Careers

Life & Environmental Sciences

Careers

Where an LES degree can take you, and the support to help you get there.

Where LES Graduates Go

LES graduates are prepared for careers in academia, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations, in areas such as climate adaptation, ecosystem restoration, and decision support for resource managers and policymakers.

$96,0212022 median pay in California for Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology graduates*
~40%of graduates of related programs nationally go into higher education
27%of first positions are in government, research, environmental services, and nonprofit management

*Employment outlook for program graduates, as reported on the EECB website.

Career Paths by Program

A few of the careers each program prepares you for. Some of these careers might require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Environmental Systems Science

ESS graduates are prepared for jobs with government agencies (EPA, USGS, NPS, USFS), nonprofits, or private companies.

ClimatologistEnvironmental ConsultantGIS SpecialistSoil ScientistPark RangerOceanographerRegulatory Affairs SpecialistWater/Air/Soil Analyst

All ESS careers →

Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology

Graduates with a B.S. in EECB possess a specialized skill set that can open doors to several professions in academia, government, NGOs, and the private sector.

Wildlife BiologistConservation ScientistRestoration EcologistMarine BiologistScience Communicator or JournalistEnvironmental Educator or Outreach CoordinatorZoologistBioinformatics Scientist

All EECB career pathways →

Biological Sciences

While skills learned from each of our offered majors can be applied to any field, here are examples of career paths specific to biology.

BiotechnologistGeneticistMicrobiologistMedical TechnologistForensic BiologistLaboratory AssociateMedical and Health Services ManagerNutritionist

All biology careers →

LES Graduate Program

Graduate students build careers in academia, government, industry, and nonprofit organizations. Common roles include:

Environmental ScientistConservation ScientistNatural Sciences ManagerPostsecondary Faculty

Graduate Student Life & Careers →

Come see what LES is about

Visit campus or ask us a question — we’re happy to help.