ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Snow Science Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Waymo

Staff Data Scientist, Weather

San Diego, CA · On-site

In this hybrid role you will report to the Data Science Lead for Driving Quality & Scope Expansion ... Measure the performance of the Waymo driver in adverse/extreme weather conditions (fog, rain, snow ...

Waymo

Staff Data Scientist, Weather

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$251K - $310K/yr

In this hybrid role you will report to the Data Science Lead for Driving Quality & Scope Expansion ... Measure the performance of the Waymo driver in adverse/extreme weather conditions (fog, rain, snow ...

EssilorLuxottica

Sr Engineer- Quality

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$91K - $123K/yr

Lead product qualification and validation testing for eyewear, snow/MX goggles, football visors ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, or a related science discipline. * 5+ years of experience in ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSnow Science JobsSnow Science Jobs in California

Snow Science information

See California salary details

$24.2K

$47.8K

$78K

How much do snow science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for snow science in California is $47,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $51,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is snow science?

A Snow Science job involves studying the physical properties of snow, ice, and avalanches to improve safety, recreation, and environmental research. Snow scientists analyze snowfall patterns, assess avalanche risks, and develop mitigation strategies. They often work in the field collecting data, using remote sensing technology, and collaborating with meteorologists or engineers. Jobs in this field exist within government agencies, research institutions, ski resorts, and environmental organizations.

What does a snow scientist do?

As a Snow Scientist, your daily responsibilities may include collecting field data on snowpack stability, analyzing weather patterns, and conducting avalanche hazard assessments. You often collaborate with ski patrol teams, researchers, and regional avalanche centers to share data and inform safety protocols. The role also involves using specialized instruments and software to create detailed reports and forecasts. You can expect a combination of outdoor fieldwork and office-based data analysis, making adaptability and strong observational skills important for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in snow science?

To thrive in Snow Science, you need a background in earth sciences or meteorology, with expertise in snowpack analysis, avalanche forecasting, and strong quantitative research skills, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with snow measurement instruments, GIS mapping software, and avalanche training certifications like AIARE is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively in challenging, outdoor environments are essential soft skills. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing snow conditions, mitigating avalanche risks, and supporting public safety in mountainous regions.

What can you do with a snow science degree?

A snow science degree prepares individuals for careers in avalanche forecasting, snowpack analysis, and environmental research related to snow and winter conditions. Graduates often work for government agencies, research institutions, or outdoor recreation companies, utilizing skills in data collection, analysis, and fieldwork in cold environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Snow Science jobs in California?

The most popular types of Snow Science jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Snow Science jobs in California?

For Snow Science jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

What cities in California are hiring for Snow Science jobs?

Cities in California with the most Snow Science job openings:

Snow Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Snow Science job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, and 57% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,757 per year, or $23 per hour.

Staff Data Scientist, Weather

Waymo

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Rigorous evaluation of the Waymo Driver, including monitoring the performance of Waymo's fleet in the field, is a critical part of scaling our ride hailing service and achieving Waymo's ambitious goals. In this role, you will lead key initiatives for modeling weather patterns and their impact on Waymo's ride hailing service, and streamlining Waymo's operational procedures designed to mitigate weather-related challenges in real time and measuring the performance of the Waymo Driver in adverse weather conditions.

In this hybrid role you will report to the Data Science Lead for Driving Quality & Scope Expansion.

You will:

  • Define and uphold a high bar for measurement rigor. Ensure we can confidently rely on the evaluation signals informing deployment, scaling, and mitigation decisions. Identify and work to resolve any gaps where current evaluation signals are not scaling with Waymo's business or providing the necessary actionability for stakeholders.
  • Build pipelines and models integrating a range of existing and novel weather-specific data sources (1P/2P/3P) to enhance Waymo's weather intelligence and prediction capabilities.
  • Measure the performance of the Waymo driver in adverse/extreme weather conditions (fog, rain, snow, ice, hail, flooding), providing input on Waymo's readiness to scale in challenging weather contexts. Communicate these findings to senior stakeholders.
  • Develop scalable and repeatable analysis frameworks that support multiple climate types, both domestically and internationally.
  • Optimize Waymo's operational processes for addressing adverse/extreme weather across a wide range of geographical territories, making them smarter, more responsive, and more efficient.
  • Develop a deep understanding of Waymo's long-term roadmap, and collaborate with leads in product, engineering, and systems engineering to unlock key deployment milestones. Be an opinionated partner influencing roadmaps for engineering work to improve our measurement capabilities.
  • Be an active technical contributor on the team, as well as a technical lead to junior data scientists. Frame and solve ambiguous problems by scoping technical priorities and innovating on statistical methods. Champion data science excellence and provide constructive technical feedback within the team and across Waymo.

You have:

  • Degree in a quantitative field (e.g. Statistics, Mathematics, Physics).
  • Either a PhD in a quantitative field and 8+ years of industry experience, or 12+ years of industry experience solving data science problems.
  • Experience working with and building models for spatio-temporal data.
  • Experience as a technical lead.
  • Experience working in highly cross-functional teams and championing data-driven culture.
  • Expertise using advanced statistical methods in an applied setting; familiarity with ML systems/models.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of data analysis libraries and packages in Python, R, and/or SQL. 

We prefer:

  • PhD in a quantitative, weather-adjacent field (Atmospheric Science, Meteorology, Hydrology, etc.), and/or academic experience developing and applying statistical methods in those fields.
  • Experience working with third-party (e.g., public / private) weather data sources and integrating multiple data sources.
  • Experience solving problems related to weather modeling or prediction.
  • A demonstrated track record of independently driving data science projects to deliver business value.
  • Experience with large-scale evaluation frameworks for software development.

Apply