1

Scientists In Parks Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Grounds Aide (Part Time)

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

... in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly ... Perform routine cleaning of parks and recreation buildings, and other areas of parks * Operate ...

Grounds Aide (Part Time)

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$17.27 - $22.46/hr

... in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly ... parks, trees, roadsides and trails maintenance activities. Place traffic cones and assist with ...

Grounds Aide (Part Time)

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$17.27 - $22.46/hr

Parks & Recreation Opening Date: 04/15/2026 Closing Date: 12/31/2026 12:00 PM Pacific The Position ... in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Scientists In Parks information

See California salary details

$35.3K

$80K

$124K

How much do scientists in parks jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for scientists in parks in California is $80,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,800.00 and $91,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Scientists in Parks?

Scientists in Parks (SIP) is a program that places early career professionals, students, and recent graduates in temporary positions within the National Park Service. Participants work on natural resource management, research, and science-based projects in national parks across the United States. The program provides hands-on experience and training in fields such as ecology, geology, environmental science, and cultural resource management. SIP positions are designed to support park needs while offering valuable career development opportunities for aspiring scientists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Scientists In Parks participant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientists In Parks participant, you typically need a background in natural sciences or environmental studies, with relevant coursework or a degree in biology, ecology, geology, or a similar field. Familiarity with field research tools, GIS mapping software, data collection methods, and sometimes certifications like Wilderness First Aid are important. Strong observational skills, adaptability, teamwork, and effective communication help you excel in diverse outdoor settings and collaborative projects. These skills ensure accurate scientific contributions, safety, and meaningful engagement with park resource management and public outreach.

How do Scientists in Parks typically collaborate with National Park Service staff and other stakeholders during their projects?

Scientists in Parks usually work closely with National Park Service (NPS) staff, including park rangers, resource managers, and interpretive teams, to ensure their research aligns with park management goals. They may also coordinate with external partners such as universities, community organizations, and volunteers. Regular meetings, fieldwork, and presentations are common ways these collaborations happen, fostering a team-oriented environment and promoting knowledge sharing. This collaborative structure not only enhances research outcomes but also provides valuable networking and professional development opportunities.

What is the difference between Scientists In Parks vs Environmental Scientists?

AspectScientists In ParksEnvironmental Scientists
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in ecology, biology, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in environmental science, ecology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentNational or state parks, outdoor settings, fieldworkResearch labs, government agencies, fieldwork in various environments
Employer & IndustryPark services, conservation agenciesEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies, research institutions
Search & Comparison IntentYesYes

Scientists In Parks and Environmental Scientists both focus on studying ecosystems and conservation. However, Scientists In Parks typically work directly within park environments, emphasizing fieldwork and conservation efforts in outdoor settings. Environmental Scientists often work in labs or offices, conducting research that supports environmental policies and solutions across various industries. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are vital for environmental protection, but their work settings and specific focus areas differ.

What are popular job titles related to Scientists In Parks jobs in California? For Scientists In Parks jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Scientists In Parks jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Scientists In Parks jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Scientists In Parks jobs? Cities in California with the most Scientists In Parks job openings:
Infographic showing various Scientists In Parks job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,016 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Grounds Aide (Part Time)

Grounds Aide (Part Time)

City of Carlsbad

Carlsbad, CA โ€ข On-site

$15.50 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

The Position

Carlsbad - The Community

The City of Carlsbad is ideally situated in north San Diego County where a great climate, beautiful beaches and lagoons, and abundant natural open space combine with world-class resorts, family attractions, well planned neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a charming village atmosphere to create the ideal California experience. Covering nearly 40 square miles, the City of Carlsbad is currently home to about 115,000 residents. The city sets the standard for high-quality local government services and is home to corporate headquarters in technology, life sciences and action sports, supported by a thriving tourism market and nearly 40 percent preserved open space. Thanks to an award-winning growth management plan, the city's infrastructure and services keep pace with development and promote an excellent quality of life.


You belong in Carlsbad

The City of Carlsbad embraces and recognizes the vital relationship of an inclusive, engaged work environment and innovative excellence. An equitable and inclusive work climate comprises personal experiences, values, and views shaped from differences of culture and circumstance. Our organization appreciates belonging, creativity, recognition and retention of its employees and is committed to hiring and developing motivated, productive and talented employees who provide services and enhance our quality of life. We work to embrace open and equitable access to opportunities for learning and development as our responsibility and goal.

Under general supervision, perform a variety of general labor in the construction, maintenance and repair in area of assignment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Dig trenches; prepare holes for plants, trees, or irrigation installation and perform basic unskilled manual labor
  • Assist in parks, trees, roadsides and trails maintenance activities.
  • Place traffic cones and assist with traffic control
  • Water, mow, weed, trim, renovate, and fertilize grass
  • Rake leaves, clean walks or streets, fields, sports courts, and other facilities
  • Load trimmings on trucks
  • Spade and otherwise prepare ground around plants and shrubs, including mixing and applying fertilizers
  • Plant trees, flowers, shrubs and turf
  • Pick up rubbish and paper and perform general grounds and restroom cleaning
  • Perform routine cleaning of parks and recreation buildings, and other areas of parks
  • Operate basic power equipment, light trucks and/or hand tools
  • Assist in preparation and maintenance of parks, village planters, walkways, beach accesses, and recreational facilities
  • Expose/cover and assist in the repair of sprinkler valves, heads and lines
  • Perform routine maintenance of city trails
  • Perform trash collection service and transport materials as needed
  • May assist in other areas or complete other tasks as assigned
Qualifications
  • Basic methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in grounds maintenance and construction work.
  • Safe work practices.
Ability to:
  • Use the hand and light power tools required in general grounds and public works maintenance work
  • Perform heavy manual labor
  • Understand and carry out oral and written directions
  • Establish and maintain cooperative relationships in the course of work
Experience & Education
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be six months of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Grounds Aide.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Possession of a valid California driver's license
  • Ability to consistently work weekend schedules
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING:
  • Must possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift, carry and manipulate objects weighing up to 75 pounds
  • Perform sustained heavy physical labor
  • Must be willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Work to knee level in irrigation trenches and with exposure to potentially hazardous conditions
  • Must be available to work overtime and respond to emergency calls
  • Work varying hours
    • Including weekends, holidays, days off and perform "stand-by" duty as needed
*Qualified applicants will be notified only if they are selected for the interview process.