Environmental Scientist Jobs in California
Environmental Scientist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in environmental consulting, state and local government agencies, and water resources management, with openings at every level from entry-level field technician to senior project scientist. The largest hiring markets are Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where employers such as AECOM, Stantec, and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control maintain a consistent presence. The most in-demand specialties include hazardous materials assessment, CEQA compliance, and air and water quality monitoring. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 86+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Job Overview:
APTIM is currently seeking an Environmental Scientist/Geologist in California for our Solid Waste Services Group in the Concord CA area to support our exciting portfolio of projects. We provide the following services to both the public and private sectors:
- Environmental compliance for solid waste sites,
- Landfill gas collection and control system (GCCS) design and operations and maintenance,
- Construction quality assurance,
- Solid Waste Reporting for site-specific and General Waste Discharge Requirements,
- Environmental site assessments and remediation.
Our philosophy centers on developing and maintaining a culture of mutual respect and honesty, where people listen generously and speak straight. At APTIM, you can expect countless opportunities to learn, develop business and leadership skills, and engage on a multitude of projects.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
- Leading teams or projects
- Preparing site and grading plans, GCCS design, pump and piping plans, and conceptual layouts for solid waste projects
- Conduct field inspections and construction quality assurance (CQA) oversight
- Leading and completing regulatory compliance reports, work plans, and special studies
- Anticipating client needs and identifying solutions
- Utilizing skills and knowledge to solve complex problems
- Preparing and managing scopes, budgets and schedules
- Coordinating with contractors and clients
- Collaborating with other team members
- Attending client meetings
- Providing other duties as required
- Work may periodically involve oversight during the installation of monitoring wells and supervising other field tasks
- Communication of technical concepts, evaluation results, plans, reports, etc. during work team meetings; ensures conformance to applicable technical standards as well as company policies and procedures
Basic Qualifications:
- BS/MS Geology, Engineering, or related field
- 3-8 years of Landfill / Solid Waste experience
- Experience with collecting environmental field data including groundwater, surface water, leachate, and landfill gas
- Ability to work on multidisciplinary projects
- Excellent oral & written communication skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Self-starter and problem solver
- Excellent organizational skills
- Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations
- Ability to wear proper PPE for work on hazardous waste sites
- Possess a "Safety First" work ethic
About APTIM
APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all.
What you can expect from APTIM:
- Work that is worthy of your time and talent
- Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
- Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
- A voice in making our company better
- Investment into your personal and professional development
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range for this position is $100,000 Per Year. Compensation depends on several factors including: experience, education, key skills, geographic location of the position, client requirements, external market competitiveness, and internal equity among other employees within APTIM.
Employee Benefits
APTIM Environmental Services is committed to providing an extensive range of benefits that protect and promote the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace.
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance: Through the marketplace, our employees can choose benefits from five metallic levels and 10+ carriers to find the right benefits that work for them in their location.
- Life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave (eligibility based on company policy and applicable law)
- 401(k) APTIM offers three 401k plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). The specific plan you are eligible for depends on the business unit you are in. The details of the largest plan are found here:
- APTIM 401(k) Guide
- APTIM - Helpful Documents
Watch our video:
About APTIM - In Pursuit of Better
Job Overview:
APTIM is currently seeking an Environmental Scientist/Geologist in California for our Solid Waste Services Group in the Concord CA area to support our exciting portfolio of projects. We provide the following services to both the public and private sectors:
- Environmental compliance for solid waste sites,
- Landfill gas collection and control system (GCCS) design and operations and maintenance,
- Construction quality assurance,
- Solid Waste Reporting for site-specific and General Waste Discharge Requirements,
- Environmental site assessments and remediation.
Our philosophy centers on developing and maintaining a culture of mutual respect and honesty, where people listen generously and speak straight. At APTIM, you can expect countless opportunities to learn, develop business and leadership skills, and engage on a multitude of projects.
