Biologist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California employs more biologists than almost any other state, with major employers spanning biotech firms in the Bay Area and San Diego, federal agencies like the U.S. Geological Survey, and universities such as UC Berkeley and UC Davis. Life sciences hubs in South San Francisco, San Diego's Torrey Pines Mesa, and Sacramento's agricultural research corridor all sponsor international biologists regularly.
Find Biologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 20+ Biologist Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
See all Biologist Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Biologist Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All JobsJob Description
ICF is currently seeking a senior fisheries biologist to support their growing acoustic telemetry services as part of the Fish and Aquatic Science and Technology (FAST) Team. This person will conduct studies, analyze data, develop proposals, and manage budgets for research and technical projects. This person would primarily work in the San Francisco Estuary, along the west coast, and nationally and internationally as opportunities arise. The position will involve leading logistically complex studies, assisting with business development for applied research, monitoring, and habitat restoration in the Delta, and interpretation of biological information. The position may assist with regulatory documents. The position will assist with training junior staff on field and laboratory techniques.
Although the range below is wider to accommodate growth within the job, this position will have a starting pay range of $85,000 to $105,000 based on match of qualifications/experience/responsibilities, location, and other factors.
What You Will Do
- Provide leadership with data collection and problem solving for various acoustic telemetry projects and other studies
- Work closely with Senior Scientists and follow directions provided by Project Managers to conduct field work and develop project reports, including graphs and data summaries
- Collaborate on applied research that results in peer-reviewed publications
- Assist on regulatory projects/documents as needed
- Maintain acoustic telemetry arrays
- Serve as boat operator and/or crew on work boats
What You Must Have
- Master’s degree in fisheries biology or equivalent science related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years conducting field research in fish and aquatic science
What We’d Like
- Experience with acoustic telemetry and other research and monitoring techniques
- Recognized as an expert in the field, with strong leadership skills, with ability to motivate and guide staff towards success
- Ability to identify and capitalize on emerging fish and aquatic science issues in the San Francisco Estuary
- 10+ years conducting field research in fish and aquatic science
- 5+ years experience operating motor boats
- Team leadership skills: Set high personal performance and quality standards and work collaboratively in a team environment to resolve problems; view all team members as critical and treating team members with respect and professionalism; ability to collaborate and leverage team member strengths; mentor/develop junior team members
- Positive energy as evidenced in an optimistic outlook, a sense of humor, and a disposition to encourage. Individual should be affable and someone that people generally want to be around.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
- Possible long hours of working in a field environment for multiple days in a row
- Must be comfortable working in the aquatic environment including working from a boat platform and wading in rivers and streams
- Must be able to work effectively in inclement weather, including hot, cold, rainy and foggy conditions
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range
There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$73,770.00 - $125,408.00
Location: West Sacramento, CA (CA86)
Job Description
ICF is currently seeking a senior fisheries biologist to support their growing acoustic telemetry services as part of the Fish and Aquatic Science and Technology (FAST) Team. This person will conduct studies, analyze data, develop proposals, and manage budgets for research and technical projects. This person would primarily work in the San Francisco Estuary, along the west coast, and nationally and internationally as opportunities arise. The position will involve leading logistically complex studies, assisting with business development for applied research, monitoring, and habitat restoration in the Delta, and interpretation of biological information. The position may assist with regulatory documents. The position will assist with training junior staff on field and laboratory techniques.
Although the range below is wider to accommodate growth within the job, this position will have a starting pay range of $85,000 to $105,000 based on match of qualifications/experience/responsibilities, location, and other factors.
What You Will Do
- Provide leadership with data collection and problem solving for various acoustic telemetry projects and other studies
- Work closely with Senior Scientists and follow directions provided by Project Managers to conduct field work and develop project reports, including graphs and data summaries
- Collaborate on applied research that results in peer-reviewed publications
- Assist on regulatory projects/documents as needed
- Maintain acoustic telemetry arrays
- Serve as boat operator and/or crew on work boats
What You Must Have
- Master’s degree in fisheries biology or equivalent science related field, or a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years conducting field research in fish and aquatic science
What We’d Like
- Experience with acoustic telemetry and other research and monitoring techniques
- Recognized as an expert in the field, with strong leadership skills, with ability to motivate and guide staff towards success
- Ability to identify and capitalize on emerging fish and aquatic science issues in the San Francisco Estuary
- 10+ years conducting field research in fish and aquatic science
- 5+ years experience operating motor boats
- Team leadership skills: Set high personal performance and quality standards and work collaboratively in a team environment to resolve problems; view all team members as critical and treating team members with respect and professionalism; ability to collaborate and leverage team member strengths; mentor/develop junior team members
- Positive energy as evidenced in an optimistic outlook, a sense of humor, and a disposition to encourage. Individual should be affable and someone that people generally want to be around.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
- Possible long hours of working in a field environment for multiple days in a row
- Must be comfortable working in the aquatic environment including working from a boat platform and wading in rivers and streams
- Must be able to work effectively in inclement weather, including hot, cold, rainy and foggy conditions
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range
There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$73,770.00 - $125,408.00
Location: West Sacramento, CA (CA86)
Biologist Job Roles in California
See all Biologist Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Biologist Jobs in CaliforniaBiologist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for biologists in California?
California's life sciences sector includes employers with consistent H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship histories for biology roles. Major sponsors include Genentech, Gilead Sciences, Amgen, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, alongside federal research agencies and UC system campuses. Biotech firms concentrated in South San Francisco and San Diego's Torrey Pines Mesa account for a significant share of biologist sponsorship filings in the state.
Which visa types are most common for biologist roles in California?
The H-1B is the most commonly used visa for biologists in California, provided the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as biology, biochemistry, or microbiology. Researchers at universities or nonprofit institutions may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B petitions. The O-1A is an option for biologists with documented extraordinary achievement, such as published research or significant awards.
Which cities in California have the most biologist sponsorship jobs?
San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area generate the highest volume of biologist sponsorship jobs in California. San Diego's Torrey Pines Mesa and Sorrento Valley host dense clusters of biotech employers. The Bay Area's South San Francisco corridor is home to large pharma and biotech companies. Sacramento and Davis also produce roles tied to agricultural biology and state or federal research programs.
How to find biologist visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters biologist job listings in California specifically to employers with active visa sponsorship history, saving you from sorting through roles where sponsorship is unclear. You can search by city, subspecialty such as marine biology or microbiology, and employer type. Because California's life sciences market moves quickly, filtering to verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate reduces time spent on applications unlikely to lead to sponsorship.
Are there state-specific or role-specific considerations for biologist sponsorship in California?
California does not impose additional state-level requirements on top of federal visa sponsorship rules, but prevailing wage compliance is closely monitored given the state's high cost of living. Employers must meet DOL wage levels, which in California often reflect the higher end of national ranges for biology occupations. Biologists can check current wage benchmarks using the OFLC Wage Search tool and review occupation requirements through O*NET.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored biologist jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.