Biologist Jobs in California
Biologist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in biotechnology, pharmaceutical research, environmental consulting, and public health across a range from entry-level research associate to senior scientist. The largest hiring hubs are the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers like Genentech, Pfizer, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife maintain ongoing demand for biological scientists. Genomics, ecology, and regulatory affairs are the most consistently sought specializations across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Biologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 16+ Biologist jobs











INTRODUCTION
Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that’s vital to our clients and the communities they serve.
Join a team that’s naturally committed to the environment.
YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Stantec is seeking an entry and mid-level Biologist to join our Environmental Services Practice working within Northern California, to provide as-needed biological support over multiple projects and programs. This position entails authoring biological constraint reports and may include writing other reports, collecting biological data, surveys, habitat assessments, biological monitoring, and/or environmental compliance. The position is to be based out of our Chico, Redding, and Eureka offices. Stantec offers flexible work locations, flexible work hours and a robust compensation and benefits package.
YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- As a Biologist, you will work in highly variable terrains, environments, and locations, and you may author many reports.
- This position is primarily field based and will include office work, depending upon interest and experience.
- Authoring of biological constraint reports and other technical reports.
- Assist and/or lead field work tasks, as needed, such as nesting bird surveys, vegetation community assessments, wetland delineation and classification, special status plant and wildlife surveys, and biological compliance monitoring.
- Communicating with your team, team leads, project manager and potentially construction crews, clients, or other stakeholders.
- Preparing daily monitoring and/or field reports.
- Identification and support on environmental permitting.
- Conducting desktop reviews for project impacts or environmental permitting on various projects located throughout California.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of California ecosystems and endangered or protected species.
- Perform linear facility environmental work including utilities.
- Excellent written and communication skills.
- Should be familiar with review and analysis of scientific data, maps, and drawings.
- Provide support in delivering high quality work products to multi-disciplinary project teams.
- Strong skills as a self-starter.
- Assist in field work tasks, such as nesting bird surveys, vegetation community assessments, wetland delineations, special-status plant and wildlife surveys, restoration monitoring and construction biological monitoring.
- Independent work is expected, but can also include participation in team lead efforts.
- Strong sense of safety and ability to participate in, uphold and enforce Stantec’s strong safety programs.
- Good driving record and a valid driver's license is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 1-5 years of field experience.
- Understanding of Federal and State agency environmental requirements.
- Familiar with compliance monitoring.
- Nesting bird experience.
- Special-status species survey experience.
- Botany experience.
- Wetland delineation experience.
- Construction monitoring experience.
- 10(a)(1)(A) permits.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of a BA/BS degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Typical office environment working with computers and remaining sedentary for long periods of time. Fieldwork may include exposure to the elements including inclement weather. Some travel may be required. Ability to lift and move items and equipment up to 50 lbs.
PAY RANGE
-
Locations in MN, OH, VT, & Various CA, NY Areas - $56,800.00 - $82,400.00 Annually
-
Locations in CO, HI, IL, MD & Various CA, NJ Areas - $62,500.00 - $90,600.00 Annually
PAY TRANSPARENCY: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
BENEFITS SUMMARY: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements.
EEO STATEMENT
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.
See All 16 Biologist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Biologist JobsBiologist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Biologist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Stantec7

- GEI Consultants2

- HDR1

- ICF1

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in biologist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, or a closely related life science field
- Experience with laboratory techniques such as PCR, cell culture, or microscopy
- Proficiency in data analysis using R, Python, or statistical software packages
- Knowledge of California environmental regulations and agency permitting processes
- Strong written communication skills for scientific reports and regulatory submissions
- Familiarity with field sampling protocols and California native species identification
Biologist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a biologist in California?
Most biologist positions in California require at minimum a bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, zoology, or a related life science. No single state license applies to all biologists, but environmental and wildlife roles often require California Department of Fish and Wildlife permitting knowledge, and some specialized positions benefit from certifications such as the Professional Wetland Scientist credential. Graduate degrees are increasingly expected for senior research or public agency roles.
How much do biologists make in California?
Biologists in California earn a median of about $113,530 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,770 for the lowest 10% to over $189,710 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire biologists in California?
Employers hiring biologists in California right now include Stantec, GEI Consultants, and GEI Consultants, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of biotech firms, state wildlife agencies, and environmental consulting companies means openings appear consistently across both private and public sectors.
Which California cities have the most biologist jobs?
Los Angeles, Oakland, and Rancho Cordova have the most biologist openings in California. The Bay Area and San Diego lead because of their established biotech and pharmaceutical corridors anchored by major research campuses, while Los Angeles draws volume from environmental consulting firms and public health agencies serving one of the country's largest metro populations.
Are there remote biologist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Most biology work is inherently hands-on, involving laboratory procedures, field sampling, or in-person collaboration. About 19% of biologist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with those opportunities concentrated in data analysis, regulatory writing, and bioinformatics roles that do not require a physical lab or field presence.
How can I get hired as a biologist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to research associate or biological science technician roles, which are common at California state agencies such as the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Internship and seasonal field technician programs at these agencies and at large California environmental consulting firms provide structured experience. A strong academic project portfolio, relevant coursework in California ecology or molecular biology, and any field or lab volunteer work give early-career candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to biologist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to biologist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employer through the listing.
See All 16 Biologist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Biologist Jobs