Lead Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Florida
Lead scientist roles in Florida span pharmaceutical research at Johnson & Johnson's Jacksonville operations, marine and environmental science along the Gulf Coast, and aerospace life sciences near Kennedy Space Center. Organizations including Scripps Research, Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, and the University of Florida actively hire and sponsor international scientists for senior research positions.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Ready to turn your ambition into achievement? Join Pond & Company and be part of the team that’s redefining the future of Architectural, Engineering, Planning, Construction Management, and Environmental projects!
ABOUT THE POSITION
We are searching for an experienced Scientist Lead to join our growing Environmental group in the following markets; Atlanta, Ga, Jacksonville, Fl and Tampa, Fl. The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources, environmental engineering, environmental planning, or a related discipline (MS preferred) and has 6-10 years of related experience. In this position, the successful candidate will serve as a Task Manager and field lead for environmental field studies, including delineation, sampling, inspection, data analysis, permit preparation, GIS mapping, and technical report writing. The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing junior staff and ensuring QA/QC of their work. Additionally, the role involves supporting proposal development and interfacing with clients as necessary. Projects will span across multiple markets and geographies, offering opportunities to broaden knowledge and deepen skill sets related to environmental science. We are seeking someone who can be an independent self-starter. Experience with Georgia Department of Transportation projects is a plus.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Mid-senior level experience as an environmental consultant or environmental regulatory specialist.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in a relevant environmental discipline (Environmental Science, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Management, Environmental Planning, etc.). Master of Science (M.S.) is preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of field such as wetland science, flora/fauna, ecosystems of the Southeastern US, environmental impact analysis, etc. with demonstrated experience leading field tasks. Knowledge in additional ecoregions is preferred.
- Proficient with GIS and GPS mapping (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and similar software).
- Physically able to travel and conduct field work on various project sites with challenging field conditions such as steep terrain, thick vegetation, and inclement weather.
- Excellent technical writing and communication skills with ability to deliver complete and clean documents.
- Experience leading environmental tasks for Departments of Transportation (DOT), Energy, Renewables, Municipal, or Federal projects.
- Experience reading and interpreting construction plans (civil, roadway, pipeline, etc.).
- Experience delivering multiple environmental services projects simultaneously, including projects spanning various markets, clients, and states.
- Ideal candidates would have professional credentials such as American Institute of Certified Planners, Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Ecologist (CE), Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP), Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), or similar.
- Experience supervising one or more junior to mid-level staff.
- Willingness to travel as projects require, including occasional overnight travel.
- Ability to work well within a team environment, bringing a positive attitude, multi-tasking abilities, and self-motivated mentality to produce high quality work.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Many factors are considered when determining compensation at Pond, including scope and level of position, geographic location, candidate skill, knowledge and experience. Starting base pay may vary depending on these factors. Please see the hiring range associated with this posting for more information.
Additional cash incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on position offered. Learn more about Pond’s comprehensive benefits offerings here.
All offers of employment made by Pond & Company are contingent upon satisfactory background check results. Pre-employment background checks will be conducted on all candidates that are offered a position at Pond in compliance with program policy as well as state and federal regulations. Additionally, offers may be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employment decisions at Pond are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state and local laws in jurisdictions where we operate. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrdepartment@pondco.com.
INTRODUCTION
Ready to turn your ambition into achievement? Join Pond & Company and be part of the team that’s redefining the future of Architectural, Engineering, Planning, Construction Management, and Environmental projects!
ABOUT THE POSITION
We are searching for an experienced Scientist Lead to join our growing Environmental group in the following markets; Atlanta, Ga, Jacksonville, Fl and Tampa, Fl. The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor’s degree in ecology, natural resources, environmental engineering, environmental planning, or a related discipline (MS preferred) and has 6-10 years of related experience. In this position, the successful candidate will serve as a Task Manager and field lead for environmental field studies, including delineation, sampling, inspection, data analysis, permit preparation, GIS mapping, and technical report writing. The successful candidate will also be responsible for managing junior staff and ensuring QA/QC of their work. Additionally, the role involves supporting proposal development and interfacing with clients as necessary. Projects will span across multiple markets and geographies, offering opportunities to broaden knowledge and deepen skill sets related to environmental science. We are seeking someone who can be an independent self-starter. Experience with Georgia Department of Transportation projects is a plus.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Mid-senior level experience as an environmental consultant or environmental regulatory specialist.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Art (B.A.) in a relevant environmental discipline (Environmental Science, Wildlife or Fisheries Science, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Management, Environmental Planning, etc.). Master of Science (M.S.) is preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of field such as wetland science, flora/fauna, ecosystems of the Southeastern US, environmental impact analysis, etc. with demonstrated experience leading field tasks. Knowledge in additional ecoregions is preferred.
