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.

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Overview

Open roles16+
Top employerStantec
Top cityLos Angeles, CA
Cities hiring12
Work type81% On-site
Top industryConsulting

Showing 5 of 16+ Biologist jobs

Stantec
Biologist
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Stantec
Added 1mo ago
Biologist
Stantec
Redding, California
Laboratory Research
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental Science
$57k - $91k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Microsoft
Biologist II
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Microsoft
New 3h ago
Biologist II
Microsoft
Los Angeles, California
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Stantec
Senior Biologist
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Stantec
Added 1w ago
Senior Biologist
Stantec
Los Angeles, California
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Project & Program Management
Environmental Science
Project Management
$94k - $151k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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WSP
Senior Biologist
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WSP
Added 1w ago
Senior Biologist
WSP
Irvine, California
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Environmental Science
$116k - $141k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Wood Rodgers, Inc.
Assistant Biologist
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Wood Rodgers, Inc.
Added 1w ago
Assistant Biologist
Wood Rodgers, Inc.
Roseville, California
Environmental & Physical Sciences
Laboratory Research
Environmental Science
$28 - $38/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
51-200

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See All 16 Biologist Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Biologist Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Los Angeles
2 jobs
Oakland
2 jobs
Rancho Cordova
2 jobs
San Diego
2 jobs
Fresno
1 jobs
Irvine
1 jobs
Redding
1 jobs
Roseville
1 jobs
Sacramento
1 jobs

Biologist Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Stantec
    Stantec7
  • GEI Consultants
    GEI Consultants2
  • HDR
    HDR1
  • ICF
    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