2

Remote Ocean Conservation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Remote Ocean Conservation information

See California salary details

$19.1K

$62.3K

$137.6K

How much do remote ocean conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote ocean conservation in California is $62,301.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,617.00 and $61,201.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a typical work environment like for remote ocean conservation?

As a remote ocean conservation professional, you will generally work from a home office or virtual setting, collaborating online with colleagues, researchers, and partner organizations worldwide. Your day may involve data analysis, virtual team meetings, report writing, and coordinating digital outreach or advocacy projects. While you may not be in the field daily, occasional travel to project sites or conferences could be required, depending on the organization. The role offers high levels of flexibility and autonomy, but also demands strong self-organization and proactive communication to ensure project goals are met.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in remote ocean conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Remote Ocean Conservation, a solid background in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field is essential, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing technology, and data analysis tools is commonly required, and certifications like PADI or similar may be beneficial. Strong communication, project management, and self-motivation are crucial soft skills for remote collaboration and executing conservation initiatives. These competencies enable professionals to effectively monitor ocean health, execute conservation projects from afar, and engage with global teams and stakeholders.

What is a remote ocean conservation?

A Remote Ocean Conservation job involves protecting marine ecosystems while working from a remote location. Responsibilities can include data analysis, policy development, advocacy, grant writing, or coordinating conservation projects. Many roles leverage technology such as satellite monitoring, GIS mapping, and virtual collaboration tools to track ocean health and enforce conservation measures. These jobs are ideal for individuals passionate about marine life who have expertise in environmental science, sustainability, or related fields.

What are popular job titles related to Remote Ocean Conservation jobs in California? For Remote Ocean Conservation jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Ocean Conservation jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Ocean Conservation jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Remote Ocean Conservation jobs? Cities in California with the most Remote Ocean Conservation job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Ocean Conservation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,301 per year, or $30 per hour.

Science and Conservation Associate

Laguna Ocean Foundation

Laguna Beach, CA • Remote

Part-time

Re-posted 4 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

E04JI800ui4140992ms