H-1B Visa Ecologist Jobs
Ecologist jobs with H-1B visa sponsorship sit squarely in specialty occupation territory: the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, or a closely related field. Federal agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions are among the most active sponsors, filing LCAs for roles ranging from wetland delineation to wildlife impact assessment.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Company Overview
Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading-edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
JOB SUMMARY
We are currently seeking Field Ecologist I – Limnology. This position is an onsite role located in Guánica, Puerto Rico.
At 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, the island of Puerto Rico (Domain 04) lies at the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. More than 3.6 million people call Puerto Rico their home, and human activity has a major impact on the ecosystems of the island. The forests host many reptile and amphibian species, including the tiny Coquí frog, the endangered Puerto Rican Crested Toad, and many species of lizards. You'll also find a colorful variety of both endemic and migratory birds, including the Puerto Rican green parrot, the Puerto Rican Nightjar, hummingbirds, and warblers. NEON sites in the Atlantic Neotropical Domain are managed from our Guánica, PR office.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The work involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling. Heavy items, equipment and packs up to 40 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. Field work includes exposure to extreme high temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy, hogweed), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 100 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs. Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.
Work Schedule and Travel
Work schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day but can occasionally be 12+ hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends depending on the work assignment. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties.
Occasional travel (e.g., 1-2 times per year) to other Domain locations may be required as needed.
Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, supervise and perform stream channel morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures.
- Operate and maintain in-situ water quality sensors. Monitor sensor health and status through various computer interface tools (i.e., PuTTY, specific sensor software, SAS, or other visual analytic tools).
- Record data accurately and completely; perform data Q/C checks and resolve errors in collaboration with staff scientists.
- Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
- Perform additional field and lab procedures as assigned. This may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes; operations and maintenance of in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, data loggers, IRGAs and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, and energy flux.
- Ensure work hazards are identified and mitigated and support a culture of safety.
- Follow all permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or related scientific discipline AND One (1) year of related experience
OR
- Two (2) or more years of related experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience or four (4) years, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
- Previous NEON experience
COMPENSATION DATA
Pay rate: $19.50 - $20.30
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
BENEFITS: LIVE AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A WORK ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOU SUCCEED
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
VACCINATIONS & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
INTRODUCTION
Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Company Overview
Battelle manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) program, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading-edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales.
JOB SUMMARY
We are currently seeking Field Ecologist I – Limnology. This position is an onsite role located in Guánica, Puerto Rico.
At 100 miles long by 35 miles wide, the island of Puerto Rico (Domain 04) lies at the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. More than 3.6 million people call Puerto Rico their home, and human activity has a major impact on the ecosystems of the island. The forests host many reptile and amphibian species, including the tiny Coquí frog, the endangered Puerto Rican Crested Toad, and many species of lizards. You'll also find a colorful variety of both endemic and migratory birds, including the Puerto Rican green parrot, the Puerto Rican Nightjar, hummingbirds, and warblers. NEON sites in the Atlantic Neotropical Domain are managed from our Guánica, PR office.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The work involves walking, hiking, prolonged standing, bending, and kneeling. Heavy items, equipment and packs up to 40 pounds, must be lifted and carried on a routine basis. Field work includes exposure to extreme high temperatures, inclement weather, rough and variable terrain, toxic plants (e.g., poison ivy, hogweed), stinging and biting insects, and wildlife hazards. Instrument maintenance involves performing work on instrument towers ranging in height from 24 feet to 100 feet, which includes ascending and descending multiple flights of stairs. Driving off-road in 4WD vehicles is required for most field sites.
Work Schedule and Travel
Work schedules are typically 8-10 hours per day but can occasionally be 12+ hours per day, including split shifts (off in the middle of the day), starting before dawn and/or ending after dusk, and weekends depending on the work assignment. The ratio of field to lab work is about 75% field and 25% office and lab duties.
Occasional travel (e.g., 1-2 times per year) to other Domain locations may be required as needed.
Responsibilities
- Plan, schedule, supervise and perform stream channel morphology, aquatic organism abundance and diversity, biogeochemistry, seasonal climatic and hydrologic changes, and riparian phenology data collection following established, standardized field, lab, and shipping procedures.
- Operate and maintain in-situ water quality sensors. Monitor sensor health and status through various computer interface tools (i.e., PuTTY, specific sensor software, SAS, or other visual analytic tools).
- Record data accurately and completely; perform data Q/C checks and resolve errors in collaboration with staff scientists.
