Scientist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Utah
Utah's scientist job market is anchored by life sciences employers in Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front, research institutions like the University of Utah, and a growing biotech corridor that includes companies such as Recursion Pharmaceuticals and 4Life Research. International scientists will find active H-1B visa and O-1 visa sponsorship activity across research, pharmaceutical, and environmental science roles.
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Get Access To All JobsABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead Environmental Scientist to join our Natural Resources program in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this role, you will support biological studies, natural resource management, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance (Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, etc.) projects across a diverse portfolio that includes transmission, mining, renewable energy, oil and gas, and ecological restoration initiatives.
As a senior technical leader, you will serve as a subject matter expert, manage large and complex projects, provide quality oversight and review for project deliverables, support key client relationships, proposals, and business development, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance project opportunities throughout the region.
Depending on project needs, this position may require travel within the region to support fieldwork, client engagement, regulatory coordination, and project oversight. You will work closely with clients, regulatory agencies, leadership, and technical staff to guide project direction, ensure technical excellence, and support successful project delivery. This role offers the opportunity to mentor staff, lead natural resources management and regulatory compliance efforts, and play a key role in advancing projects and client success.
This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, salaried/exempt opportunity based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience. This position is hybrid-eligible for candidates residing within Salt Lake City, Utah, or distributed (= remote) for applicants based in Utah. Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.
ABOUT SWCA:
SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.
We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team-focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.
WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH:
- Strategic Project Leadership: Strategically consults on and leads complex projects in pursuit of client objectives, overseeing the technical approach and ensuring quality assurance and quality control.
- Exemplary Leadership: Leads by example in both technical and soft skills, navigating client and team priorities to deliver projects that meet professional and oversight agency standards.
- Technical Expertise & Innovation: Innovates standards and practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of client projects and outcomes, ensuring alignment with industry and regulatory standards. Serves as a go-to technical expert and consultant, providing novel project strategies and applying technical excellence that considers client needs to meet project requirements.
- Project Accountability: Continuously guides projects, executing accountability for the performance of projects or delegated tasks and ensuring that project milestones are met and outcomes align with SWCA’s values and client expectations. Assesses risks and implements strategies for problem-solving. Revises or suggests revisions to project scopes, schedules, and budgets as necessary to meet evolving project requirements and ensure successful outcomes.
- Business Growth & Innovation: Drives business growth and client success through technical excellence, innovation, and development of new methods and standards that advance SWCA's technical reputation. Contributes to SWCA's strategic planning.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Champions cross-disciplinary collaboration, working closely with specialists to provide comprehensive technical support for projects.
- Mentorship & Team Development: Mentors staff for impactful influence, coaching others in technical excellence, leadership, and strategy, and also develops specialized programs and protocols. Fosters team development and cross-training, modeling and promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration among team members to enhance project outcomes, as well as team depth and redundancy.
- Relationship Management: Establishes and grows effective consultative relationships with external and internal clients and/or agency regulators and industry partners (if applicable) to support successful projects.
- Publishes and Presents Findings: Leads the preparation and presentation of scientific and regulatory findings, contributing to the body of knowledge and enhancing SWCA's reputation in the field.
- Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
- Performs related work as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree. Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others. Eight years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wetland Science, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology or other related environmental science.
- Six (6) years of experience working in a private sector (i.e., consulting) or regulatory agency setting leading and overseeing the completion of natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
- Experience managing complex natural resources projects, permitting and regulatory compliance projects, environmental consulting, or ecological studies including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, scopes of work from feasibility assessments to final report/permit preparation.
- Demonstrated experience with federal agencies such as US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), US Forest Service (USFS), and/or Utah Trust Lands Administration (TLA), and other state/local agencies in the Great Basin Sub-Region.
- Experience with flora and fauna of Utah and the Intermountain West.
- Ability to travel as needed for client and agency meetings.
- Ability to collaborate with junior level to experienced environmental professionals.
- Experience with client management and business development for natural resources services within the region.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Wetland Science, Biology, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology or other environmental science related fields.
- Eight (8) years of experience working in a private sector (i.e., consulting) or regulatory agency setting leading and overseeing the completion of natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, biological assessments, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
- Current or prior Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists or PMP certification.