Key Responsibilities/Accountabilities:
- Leading teams or projects
- Preparing site and grading plans, GCCS design, pump and piping plans, and conceptual layouts for solid waste projects
- Conduct field inspections and construction quality assurance (CQA) oversight
- Leading and completing regulatory compliance reports, work plans, and special studies
- Anticipating client needs and identifying solutions
- Utilizing skills and knowledge to solve complex problems
- Preparing and managing scopes, budgets and schedules
- Coordinating with contractors and clients
- Collaborating with other team members
- Attending client meetings
- Providing other duties as required
- Work may periodically involve oversight during the installation of monitoring wells and supervising other field tasks
- Communication of technical concepts, evaluation results, plans, reports, etc. during work team meetings; ensures conformance to applicable technical standards as well as company policies and procedures
Basic Qualifications:
- BS/MS Geology, Engineering, or related field
- 3-8 years of Landfill / Solid Waste experience
- Experience with collecting environmental field data including groundwater, surface water, leachate, and landfill gas
- Ability to work on multidisciplinary projects
- Excellent oral & written communication skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Self-starter and problem solver
- Excellent organizational skills
- Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations
- Ability to wear proper PPE for work on hazardous waste sites
- Possess a "Safety First" work ethic
About APTIM
APTIM enhances the quality of the environment, wellbeing of people, resilience of communities, and opportunity for employees to make a difference, not just a living. A leading professional solutions firm, we specialize in environmental, sustainability, resilience, and infrastructure solutions. Our team of experts provide these integrated solutions for forward-thinking government agencies, commercial and industrial clients, and energy customers. Together, we create sustainable and resilient communities for all.
What you can expect from APTIM:
- Work that is worthy of your time and talent
- Respect and flexibility to live a full life at work and at home
- Dogged determination to deliver for our clients and communities
- A voice in making our company better
- Investment into your personal and professional development
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay range for this position is $100,000 Per Year. Compensation depends on several factors including: experience, education, key skills, geographic location of the position, client requirements, external market competitiveness, and internal equity among other employees within APTIM.
Employee Benefits
APTIM Environmental Services is committed to providing an extensive range of benefits that protect and promote the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families through the APTIM Benefits Marketplace.
- Medical, vision, and dental insurance: Through the marketplace, our employees can choose benefits from five metallic levels and 10+ carriers to find the right benefits that work for them in their location.
- Life insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave (eligibility based on company policy and applicable law)
- 401(k) APTIM offers three 401k plans through the Aon Pooled Employer Plan (PEP). The specific plan you are eligible for depends on the business unit you are in. The details of the largest plan are found here:
- APTIM 401(k) Guide
- APTIM - Helpful Documents
Watch our video:
About APTIM - In Pursuit of Better
See All 86 Environmental Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Scientist JobsEnvironmental Scientist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Environmental Scientist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- GSI Environmental10
- BKF Engineers7
- Geosyntec Consultants5
- Terracon Consultants5
- Applied Materials3
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services40
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals16
- Science & Research14
- Medical Devices6
- Electronics & Hardware4
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in environmental scientist jobs across California.
- Registered Environmental Assessor or Professional Geologist registration recognized in California preferred
- Bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, geology, or a closely related field
- Familiarity with CEQA review processes and California environmental regulations
- Experience conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments
- Proficiency in GIS software and environmental data analysis tools
- Valid California driver's license for field sampling and site visit work
Environmental Scientist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a environmental scientist in California?
Most environmental scientist positions in California require at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, geology, biology, or chemistry, with many senior roles expecting a master's. California does not mandate a single universal license, but the Registered Environmental Assessor credential issued through the California Environmental Protection Agency is widely recognized by employers. Professional Geologist licensure through the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists strengthens candidacy for subsurface and site assessment work.
How much do environmental scientists make in California?
Environmental scientists in California earn a median of about $106,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $65,350 for the lowest 10% to over $161,910 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire environmental scientists in California?
Employers hiring environmental scientists in California right now include GSI Environmental, BKF Engineers, and Geosyntec Consultants, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large consulting firms, water districts, and state regulatory agencies generate particularly consistent demand throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most environmental scientist jobs?
Irvine, San Francisco, and Palo Alto have the most environmental scientist openings in California. Los Angeles and the Bay Area drive demand through large consulting firms and technology campuses with significant remediation and compliance needs, while Sacramento concentrates state agency hiring, including CalEPA, the State Water Resources Control Board, and the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Are there remote environmental scientist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Environmental scientist work is largely field-based, involving site assessments, soil sampling, and on-site inspections that cannot be performed remotely. About 22% of environmental scientist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting that most employers do allow desk-based tasks like report writing, data analysis, and regulatory document preparation to be done off-site.
How can I get hired as a environmental scientist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an environmental technician or field sampler role, which large California consulting firms like AECOM, Arcadis, and Jacobs regularly fill with recent graduates. Targeting positions at county environmental health departments or water agencies opens another door without requiring years of consulting experience. Earning your Registered Environmental Assessor credential early and building GIS skills gives candidates a measurable edge when competing for entry-level openings against applicants from California's many environmental science programs.
Where can I find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to environmental scientist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across consulting, government, and industry employers. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly.
See All 86 Environmental Scientist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Environmental Scientist Jobs