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Science Journalism Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Senior GSOC Operator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in related field (international relations, international security, political science, journalism, regional studies, etc.). * 3-5 years of experience in government, corporate ...

Senior GSOC Operator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in related field (international relations, international security, political science, journalism, regional studies, etc.). * 3-5 years of experience in government, corporate ...

Senior GSOC Operator

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in related field (international relations, international security, political science, journalism, regional studies, etc.). * 3-5 years of experience in government, corporate ...

College degree in journalism, political science, or related degree; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. * Demonstrated experience in shooting, writing, editing and on-air ...

Showing results 21-40

Science Journalism information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$42.9K

How much do science journalism jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for science journalism in California is $41,957.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,900.00 and $41,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is science journalism?

Science journalism is a field of reporting that focuses on communicating scientific discoveries, research, and issues to the general public in an accessible and engaging way. Science journalists investigate and write about topics such as health, environment, technology, and space, often translating complex scientific concepts into language that non-experts can understand. Their work is crucial in helping society stay informed about scientific advances and debates, shaping public understanding and policy. Science journalists may work for newspapers, magazines, online outlets, broadcast media, or as freelancers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a science journalist?

To thrive as a Science Journalist, you need a solid background in science or journalism, excellent research skills, and the ability to translate complex scientific topics for general audiences. Familiarity with digital publishing tools, fact-checking systems, and multimedia platforms is often required. Curiosity, critical thinking, and strong storytelling abilities help you create engaging and accurate content. These skills are essential for effectively communicating scientific developments and building trust with readers.

What are some common challenges science journalists face when translating complex scientific concepts for a general audience?

Science journalists often encounter the challenge of making technical or specialized research accessible and engaging for non-expert readers. This requires simplifying terminology without sacrificing accuracy, and finding compelling narratives that illustrate the broader impact of scientific discoveries. Additionally, journalists must verify their sources and maintain objectivity, especially when covering emerging or controversial topics. Balancing deadlines with the need for careful research and expert interviews is also a regular part of the job.

What is the difference between Science Journalism vs Science Communication?

AspectScience JournalismScience Communication
Required CredentialsDegree in journalism, science, or related fieldsDegree in science, communication, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, newspapers, online platformsResearch institutions, science centers, public outreach
Employer & Industry UsageMedia, publishing, online newsAcademic, government agencies, science organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Science Journalism focuses on reporting scientific news to the public through media outlets, emphasizing storytelling and timely updates. Science Communication involves explaining scientific concepts to diverse audiences, often within research institutions or public engagement settings. While both roles require strong communication skills, their work environments and target audiences differ significantly.

How much does a science journalist make?

The average salary for a science journalist in the United States ranges from $45,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions typically start lower, while experienced journalists or those working for major outlets can earn higher salaries. Skills in science communication, writing, and multimedia tools can influence earning potential.

How to become a science journalist?

To become a science journalist, typically a bachelor's degree in journalism, science, or a related field is required. Developing strong writing skills, understanding scientific concepts, and gaining experience through internships or freelance work are important steps in entering the profession.

What do science journalists do?

Science journalists research, write, and edit stories about scientific discoveries, research, and topics for newspapers, magazines, websites, or broadcast media. They translate complex scientific information into clear, accessible language for the general public and often verify facts with experts. Strong writing skills, knowledge of science, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential in this role.

What job categories do people searching Science Journalism jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Science Journalism jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Science Journalism jobs?