- Proficient with GIS and GPS mapping (ArcGIS Pro, Field Maps, and similar software).
- Physically able to travel and conduct field work on various project sites with challenging field conditions such as steep terrain, thick vegetation, and inclement weather.
- Excellent technical writing and communication skills with ability to deliver complete and clean documents.
- Experience leading environmental tasks for Departments of Transportation (DOT), Energy, Renewables, Municipal, or Federal projects.
- Experience reading and interpreting construction plans (civil, roadway, pipeline, etc.).
- Experience delivering multiple environmental services projects simultaneously, including projects spanning various markets, clients, and states.
- Ideal candidates would have professional credentials such as American Institute of Certified Planners, Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Certified Ecologist (CE), Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC), Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP), Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), or similar.
- Experience supervising one or more junior to mid-level staff.
- Willingness to travel as projects require, including occasional overnight travel.
- Ability to work well within a team environment, bringing a positive attitude, multi-tasking abilities, and self-motivated mentality to produce high quality work.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Many factors are considered when determining compensation at Pond, including scope and level of position, geographic location, candidate skill, knowledge and experience. Starting base pay may vary depending on these factors. Please see the hiring range associated with this posting for more information.
Additional cash incentives may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on position offered. Learn more about Pond’s comprehensive benefits offerings here.
All offers of employment made by Pond & Company are contingent upon satisfactory background check results. Pre-employment background checks will be conducted on all candidates that are offered a position at Pond in compliance with program policy as well as state and federal regulations. Additionally, offers may be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes the value of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Employment decisions at Pond are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state and local laws in jurisdictions where we operate. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at hrdepartment@pondco.com.
Lead Scientist Job Roles in Florida
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Search Lead Scientist Jobs in FloridaLead Scientist Jobs in Florida: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for lead scientists in Florida?
Florida's major visa sponsors for lead scientist roles include Moffitt Cancer Center, Scripps Research Institute, the University of Florida, University of Miami Health System, and pharmaceutical firms operating near Tampa and Miami. Aerospace and defense contractors around Cape Canaveral also sponsor research scientists. Sponsorship activity is concentrated in biomedical research, environmental science, and applied life sciences, with academic medical centers and research universities among the most consistent sponsors.
What visa types are available for lead scientists seeking sponsorship in Florida?
Lead scientist roles typically qualify for the H-1B visa, since the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related scientific field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Candidates with an advanced degree or exceptional ability may pursue an EB-2 green card, while EB-3 covers skilled workers with two or more years of experience. J-1 visa exchange visitor status can apply for research scholars through a designated sponsor organization. Chilean nationals may use the H-1B1 and Singaporean nationals the H-1B1 Singapore track, both of which also require a specialty occupation.
How to find lead scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Florida?
Migrate Mate lists Florida employers with verified sponsorship history for lead scientist and senior research roles, so you can focus on organizations that have filed for comparable positions rather than applying broadly. The platform covers employers across Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and Gainesville. Filtering by role category and location narrows results to Florida's biomedical, environmental, and aerospace research sectors, where sponsorship activity is most concentrated.
Which cities in Florida have the most lead scientist visa sponsorship jobs?
Tampa and the broader Tampa Bay area lead sponsorship activity for lead scientists, driven by Moffitt Cancer Center and a cluster of biotech and pharmaceutical employers. Miami follows, with university research centers and life sciences companies active in the region. Gainesville is significant due to the University of Florida's research enterprise, and the Space Coast near Cape Canaveral supports applied science roles in aerospace and environmental monitoring. Jacksonville has a smaller but active pharmaceutical and clinical research presence.
Are there state-specific considerations for lead scientists pursuing sponsorship in Florida?
Florida's research sector is shaped by its university system, with institutions including the University of Florida, University of Miami, and University of South Florida serving as both employers and pipelines into industry roles. The state's marine, environmental, and atmospheric science programs create demand for lead scientists in those disciplines, particularly along coastal research stations. Florida also has no state income tax, which affects compensation comparisons when evaluating job offers. Sponsorship timelines and prevailing wage requirements are set federally and do not vary by state.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored lead scientist jobs in Florida?
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.