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.
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Kimley-Horn is a leading civil engineering and consulting firm known for our exceptional client service and commitment to delivering sustainable solutions. Our Environmental team in Orange, CA, is looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Biologist to help us tackle complex projects and make meaningful impacts.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are seeking a driven Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental consulting. The ideal candidate will lead biological investigations, navigate regulatory frameworks, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring team members and delivering top-notch service to clients.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration projects, and sensitive species surveys.
- Prepare and review biological reports (e.g., Biological Resource Assessments, Constraints Analysis, etc.) and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA standards.
- Provide strategic regulatory guidance and obtain necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CDFW, USACE).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated project delivery, including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
- Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and maintain timelines and budgets.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to training and development efforts within the Environmental team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance work in California.
- Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA/NEPA and state/federal species protection laws.
- Proven experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience interfacing effectively with clients and agencies.
- Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability to guide and mentor junior team members.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Familiarity with GIS mapping techniques/software.
- Certified Arborist or Restoration Ecologist credentials are a plus.
- Biologist certifications (e.g., Section 10(a) permits for listed species) are desirable.
- Experience working with habitat conservation plans, mitigation banks, and wildlife movement corridor studies.
SALARY RANGE:
$120,000 to $160,000
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?:
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
KEY BENEFITS AT KIMLEY-HORN:
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Overview:
Kimley-Horn is a leading civil engineering and consulting firm known for our exceptional client service and commitment to delivering sustainable solutions. Our Environmental team in Orange, CA, is looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Biologist to help us tackle complex projects and make meaningful impacts.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are seeking a driven Senior Biologist with 7+ years of experience in biological surveys, habitat assessment, regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental consulting. The ideal candidate will lead biological investigations, navigate regulatory frameworks, and contribute to multidisciplinary projects while mentoring team members and delivering top-notch service to clients.
Responsibilities:
- Manage and conduct biological assessments, habitat restoration projects, and sensitive species surveys.
- Prepare and review biological reports (e.g., Biological Resource Assessments, Constraints Analysis, etc.) and environmental documentation compliant with CEQA/NEPA standards.
- Provide strategic regulatory guidance and obtain necessary permits from local, state, and federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, CDFW, USACE).
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams for integrated project delivery, including planners, engineers, and environmental scientists.
- Ensure projects comply with environmental laws and maintain timelines and budgets.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to training and development efforts within the Environmental team.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with regulatory agencies, clients, and stakeholders to deliver exceptional service and foster long-term partnerships.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in biological surveys, environmental permitting, and compliance work in California.
- Expertise in California flora, fauna, ecosystems, and regulatory frameworks, including CEQA/NEPA and state/federal species protection laws.
- Proven experience preparing biological resource reports and navigating permitting processes.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, budgets, and deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience interfacing effectively with clients and agencies.
- Team-oriented mindset with leadership ability to guide and mentor junior team members.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Familiarity with GIS mapping techniques/software.
- Certified Arborist or Restoration Ecologist credentials are a plus.
- Biologist certifications (e.g., Section 10(a) permits for listed species) are desirable.
- Experience working with habitat conservation plans, mitigation banks, and wildlife movement corridor studies.
SALARY RANGE:
$120,000 to $160,000
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?:
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
KEY BENEFITS AT KIMLEY-HORN:
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Biologist Job Roles in California
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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.