- Provide training, instruction, and technical guidance to seasonal field personnel.
- Perform additional field and lab procedures as assigned. This may include plant phenology, diversity, productivity, and biogeochemistry; abundance, diversity, and phenology of organisms including small mammals, ticks, mosquitoes, ground beetles, and soil microbes; operations and maintenance of in-situ meteorological sensors, soil sensors, data loggers, IRGAs and other gas analyzers used to measure CO2, and energy flux.
- Ensure work hazards are identified and mitigated and support a culture of safety.
- Follow all permitting requirements and assist with permit reporting and renewals.
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Associates degree in ecology, forestry, environmental sciences, or related scientific discipline AND One (1) year of related experience
OR
- Two (2) or more years of related experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience or four (4) years, which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above, may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
- Previous NEON experience
COMPENSATION DATA
Pay rate: $19.50 - $20.30
This information reflects the anticipated base salary range for this position based on current national data. Minimums and maximums may vary based on location. Individual pay is based on skills, experience, and other relevant factors.
BENEFITS: LIVE AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A WORK ENVIRONMENT WHERE YOU SUCCEED
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
VACCINATIONS & SAFETY PROTOCOLS
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
See all H-1B Visa Ecologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Ecologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Ecologist
Align your degree to the LCA job description
Your H-1B petition succeeds when your degree field directly maps to the posted role. If your degree is in biology or environmental science rather than ecology specifically, document how your coursework and fieldwork cover the core ecological competencies listed in the employer's LCA.
Verify your SOC code before applying
Ecologist roles file under SOC 19-1023. Cross-check the O*NET profile for that code to confirm the duties in a job posting match the classification. Mismatched SOC codes trigger LCA complications and can slow USCIS adjudication of your I-129 petition.
Find sponsors through Migrate Mate by role type
Search Migrate Mate for Ecologist roles filtered by employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history. Environmental consulting firms and federal contractors appear most frequently, letting you target outreach to organizations that have already navigated the sponsorship process for this occupation.
Confirm each worksite has a certified LCA
Field ecology roles often involve multiple project sites. Each location where you'll work more than sporadically needs its own certified LCA on file. Raise this with your employer before accepting an offer to avoid unauthorized worksite situations after your I-129 is approved.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
DOL requires your offered wage to meet or exceed the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location. Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC 19-1023 at the specific county level before negotiating, so you can confirm your offer clears the threshold USCIS will scrutinize.
Account for cap timing when planning your start date
H-1B cap selection rules have changed recently, so coordinate your expected start date with your employer early. Cap-subject petitions have an October 1 earliest start date, and research or government positions may qualify for cap-exempt filing, which allows year-round submission and faster timelines.
H-1B Visa Ecologist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Ecologist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Ecologist positions typically qualify as a specialty occupation because the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in ecology, environmental science, biology, or a directly related field. USCIS evaluates the specific job duties and degree requirement as stated in the employer's LCA and I-129 petition, so the job description must clearly reflect degree-level scientific work rather than general fieldwork or technician tasks.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Ecologists?
Environmental consulting firms, federal agencies such as the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, state natural resource departments, universities, and large infrastructure contractors are among the most consistent sponsors. These organizations regularly file LCAs for roles in wetland assessment, habitat restoration, environmental impact analysis, and species monitoring. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for Ecologist roles so you can prioritize your applications.
How does the prevailing wage requirement affect Ecologist H-1B offers?
DOL requires your employer to pay at least the prevailing wage for SOC 19-1023 at the specific work location before USCIS will approve your petition. Wages vary significantly by region: positions in the Pacific Northwest or Northeast typically carry higher prevailing wage floors than rural interior states. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage tiers for your county before accepting an offer.
Can my H-1B cover fieldwork at multiple project sites?
Not automatically. Each worksite where you perform H-1B duties beyond a de minimis basis requires its own certified LCA posted at that location. For Ecologists doing multi-site fieldwork, your employer must file amended or additional LCAs covering each substantial worksite. Failing to do this puts you at risk of unauthorized employment, so clarify your expected project locations with your employer's immigration counsel before your petition is filed.
How long does H-1B status last for an Ecologist position?
H-1B status is initially granted for up to three years and can be extended once for a maximum total of six years. Beyond six years, extensions are available only if you have a pending or approved immigrant visa petition at a qualifying stage. If your employer pursues permanent residence sponsorship through PERM labor certification, that process should begin well before you approach the six-year cap.