible for noncompetitive conversion upon successful completion of the Pathways Program. See Additional Information.
To qualify for this position at the GS-5 grade level, you must meet one of the following qualification requirements:
Specialized Experience Requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is experience assisting with visitor services, recreation management, natural or cultural resource protection, or park operations. Examples of qualifying experience include: providing information to visitors or the public regarding facilities, programs, or regulations; patrolling recreation areas or public use facilities to monitor visitor activities and identify safety concerns; assisting with the protection and maintenance of natural or cultural resources; collecting recreation fees or maintaining visitor use records; preparing reports or documenting incidents; assisting with interpretive or educational programs; and supporting emergency response, first aid, or public safety activities. -OR-
Education: Successfully completed a four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university that included 24 semester hours of related coursework in natural resource management, natural sciences, earth sciences, history, archeology, anthropology, park and recreation management, law enforcement/police science, social sciences, museum sciences, business administration, public administration, behavioral sciences, sociology, or other closely related subjects pertinent to the management and protection of natural and cultural resources. You must submit copies of your transcripts with your application. -OR-
Combination of Education and Experience: To qualify based on a combination of education and experience, you must possess qualifying specialized experience and successfully complete education beyond the first 60 semester hours (or equivalent) of a bachelor's degree program that included related coursework. Only education beyond the second year of undergraduate study is creditable toward meeting the education requirement.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer experience is credited the same as paid experience when it demonstrates the required competencies.
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement, 08/13/2026.
Physical Demands: The work requires frequent outdoor activity, including walking over uneven terrain, climbing, bending, lifting, and carrying equipment or materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Incumbents may patrol by foot, vehicle, bicycle, or boat and must be able to perform physically demanding work for extended periods, including during emergency response operations and in remote locations.
Work Environment:Work is performed primarily outdoors in a variety of weather and environmental conditions, including extreme heat, cold, wind, rain, and other adverse conditions. The position requires working around water, on boats, and in rugged terrain with exposure to insects, poisonous plants, wildlife, and other natural hazards. Employees may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and during emergency situations.Education:You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work. An official transcript must be sent directly from the University's Registrar's office and must be provided from the institution awarding the degree. Academic transcripts certified by notary publics are NOT official. Official transcripts must be submitted prior to reporting to work as a condition of employment. Failure to submit official transcripts may be grounds for dismissal or rescission of the job offer.Employment Type: OTHER

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