Entry Level Scientist Jobs
New grad scientist jobs draw recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience into a field where strong internship work or a focused research portfolio can matter more than a lengthy resume. Most openings are Healthcare & Medical Services, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, and Education roles across on-site and hybrid settings, with employers like Quest Diagnostics, Pace Analytical Services, and Novant Health hiring at this level now.
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INTRODUCTION
Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.
ESA is seeking an Environmental Scientist for Marine Infrastructure with 2+ years of experience. This position will support project environmental reviews and compliance, with a focus on office-based work such as database and literature review, technical writing, permitting, and reporting. Project work will be interdisciplinary and varied, including marine renewable energy, undersea cables, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, climate change initiatives, among others. This position will gain an intimate knowledge of environmental permitting and how the federal, state, and local environmental regulatory processes work in practice. This is a full-time salaried, overtime-exempt role with hybrid office expectations of 2+ days per week from our Seattle ESA Office. This role may involve some travel and field work as needed for in-person team collaborations and site visits as-needed.
WHO YOU ARE
This position would support project environmental reviews and compliance, with a focus on office-based work such as database and literature review, technical writing, permitting, and reporting. Project work will be interdisciplinary and varied, including marine renewable energy, undersea cables, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, climate change initiatives, among others. This position will gain an intimate knowledge of environmental permitting and how the federal, state, and local environmental regulatory processes work in practice. A successful applicant for this position will be flexible and willing to help the project team with wide-ranging tasks such as technical report writing and editing. This is primarily a desktop position with occasional fieldwork. Work arrangements and hours are flexible, based on the teams’ and projects’ needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in marine affairs, biology, environmental science, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Working knowledge of current environmental regulations.
- A self-starter with a positive attitude and ability to learn on the job.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Excellent research skills to find needed information on issues such as species present in an area, their natural history, or county-specific tax parcel information.
- Strong organizational skills required to work on multiple projects concurrently.
- You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 40 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground in a variety of environments, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.
- You possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and have experience driving 4WD vehicles off-road and the ability to trailer and operate boats under 25 ft.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
As a key member of the team, the employee in this role will be responsible for a full range of activities, including:
- Managing projects involving local, state, and federal regulatory permit applications.
- Conducting desktop analysis of biological resources and preparation of Biological Assessments for submittal to the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Supporting and/or managing the development of local, state, and federal permit applications, project descriptions to match the requirements of a review agency, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.
- Writing technical reports that meet client and regulatory agency standards.
- Coordinating and consulting with regulators and relevant stakeholders.
- Conducting fieldwork, whether it be wetland delineations, site visits, or environmental monitoring (e.g., water quality).
- Fostering current client relationships and promote new business development efforts.
- Participating in compliance monitoring and reporting activities for ongoing construction projects requiring working near heavy equipment.
- Performing other duties and ad-hoc tasks as needed.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT OUR TEAM
Our Biology Team includes biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists that provide expertise for many municipalities throughout California. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens in balance with conserving our state’s sensitive natural resources. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT ESA
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places. At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few. We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.
COMPENSATION
ESA has established multiple pay ranges tailored to the economic factors in the geographies in which ESA staff reside. For this position, the range is approximately as listed based on our anticipated hiring locations as noted in the above job details. Actual compensation is determined by several factors including but not limited to an individual’s related experience, education, skills, and the city in which the applicant lives.
CA Pay Transparency Clause $73,582—$90,137 USD
WHO WE ARE
We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients. In accordance with ESA’s duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies.
Please note: We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes from agencies.
If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability—or unable to use—the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Human Resources Department via email: humanresources@esassoc.com for assistance.
Please include the following in your message so we can promptly address your request:
- Full name
- The best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)
- Title of Job Position Applied
- Description of your accommodation request
ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)
INTRODUCTION
Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeastern United States.
ESA is seeking an Environmental Scientist for Marine Infrastructure with 2+ years of experience. This position will support project environmental reviews and compliance, with a focus on office-based work such as database and literature review, technical writing, permitting, and reporting. Project work will be interdisciplinary and varied, including marine renewable energy, undersea cables, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, climate change initiatives, among others. This position will gain an intimate knowledge of environmental permitting and how the federal, state, and local environmental regulatory processes work in practice. This is a full-time salaried, overtime-exempt role with hybrid office expectations of 2+ days per week from our Seattle ESA Office. This role may involve some travel and field work as needed for in-person team collaborations and site visits as-needed.
WHO YOU ARE
This position would support project environmental reviews and compliance, with a focus on office-based work such as database and literature review, technical writing, permitting, and reporting. Project work will be interdisciplinary and varied, including marine renewable energy, undersea cables, environmental permitting, habitat restoration, climate change initiatives, among others. This position will gain an intimate knowledge of environmental permitting and how the federal, state, and local environmental regulatory processes work in practice. A successful applicant for this position will be flexible and willing to help the project team with wide-ranging tasks such as technical report writing and editing. This is primarily a desktop position with occasional fieldwork. Work arrangements and hours are flexible, based on the teams’ and projects’ needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in marine affairs, biology, environmental science, or related field. Master's degree preferred.
- Working knowledge of current environmental regulations.
- A self-starter with a positive attitude and ability to learn on the job.