OTHER JOB CONDITIONS:
When drug testing is required
Applicants must be willing to participate in drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process, when required by project or client requirements.
When driving is required
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements.
When traveling is required
This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.
Safety Expectations
Staff level: Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
Project level: Takes responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards.
Lead level: Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.
Director Level: Serve as an ambassador for SWCA’s Safety Culture and implementation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures.
PAY RANGE:
SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Salt Lake City, UT-based position is $81,120.00 to $105,996.80 per year. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.
As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
CLOSING:
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN HIRING
SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience.
CANDIDATE USE OF AI
Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.
LI-EF1
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
SWCA Environmental Consultants is seeking a Lead Environmental Scientist to join our Natural Resources program in Salt Lake City, Utah. In this role, you will support biological studies, natural resource management, environmental permitting, and regulatory compliance (Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Clean Water Act, Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, etc.) projects across a diverse portfolio that includes transmission, mining, renewable energy, oil and gas, and ecological restoration initiatives.
As a senior technical leader, you will serve as a subject matter expert, manage large and complex projects, provide quality oversight and review for project deliverables, support key client relationships, proposals, and business development, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to advance project opportunities throughout the region.
Depending on project needs, this position may require travel within the region to support fieldwork, client engagement, regulatory coordination, and project oversight. You will work closely with clients, regulatory agencies, leadership, and technical staff to guide project direction, ensure technical excellence, and support successful project delivery. This role offers the opportunity to mentor staff, lead natural resources management and regulatory compliance efforts, and play a key role in advancing projects and client success.
This is a regular (with benefits), full-time, salaried/exempt opportunity based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. Pay rate will be based on individual qualifications and experience. This position is hybrid-eligible for candidates residing within Salt Lake City, Utah, or distributed (= remote) for applicants based in Utah. Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.
ABOUT SWCA:
SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.
We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team-focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.
WHAT YOU WILL ACCOMPLISH:
- Strategic Project Leadership: Strategically consults on and leads complex projects in pursuit of client objectives, overseeing the technical approach and ensuring quality assurance and quality control.
- Exemplary Leadership: Leads by example in both technical and soft skills, navigating client and team priorities to deliver projects that meet professional and oversight agency standards.
- Technical Expertise & Innovation: Innovates standards and practices to enhance the quality and efficiency of client projects and outcomes, ensuring alignment with industry and regulatory standards. Serves as a go-to technical expert and consultant, providing novel project strategies and applying technical excellence that considers client needs to meet project requirements.
- Project Accountability: Continuously guides projects, executing accountability for the performance of projects or delegated tasks and ensuring that project milestones are met and outcomes align with SWCA’s values and client expectations. Assesses risks and implements strategies for problem-solving. Revises or suggests revisions to project scopes, schedules, and budgets as necessary to meet evolving project requirements and ensure successful outcomes.
- Business Growth & Innovation: Drives business growth and client success through technical excellence, innovation, and development of new methods and standards that advance SWCA's technical reputation. Contributes to SWCA's strategic planning.
- Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: Champions cross-disciplinary collaboration, working closely with specialists to provide comprehensive technical support for projects.
- Mentorship & Team Development: Mentors staff for impactful influence, coaching others in technical excellence, leadership, and strategy, and also develops specialized programs and protocols. Fosters team development and cross-training, modeling and promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration among team members to enhance project outcomes, as well as team depth and redundancy.
- Relationship Management: Establishes and grows effective consultative relationships with external and internal clients and/or agency regulators and industry partners (if applicable) to support successful projects.
- Publishes and Presents Findings: Leads the preparation and presentation of scientific and regulatory findings, contributing to the body of knowledge and enhancing SWCA's reputation in the field.
- Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
- Performs related work as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree. Six years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, including some experience managing others. Eight years of related experience is preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education.
EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Wetland Science, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology or other related environmental science.
- Six (6) years of experience working in a private sector (i.e., consulting) or regulatory agency setting leading and overseeing the completion of natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
- Experience managing complex natural resources projects, permitting and regulatory compliance projects, environmental consulting, or ecological studies including developing and implementing budgets, schedules, scopes of work from feasibility assessments to final report/permit preparation.