Cities in California with the most Science Journalism job openings:

Infographic showing various Science Journalism job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,957 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

2026/2027 - Associate Faculty - Journalism

Santa Rosa Junior College

Santa Rosa, CA โ€ข On-site

$60.76 - $154.09/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Salary: $60.76 - $154.09 Hourly
Location : SRJC Multi-Site, Sonoma County, CA
Job Type: Associate
Job Number: 26-160
Department: Communication Studies
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:
Santa Rosa Junior College is currently accepting applications on a continuous basis to establish a pool for associate faculty assignments. Associate assignments may be temporary, part-time and/or on-call and may be immediate or as needed. The Sonoma County Junior College District does not offer 'remote only' assignments.
Compensation/Benefits
Assignments are made on a part-time, hourly basis. A part-time faculty assignment may not exceed a total of 67% of an annual full-time assignment.
  • Starting Hourly Rate: Please see the or contact Human Resources for more information.
  • Salary placement is based on academic background, vocational experience, and teaching experience (depending on discipline) and as documented in application materials. Initial Step placement will be at Step 1 pending evaluation of experience as outlined in the AFA Contract
  • Compensation for assigned classes is paid over the duration of the assignment.

Benefits: The District offers medical insurance for those who meet the eligibility requirements. Additional information, including medical plan information and eligibility requirements can be found on the
Sick Leave Accrual: Associate faculty accrue sick leave on a pro-rated basis. Additional information can be found in Article 18 of the AFA Contract.
Retirement: SRJC offers CalSTRS Defined Benefit, CalSTRS Cash Balance and Social Security as Associate Faculty retirement options. Eligibility for each plan is determined based on prior membership status with CalSTRS.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide excellent instruction and faculty support to students, which may include evening, weekend, online or hybrid and/or off-campus assignments.
  • Provide academic assistance and related services to students during scheduled office hours.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff.
  • Maintain currency in field(s) of expertise.
  • Associate faculty focus primarily on providing instruction and/or student services.
  • Associate faculty are typically not required to participate in District or department service such as committee work, evaluations, student learning outcomes assessment, and hiring committees, but may be asked to perform these services for additional compensation.
  • Please see the for more information.

The examples of duties listed above are representative of those that must be met by a faculty member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
SELECTION PROCESS:
If the department has an immediate need to add candidates to their pool, they will review applications. If the department does not have an immediate need to add candidates to their pool, applications remain in the queue for consideration until the need arises, or for up to one year. If selected, candidates will be invited to an interview with a Screening and Interviewing Committee. Selected candidates who are not given an immediate assignment will remain in the pool for four years.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION:
The Communication Studies department, one of the most varied at the District, offers classes in Communication Studies, Film & Media Studies, Journalism, and Speech. The department is also home to The Oak Leaf News, the Petaluma Cinema Series and Film Festival, and the SRJC Speech, Debate & Performance Team. Please join our 12 contract and over 20 associate instructors in their quest to provide comprehensive and varied educational programs to meet the needs of our students.
We are seeking instructors for inclusion in a pool who have the ability to teach in one or more of the following areas:
  • Journalism: Introduction to Journalism, News Gathering & News Writing, News Media Practice (The Oak Leaf), Photojournalism, Magazine Article Writing, and Multimedia Reporting.

Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications exactly as listed below for disciplines of interest or file for in order to be considered. Applicants who are requesting equivalency consideration are responsible for documenting all course work, degree programs and related professional experience at the time of application. Please, see the and the for more information.
Required:
Master's in journalism or communication with a specialization in journalism
OR Bachelor's in either of the above AND Master's in English, history, communication, literature, composition, comparative literature, any social science, business, business administration, marketing, graphics or photography
OR the equivalent
Requires a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.
Preferred:
  • Five years of full-time, professional, current experience working in the print or web journalism industry, with at least two years of news reporting experience;
  • Dynamic approach to teaching journalism at the college level;
  • Proficiency in print and multimedia technologies;
  • Proven ability to work effectively and harmoniously with colleagues;
  • Demonstrated commitment to valuing and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.

