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Science Advisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Travere

Chief Scientific Officer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

Serve as the Company's senior scientific advisor to the Executive Team and Board of Directors, providing scientific insight and strategic counsel that informs portfolio prioritization, corporate ...

UC San Diego

MS Program Advisor - 140620

San Diego, CA · On-site

Master of Data Science Online, MS in Data Science and PhD in Data Science. The undergraduate ... The MS Advisor also participates in short- and long-term degree and curriculum planning, initiates ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience Advisor JobsScience Advisor Jobs in California

Science Advisor information

See California salary details

$11

$25

$44

How much do science advisor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for science advisor in California is $25.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $29.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Science Advisor vs Research Scientist?

AspectScience AdvisorResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsAdvanced degrees (Master's or PhD), expertise in scientific fieldsTypically PhD or equivalent in a specific research area
Work EnvironmentPolicy settings, government agencies, consulting firmsLaboratories, universities, research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, NGOs, consultingAcademic, industrial, government research
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding advisory roles in scienceResearch activities and scientific contributions

The main difference is that a Science Advisor provides strategic scientific guidance to organizations or policymakers, often working in policy or consulting environments. In contrast, a Research Scientist conducts experiments and generates new scientific knowledge primarily within labs or academic settings. Both roles require advanced degrees and scientific expertise, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Science Advisor, you need a strong background in scientific research, data analysis, and subject-matter expertise, typically supported by an advanced degree (e.g., Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific field. Familiarity with statistical software, scientific databases, and research management tools is often required, along with experience in policy analysis or regulatory environments. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and the ability to translate complex concepts for non-expert audiences are crucial soft skills. These competencies are essential to effectively inform decision-making, bridge science and policy, and ensure evidence-based recommendations.

What are Science Advisors?

Science Advisors are professionals who provide expert scientific guidance and recommendations to organizations, governments, or businesses. They help inform decision-making by interpreting complex scientific data, assessing research, and advising on policy, strategy, or product development. Science Advisors often bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications, ensuring that decisions are based on the most current and reliable scientific knowledge.

How does a Science Advisor typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within an organization?

Science Advisors often work closely with diverse teams such as R&D, regulatory affairs, product development, and executive leadership. They provide expert scientific guidance to ensure that projects align with current research, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings and clear communication are essential, as Science Advisors must translate complex scientific concepts into actionable insights for non-scientist stakeholders. This collaborative approach not only drives innovation but also helps streamline decision-making and project outcomes.
What cities in California are hiring for Science Advisor jobs? Cities in California with the most Science Advisor job openings:
Science Advisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Science Advisor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,235 per year, or $25.6 per hour.
Water Management Program, Environmental Science Advisor

Water Management Program, Environmental Science Advisor

Southern California Edison (SCE)

Rosemead, CA • On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Join the Clean Energy Revolution
Become a Water Management Program, Environmental Science Advisor at Southern California Edison (SCE) and build a better tomorrow. In this job, you'll lead and provide strategic direction for SCE's Drinking Water and Well Management Program while supporting Industrial Wastewater and Facility Stormwater compliance programs. This role serves as a key regulatory and technical advisor, overseeing compliance, permitting, water quality monitoring, agency relationships, contractor performance, and regulatory reporting. The position plays a critical role in protecting public health, ensuring environmental compliance, and supporting the safe and reliable operation of SCE facilities.
As a Water Management Program, Environmental Science Advisor, your work will help power our planet, reduce carbon emissions and create cleaner air for everyone. Are you ready to take on the challenge to help us build the future?
Responsibilities
  • Recommend and implement appropriate actions to ensure compliance with environmental regulations, serving as a liaison with external and governmental agencies or internal business partners.
  • Develop, manage, implement and improve compliance/business processes, standards, procedures, training, and operational plans that advance business strategies with an impact on work group results.
  • Evaluate and assess environmental risk and collaborates in developing and implementing programs for risk reduction and mitigation.
  • Conducts comprehensive environmental inspections and self-assessments, maintaining accurate compliance records.
  • Builds and maintains strong working relationships with internal partners and external agencies to facilitate effective communications and collaboration.
  • Demonstrates project management skills to oversee and coordinate various environmental initiatives and ensures timely completion.
  • Maintain detailed records and prepares related reports and studies for submission to regulatory agencies, ensuring compliance.
  • A material job duty of all positions within the Company is ensuring the protection of all its physical, financial and cybersecurity assets, and properly accessing and managing private customer data, proprietary information, confidential medical records, and other types of highly sensitive information and data with the highest standards of conduct and integrity.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Seven or more years of experience in environmental and/or related compliance field and/or permitting.
  • Possess a valid Class C Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or related discipline.
  • Experience supporting drinking water and groundwater well compliance programs, including permitting regulated systems, regulatory reporting, water quality monitoring, and operational oversight.
  • Knowledge of DDW requirements, AWWA standards, backflow prevention, cross-connection control, groundwater management, and water system operations.
  • Ability to coordinate with regulatory agencies (DDW, RWQCB), support inspections, prepare technical reports including DDW Annual Reports and Consumer Confidence Reports, respond to compliance issues, and assess impacts of emerging regulations.
  • Experience supporting industrial wastewater, facility stormwater, and NPDES compliance programs, including permit implementation, sampling, monitoring, reporting, and regulatory submittals under the Clean Water Act.
  • Experience coordinating with regulatory agencies (e.g., LACSD, OC San, SBVMWD, RWQCB), supporting permit compliance, inspections, enforcement responses, and post-construction stormwater requirements (LID, WQMP, SUSMP)

Additional Information
  • This position's work mode is hybrid. The employee will report to an SCE facility for a set number of days with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. Unless otherwise noted, employees are required to work and reside in the state of California. Further details of this work mode will be discussed at the interview stage. The work mode can be changed based on business needs.
  • Visit our Candidate Resource page to get meaningful information related to benefits, perks, resources, testing information, hiring process, and more!
  • Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
  • Position will require up to 15% traveling and being out in the field throughout the SCE service territory.
  • Relocation does not apply to this position.

About Southern California Edison
The people at SCE don't just keep the lights on. Our mission is so much bigger. We're fueling the kind of innovation that's changing an entire industry, and quite possibly the planet. Join us and create a future with cleaner energy, while providing our customers with the safety and reliability they demand. At SCE, you'll have a chance to grow personally and professionally, making a real impact in Southern California and around the world.
Southern California Edison is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
We are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at AskHR@sce.com or (626) 302-3456 and select option 2.

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