Job Description

Environmental Data Analyst (Soil & Water) - Modesto/Sacramento

Anticipated Start Date: February 16, 2026

Experience Level: At least 3 years collecting and analyzing data

Job Type: Exempt, full time with benefits

To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to [email protected] and include “Environmental Data Analyst” in the subject line.

Sustainable Conservation (a leading non-profit in its field) advances the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Every day, we bring together businesses, landowners, scientists, community representatives, and government in some of the most productive yet economically disadvantaged parts of California, to steward the resources on which we all depend in ways that are just and make economic sense. Please visit to learn more about our work.

Sustainable Conservation builds uncommon partnerships between agriculture, business, conservationists, communities and public agencies to deliver practical, science-based solutions that support accelerated restoration of California’s rivers, wetlands and estuaries; a clean, reliable water supply; healthy soil; and resilient landscapes. The organization listens to all perspectives, builds trusted partnerships, and co-creates solutions that are just and sustainable for the environment, economy, and people. Sustainable Conservation’s policy work is informed by its on-the-ground experience and partnerships. Current initiatives include addressing the lack of clean drinking water for over one million Californians, advancing groundwater recharge, reducing on-farm pollution, promoting soil health, and reimagining waste through nutrient reuse. Our vision is a climate-resilient California with healthy water ecosystems, reduced flood risk, and agricultural practices that sustain natural resources while feeding the state and nation. Guided by values of collaboration, respect, honesty, learning, well-being, and results, Sustainable Conservation works persistently to deliver systemic, lasting benefits for California’s environment and people.

Position Summary

The Environmental Data Analyst will serve a cross-team role working to bring additional capacity on the Sustainable Conservation’s program teams focused on soil health, nitrate leaching, and water sustainability. Under the guidance of our Senior Scientist and in collaboration with other team members and external partners, the Environmental Data Analyst will support Sustainable Conservation’s Waste Not and Solutions in Our Soils programs by conducting research, data analysis, and providing analytical and technical writing support for proposals and reports.

The Environmental Data Analyst will work in the field and office settings. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience developing grant proposals, designing and implementing research experiments, conducting data analysis, and a working understanding of agriculture, nutrient cycling, and water. The candidate will also have very strong analytical and writing skills (technical and narrative), and an aptitude for creatively solving problems.

Location: This position can be based at either our Sacramento or Modesto office but will collaborate with our San Francisco team as well. Preference will be given to candidates based in or around the Sacramento or San Joaquin Valley region. Our teams work in a hybrid work environment with an option to work remotely a few days a week. Periodic travel within the San Joaquin Valley will be required, as well as occasional travel to other parts of California.

Primary Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analyses and provide technical support to Sustainable Conservation’s Waste Not and Solutions in Our Soils teams.
• Analyze and evaluate, summarize, and interpret data to reach scientifically sound conclusions.
• Develop research projects, reports, guidance documents, and identify innovative approaches to achieve programmatic goals.
• Prepare technically accurate reports and outreach materials for multiple audiences.
• Conduct in-field sampling and data collection.
• Manage data and information storage.
• Develop impact analyses - extrapolating findings to illustrate potential impacts at scale.
• Inform research design and methodologies.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Provide analytical and technical writing support for proposals and reports.
• Adhere to timelines and deadlines for multiple on-going projects and deliverables.
• Foster and maintain strong relationships with growers, institutions, and agency partners.

Experience And Skills Required

• Graduate degree or equivalent work experience in agricultural, soil, or environmental science, or a related field
• 3+ years of experience collecting, organizing, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data.
• Very strong analytical and statistical skills, including ability to work with spatial datasets (e.g. ArcGIS) and other statistical computing and graphics programs (e.g. R, SAS)
• Ability to summarize information into clear and accessible deliverables.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, including demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and manage multiple efforts simultaneously.
• Adept at learning new concepts and approaching work with a learning mindset
• Exceptional communication (verbal, written, and presentation skills) and listening skills, with the ability to adapt communication content and style for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work independently and highly collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
• Keen interest in climate-resilient agriculture, and knowledge and/or motivation to further learn about California agriculture, nutrient management, and water.
• Ability to conduct field work and perform strenuous activities like standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and lifting and carrying up to 30lb in uneven and potentially steep terrain.
• Demonstrate self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrate Sustainable Conservation’s core values (Collaboration, Respect, Well-Being, Learning, Honesty and Results) and commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Excellent computer skills, including use of MS applications such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Valid CA Driver’s License and a willingness to travel to Sacramento, Central / San Joaquin Valley and other Bay Area locations as needed, occasional overnight travel within CA may be required

Also Desirable

• Interest in science communication
• Ability to conduct/learn how to conduct basic economic analyses
• Familiarity and/or experience with environmental modelling

Compensation:

The compensation for this position will be in the range of $83,992-$89,719 annually. Please note that the exact offered pay will be determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.

What we offer: A competitive compensation package based on experience, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous match on 401k, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, plus the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as holiday leave. Our greatest benefit is our culture. Our staff is collaborative, dedicated, and caring. We believe in articulating and practicing our values (Collaboration, Respect, Results, Honesty, Learning, Well-Being) at work and have a strong commitment to bringing a DEI lens to our work and workplace culture. We encourage, prioritize, and support professional development and career growth within the organization and pride ourselves in working with our team members to advance their careers in line with the organizational mission.

At Sustainable Conservation we value culture and diversity and as an equal opportunity employer we encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our job openings.

Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Remote work, Night shift,

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