Application Procedures
To be considered for this associate faculty pool, applicants must provide the following:
  1. A completed Santa Rosa Junior College/GovernmentJobs.com Employment Application and responses to Agency-wide Questions.
  1. Contact information (phone number and email address) for three professional references. One reference must be from a current or previous supervisor.
  1. A brief cover letter.
  1. Current resume.
  1. A written response to the diversity prompt below (200-500 words):

Please provide two or three examples of your ideas and/or experiences in creating, modifying, and/or performing one or more of the following to meet the needs of a diverse student population:
  • Curricula;
  • Learning activities;
  • Teaching/counseling practices;
  • Educational Resources;
  • Training, background, coursework and/or professional development;
  • Program Development

  1. Copies of transcripts of all college-level coursework. Transcripts must state that the Degree(s) has been conferred or awarded. If selected for the position, official transcripts must be submitted prior to employment.

If transcripts are from an institution outside of the United States, applicant must provide a formal evaluation by a credential evaluation service accredited by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services of their international degree(s) at the time of application. For further details on SRJC requirements on Foreign Degrees, please see
  1. If you do not possess minimum qualifications as noted under the Minimum Qualifications Section above, you must complete and attach the and supporting documents, including narrative synopsis, to your employment application.
  1. If applicable, copy of California Community College Credential (both sides).

PLEASE SUBMIT ONLY MATERIALS REQUESTED.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
  • Successful applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
  • Successful completion of background check including Live Scan and Tuberculosis (TB) assessment/screening.
  • Must be willing to work on-site as determined by the department.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Sonoma County Junior College District will not sponsor any visa applications.
  • Applicants must be available for interviews at Santa Rosa Junior College at no cost to the District.
  • Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made to complete the selection process by contacting the Office of Human Resources directly at (707) 527-4954.
  • Clery Report: Crime awareness and security information are available from District Police. (Public Law 101-542). The Clery Report can be found
  • An applicant who attempts to contact individual Board members or members of the screening committee with the intent of influencing the decision of the committee or the Board, will be disqualified. General inquiries regarding the position and/or District employment should be directed to the Human Resources Department.

ABOUT THE SONOMA COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE DISTRICT
Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) is a public single college district located in Sonoma County, California and serves the County of Sonoma and portions of Marin and Mendocino counties. Sonoma County is rich in history, beauty, and culture and is an excellent choice for a place to live and work. The District is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community. The District prides itself on being an inclusive, diverse, and sustainable community that fosters the growth and development of its students, faculty, and staff. SRJC is a unique institution in a unique environment. SRJC serves approximately 22,000 students each semester and is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, anti-racism, and accessibility.
Santa Rosa Junior College has been an integral part of the Sonoma County community and its rich history, beauty and culture for more than 100 years. The District has two campuses, located in Santa Rosa and Petaluma, California, two centers, a Public Safety Training Center located in Windsor, California, and the Robert Shone Agricultural Center located in Forestville, California, and SRJC Roseland in Southwest Santa Rosa. Students may choose from over 100 associate degree majors and certificate programs, complete courses toward the first two years of a bachelor's degree program or pursue courses for other professional or personal reasons.
Please see the following Online Resources to learn more about SRJC:
Non-Discrimination
The District is an equal opportunity employer. The policy of the District is to encourage applications from persons who are economically disadvantaged and individuals belonging to significantly underrepresented groups within the District's workforce, including ethnic and racial minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or political or organizational affiliation.
For more information about Title IX, please refer to District Board Policy 3433 and Administrative Procedure 3434, which outlines our commitment to proactive measures in preventing sexual harassment and ensuring a respectful and inclusive community for all.
Santa Rosa Junior College offers its eligible employees a comprehensive fringe benefit package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, vision care plan, life insurance, and long-term disability. This coverage is offered for regular employee and their eligible dependents For Associate Faculty you can find Benefit information on our page.
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Have you submitted your 500-word response to the diversity prompt? Please note this must be a separate document from the cover letter and resume. Please submit your document in the attachments section of the application. For more details, please refer to the Application Procedures section of the job announcement. Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be considered in the screening process without your response to the diversity prompt.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question