- Demonstrated experience with federal agencies such as US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), US Forest Service (USFS), and/or Utah Trust Lands Administration (TLA), and other state/local agencies in the Great Basin Sub-Region.
- Experience with flora and fauna of Utah and the Intermountain West.
- Ability to travel as needed for client and agency meetings.
- Ability to collaborate with junior level to experienced environmental professionals.
- Experience with client management and business development for natural resources services within the region.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree in Wetland Science, Biology, Plant/Soil Science, Ecology or other environmental science related fields.
- Eight (8) years of experience working in a private sector (i.e., consulting) or regulatory agency setting leading and overseeing the completion of natural resources fieldwork, technical reports, biological assessments, impact assessments, and environmental assessments.
- Current or prior Certification as a Professional Wetland Scientist by the Society of Wetland Scientists or PMP certification.
OTHER JOB CONDITIONS:
When drug testing is required
Applicants must be willing to participate in drug and alcohol screening as part of the pre-employment process, when required by project or client requirements.
When driving is required
Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements.
When traveling is required
This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.
Safety Expectations
Staff level: Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.
Project level: Takes responsibility for team safety, developing safety plans (when applicable), and anticipating potential safety hazards.
Lead level: Drives compliance of safety policies and reporting requirements to ensure overall team safety.
Director Level: Serve as an ambassador for SWCA’s Safety Culture and implementation.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is regularly performed outdoors and involves hiking over uneven terrain, lifting and carrying equipment up to 25–50 pounds, and working in varying/extreme weather conditions. Employees may be exposed to vegetation, wildlife, insects, dust, chemicals, sharp or heavy tools, and other environmental conditions while following required safety procedures.
PAY RANGE:
SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this Salt Lake City, UT-based position is $81,120.00 to $105,996.80 per year. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance-based bonuses.
As a 100% employee-owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.
CLOSING:
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact accommodations@swca.com or call 1 480 581 5378. If you require assistance with the application process, please contact recruiting@swca.com.
USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN HIRING
SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience.
CANDIDATE USE OF AI
Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.
SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.
LI-EF1
Scientist Job Roles in Utah
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Search Scientist Jobs in UtahScientist Jobs in Utah: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for scientists in Utah?
Major sponsors for scientist roles in Utah include Recursion Pharmaceuticals, bioMerieux, ARUP Laboratories, and the University of Utah Health system. Federal agencies with Utah facilities, such as the U.S. Geological Survey and the EPA's research offices, also hire scientists but operate under different hiring frameworks. Life sciences and environmental science employers along the Wasatch Front account for a significant share of H-1B filings for scientific positions.
Which visa types are most common for scientist roles in Utah?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for scientists in Utah, covering roles in biology, chemistry, environmental science, and pharmaceutical research that require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific scientific field. The O-1A is an option for scientists with a record of published research, awards, or significant contributions to their field. Research scientists sponsored by universities may also work under J-1 visa exchange visitor status through institutional programs.
Which cities in Utah have the most scientist sponsorship jobs?
Salt Lake City and its surrounding suburbs, including South Jordan and Sandy, concentrate the majority of scientist visa sponsorship activity in Utah, driven by the biotech and life sciences cluster there. Provo and the broader Utah County area also produce openings through companies tied to Brigham Young University's research ecosystem. Smaller but notable activity exists near government research facilities in the Ogden and Tooele areas.
How to find scientist visa sponsorship jobs in Utah?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you can browse scientist roles in Utah without sorting through positions that won't support international candidates. The platform surfaces openings from life sciences companies, research universities, and environmental agencies active along the Wasatch Front. Filtering by role type and location on Migrate Mate gives scientists a focused view of employers actively hiring and sponsoring in Utah.
Are there state-specific considerations for scientists seeking sponsorship in Utah?
Utah's Department of Environmental Quality and the state's expanding biotech corridor create consistent demand for environmental and biological scientists, which tends to support steady H-1B filings in those disciplines. The University of Utah's research programs also serve as a pipeline for postdoctoral scientists transitioning to industry roles that come with sponsorship. Prevailing wage requirements for H-1B positions are set at the federal level based on the specific occupation and the Salt Lake City metropolitan area wage data, not a Utah-specific standard.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored scientist jobs in Utah?
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.