- Strong writing skills and the ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
- Excellent research skills to find needed information on issues such as species present in an area, their natural history, or county-specific tax parcel information.
- Strong organizational skills required to work on multiple projects concurrently.
- You enjoy fieldwork and can walk long distances carrying a backpack; and are able to lift at least 40 pounds. You are confident working outside, in remote and rural settings, as well as in urban environments. Physical outdoor work may include, but may not be limited to, work in all types of weather, traversing uneven ground in a variety of environments, along stream banks, and in coastal/intertidal areas. You may be exposed to inclement weather and uncomfortable working conditions. Some night and/or weekend work may be required.
- You possess a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, and have experience driving 4WD vehicles off-road and the ability to trailer and operate boats under 25 ft.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
As a key member of the team, the employee in this role will be responsible for a full range of activities, including:
- Managing projects involving local, state, and federal regulatory permit applications.
- Conducting desktop analysis of biological resources and preparation of Biological Assessments for submittal to the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
- Supporting and/or managing the development of local, state, and federal permit applications, project descriptions to match the requirements of a review agency, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation.
- Writing technical reports that meet client and regulatory agency standards.
- Coordinating and consulting with regulators and relevant stakeholders.
- Conducting fieldwork, whether it be wetland delineations, site visits, or environmental monitoring (e.g., water quality).
- Fostering current client relationships and promote new business development efforts.
- Participating in compliance monitoring and reporting activities for ongoing construction projects requiring working near heavy equipment.
- Performing other duties and ad-hoc tasks as needed.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT OUR TEAM
Our Biology Team includes biologists, restoration ecologists, permitting specialists, conservation biologists, and environmental scientists that provide expertise for many municipalities throughout California. Our work matters because it helps communities shape a positive future for their citizens in balance with conserving our state’s sensitive natural resources. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary engagement and integration.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT ESA
Joining ESA means becoming part of a close-knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places. At ESA, we provide benefits such as medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you AND your family), annual allocations of company share through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays, to name a few. We also provide specific programs whether you want to further your technical expertise, sharpen your business acumen, or help lead the next generation of employee-owners. We want to support you in reaching your career goals through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and attendance at conferences.
COMPENSATION
ESA has established multiple pay ranges tailored to the economic factors in the geographies in which ESA staff reside. For this position, the range is approximately as listed based on our anticipated hiring locations as noted in the above job details. Actual compensation is determined by several factors including but not limited to an individual’s related experience, education, skills, and the city in which the applicant lives.
CA Pay Transparency Clause $73,582—$90,137 USD
WHO WE ARE
We are a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm who values diversity and inclusion and celebrate the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that our variety of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives leads to better solutions, which fosters our continued success for our employee-owners and clients. In accordance with ESA’s duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace that is free of known hazards and to minimize the exposure to potential hazards, any employee who works from an ESA office or conducts any other in-person ESA work-related activity is required to submit their proof of vaccination status or have received an approved exemption and accommodation in states which this applies.
Please note: We do NOT accept unsolicited resumes from agencies.
If you are an applicant with a disability that requires a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability—or unable to use—the online application system and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact our Human Resources Department via email: humanresources@esassoc.com for assistance.
Please include the following in your message so we can promptly address your request:
- Full name
- The best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)
- Title of Job Position Applied
- Description of your accommodation request
ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)
See All 205+ Entry Level Scientist Jobs
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Find Entry Level Scientist JobsEntry Level Scientist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Quest Diagnostics12
- Pace Analytical Services10
- Novant Health8
- Amazon7
- Thermo Fisher Scientific7
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services86
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals25
- Education16
- Science & Research14
- Technology & Software14
Entry Level Scientist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level scientist job?
Entry level scientist roles reward candidates who can show hands-on lab or research experience, even from coursework, internships, or undergraduate thesis work. Employers at this level look for familiarity with relevant instrumentation, data collection methods, and scientific writing. Tailoring your resume to the specific discipline, whether chemistry, biology, or environmental science, and highlighting any research output or technical skills gives you a clear edge.
Which companies hire entry level scientists?
Companies hiring entry level scientists right now include Quest Diagnostics, Pace Analytical Services, and Novant Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Hiring at this level covers pharmaceutical and biotech firms, environmental testing labs, government contractors, and consumer products companies that maintain active research and quality assurance teams.
Are there remote entry level scientist jobs?
Yes, though most scientist roles at the entry level require at least some on-site or lab-based work. About 11% of entry level scientist openings are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, with remote opportunities concentrated in data-heavy roles such as bioinformatics, scientific writing, and regulatory affairs rather than bench or field positions.
Are these new grad scientist jobs?
Yes, these listings include new grad, recent graduate, and junior scientist roles alongside other entry level postings. A new grad friendly posting typically welcomes candidates with zero to two years of professional experience and treats internships, co-ops, or a strong academic research record as qualifying background. Look for postings that list a bachelor's degree as the primary requirement with no mandatory prior employment.
Which industries hire the most entry level scientists?
Entry level scientist roles concentrate in Healthcare & Medical Services, Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals, and Education, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Those sectors drive consistent hiring at the junior level because they run large research, quality control, and regulatory functions that depend on a steady pipeline of newly trained scientists to staff laboratory and field teams.