All jobsScience & ResearchEnvironmental and Climate Science

51 Environmental and Climate Science Jobs in United States

The work shifts between satellite data and soil samples, tracking changes that unfold over decades while responding to questions that need answers today.

Environmental and Climate Science jobs by city

• Callao21
• Cerro de Pasco6
• Cork5
• Arequipa5

More in Science & Research

• Health and Medical Research607
• General Research549
• Scientific Technicians543
• Chemical and Physical Science368
• Biological Science213

Questions

• What qualifications are needed to work in Environmental and Climate Science?

  Most roles require at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, geography, atmospheric science, or a related field. Research positions, particularly in academia or advanced modelling, typically need a master's or PhD, while fieldwork and technical roles may accept relevant experience or vocational qualifications alongside a degree.

• Is fieldwork a regular part of Environmental and Climate Science jobs?

  It depends on the role—some positions involve frequent site visits for sampling, monitoring, or surveys, while others focus entirely on laboratory work or data analysis from an office. Many jobs combine both, with fieldwork scheduled seasonally or around specific project phases.

• What does a typical day look like in Environmental and Climate Science?

  Days vary widely: field officers might collect water samples and record observations outdoors, lab technicians run tests and log results, and analysts spend hours coding models or writing reports. Many roles blend tasks, moving between data collection, analysis, stakeholder meetings, and documentation.

• How does Environmental and Climate Science differ from conservation work?

  Environmental and Climate Science focuses on measurement, analysis, and understanding environmental systems, often informing policy or compliance, while conservation work centres on direct habitat management and species protection. The two overlap, but the former prioritises data and research, the latter hands-on stewardship.

• What technical skills are most important in Environmental and Climate Science?

  Data analysis and statistical software proficiency are essential across most roles, alongside geographic information systems (GIS) for mapping and spatial analysis. Field roles also require sampling techniques and equipment handling, while research positions often demand programming skills for modelling.

• Can someone enter Environmental and Climate Science without a science degree?

  It's difficult—employers almost always require a science background because the work relies on understanding ecological systems, chemistry, or atmospheric processes. Some administrative or communications roles within environmental organisations accept other degrees, but technical positions have strict science requirements.

• What career progression looks like in Environmental and Climate Science?

  Progression typically moves from data collection and technical support to project management, then to senior scientist or advisory roles shaping strategy and policy. Many professionals deepen expertise in a specialisation—climate modelling, impact assessment, pollution control—or shift into consultancy and leadership positions.

• Do Environmental and Climate Science roles require travel?

  Some do regularly, particularly field-based monitoring positions or consultancy work visiting multiple sites, while laboratory and modelling roles rarely involve travel beyond occasional conferences. The amount depends on whether the role is project-based, site-specific, or desk-focused.

• How much of Environmental and Climate Science work is computer-based?

  A substantial portion involves computers—analysing datasets, building models, producing reports, and managing geographic information systems. Even field-heavy roles require significant desk time for data processing and documentation, with some positions being almost entirely computational.

• What makes Environmental and Climate Science work challenging?

  The work often deals with incomplete data, long timescales that delay visible results, and findings that face political or commercial resistance. Balancing scientific rigour with practical constraints—budgets, deadlines, stakeholder pressures—requires both technical skill and patience with slow-moving systems.