Data Scientist (Technical Specialist)

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is seeking an On-Call Technical Specialist (Data Scientist) based in the western U.S (California, Oregon, Washington). Qualified candidates must have 5+ years of experience in developing and applying data-driven solutions and environmental modeling workflows using machine learning, geospatial analysis, and remote sensing technologies. Preference given to candidates located in California, Oregon, Washington (PST), but remote candidates who meet qualifications will be considered.

This is a project-based hire with ongoing opportunities in support of ESA’s internal data science initiative and client-driven consulting projects. The opportunity for continued employment with ESA past the completion of initial project needs will be discussed/revisited at/near project milestones.

 

Who You Are

You are an experienced data scientist with a deep interest in environmental applications. You have a strong background in developing and implementing analytical models using Python and/or R and are comfortable building robust pipelines and leveraging cloud platforms such as Databricks for large-scale analytics. You enjoy collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and can translate complex datasets into meaningful environmental insights.

You hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field. You bring at least 5 years of professional experience in data science or a related analytical field, and have demonstrated expertise in machine learning, predictive modeling, and statistical analysis. You have excellent communication skills and enjoy mentoring others in technical practices.

You thrive in collaborative environments and have a passion for using advanced technology to solve real-world environmental challenges. Familiarity with riparian or aquatic monitoring, remote sensing techniques, and computer vision is a plus. Consulting experience or involvement in proposal development is strongly preferred but not required.

 

What You Will Do for ESA

As a Technical Specialist (Data Scientist), you will apply your technical and consulting expertise to a variety of environmental projects across the western U.S., including:

• Designing and implementing advanced workflows using statistical analysis, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
• Automating data pipelines and developing models that support environmental assessments, ecosystem condition evaluations, and restoration planning.
• Supporting ESA’s Data Science Center of Excellence, promoting internal best practices and reusable tools
• Contributing to internal capacity building through technical workshops, training sessions, and peer collaboration using platforms like Jupyter Notebooks and version-controlled environments.
• Supporting proposal development and client engagement activities in collaboration with ESA’s environmental scientists, planners, GIS analysts, and software developers.

 

What’s Special About Our Technology Services Practice

ESA’s Technology Services brings together cutting-edge tools and deep environmental expertise to develop solutions that inform, analyze, and visualize complex data. Our team specializes in geospatial science, application development, remote sensing, and data science to support clients in making informed, resilient, and data-driven decisions. We combine technical innovation with a strong understanding of environmental systems to build customized solutions that enhance planning, restoration, and resource management efforts. Whether it’s developing decision-support tools, spatial models, or interactive platforms, we work at the intersection of technology and ecology to drive meaningful, science-based outcomes for clients and communities.

 

 

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.

You are eligible to participate in ESA’s sick leave program. You may be eligible to participate in our employee stock ownership program and tax deferred 401(k) plan if you meet the eligibility requirements for these plans.

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$24.34—$37.49 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. 

 

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)