Project Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Project Scientist roles sit squarely in H-1B visa specialty occupation territory, requiring a directly related degree and employer-filed Labor Condition Application. Many positions at national labs, R&D firms, and universities also qualify as cap-exempt, bypassing the annual lottery entirely and opening faster sponsorship timelines for qualified candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Weston & Sampson is seeking an experienced Project Engineer, Environmental Scientist, or Geologist to join our growing Wastewater team. This hybrid position offers a mix of office, field, and remote work, with opportunities based out of our Reading, MA or Waterbury, VT office.
This is an exciting opportunity for a well-rounded professional who enjoys tackling a variety of projects and collaborating across technical disciplines. You'll contribute to a diverse portfolio of stormwater, wastewater, and potable water projects, supporting everything from system assessments and engineering design to permitting and project implementation.
Our Wastewater team is made up of dedicated environmental scientists and engineers who are passionate about making a difference. We take pride in enhancing, protecting, and sustaining the natural and built environment through practical, innovative solutions that improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to grow your career while working alongside a collaborative team on meaningful environmental and infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you’ll do:
- Support Engineering Design: Prepare CAD-based plans and technical drawings for stormwater, wastewater, and potable water projects, supporting the development of engineering designs and project deliverables.
- Utilize GIS & Data Analysis: Use GIS tools to develop project maps, perform spatial analysis, and organize field data to support engineering assessments and design.
- Support Stormwater Programs & Compliance: Assist municipalities with stormwater management programs and MS4 permit compliance, including developing and implementing required plans, procedures, annual reports, and regulatory deliverables.
- Assist with Permitting & Environmental Compliance: Prepare environmental and land use permit applications and support regulatory approvals for stormwater, wastewater, and water infrastructure projects.
- Support Stormwater & Green Infrastructure Projects: Assist with the planning, assessment, design, permitting, inspection, and maintenance of stormwater control measures and green infrastructure solutions.
- Support Construction Administration: Assist with construction project administration, including reviewing contractor submittals and payment requests, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), and verifying compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, including Build America, Buy America (BABA) and Davis-Bacon Act provisions.
- Coordinate Project Delivery: Manage multiple project tasks while supporting Project Managers and Team Leaders with technical execution, client coordination, project budgets, and schedules.
- Mentor & Develop Staff: Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior team members while contributing to a collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Grow Your Professional Network: Participate in professional organizations, industry associations, and technical committees to build industry knowledge and strengthen professional relationships.
- Support Business Development: Assist Project Managers and Team Leaders in identifying and pursuing new opportunities through client relationships, proposal development, competitive pursuits, and client interviews and presentations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you’ll bring:
- Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, geology, engineering, or related field.
- 5 to 8 years of experience in the environmental field with a focus on water resource engineering (stormwater, wastewater and potable water).
- Experience with stormwater, wastewater, and/or potable water projects, including technical design, CAD drafting, field services, and familiarity with VTDEC and/or MassDEP regulations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet regulatory, project, and client deadlines.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience delegating tasks, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, and project stakeholders.
- A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a commitment to quality, continuous learning, and professional growth.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Experience with client management and business development is a plus.
ABOUT THE JOB
At Weston & Sampson, you’ll work alongside more than 1,000 employee-owners who are passionate about improving our communities. From providing clean water to designing resilient infrastructure and sustainable environments, our work has a direct impact on quality of life. We’re looking for curious, driven professionals who want to contribute to innovative, impactful projects and grow with a team that supports them.
We are a 100% employee-owned, interdisciplinary firm offering design, engineering, and environmental services. Since our founding in 1899, we have worked to build a collaborative, forward-thinking environment grounded in respect for each other’s ideas.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Meaningful work: Contribute to projects that protect and enhance the natural and built environments
- Ownership mindset: As an employee-owner, your work directly contributes to our shared success
- Growth opportunities: Build your career through mentorship, diverse projects, and clear advancement pathways
- Flexible workplace: Work in a way that supports your life and not the other way around
- Strong culture: Join a team that values collaboration, inclusion, and recognition
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & ACCESS (IDEA)
We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. Weston & Sampson is committed to fostering a culture of belonging where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We actively support IDEA principles across our organization and in our daily work.
Ready to transform your environment? Let’s work together.
Explore opportunities and apply: https://www.westonandsampson.com/careers
A note to third-party recruiters
Weston & Sampson manages all recruiting directly. We do not accept unsolicited resumes without a signed agreement in place. Any unsolicited submissions will be considered property of Weston & Sampson, and we are not responsible for associated fees.
INTRODUCTION
Weston & Sampson is seeking an experienced Project Engineer, Environmental Scientist, or Geologist to join our growing Wastewater team. This hybrid position offers a mix of office, field, and remote work, with opportunities based out of our Reading, MA or Waterbury, VT office.
This is an exciting opportunity for a well-rounded professional who enjoys tackling a variety of projects and collaborating across technical disciplines. You'll contribute to a diverse portfolio of stormwater, wastewater, and potable water projects, supporting everything from system assessments and engineering design to permitting and project implementation.
Our Wastewater team is made up of dedicated environmental scientists and engineers who are passionate about making a difference. We take pride in enhancing, protecting, and sustaining the natural and built environment through practical, innovative solutions that improve the quality of life in the communities we serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to grow your career while working alongside a collaborative team on meaningful environmental and infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you’ll do:
- Support Engineering Design: Prepare CAD-based plans and technical drawings for stormwater, wastewater, and potable water projects, supporting the development of engineering designs and project deliverables.
- Utilize GIS & Data Analysis: Use GIS tools to develop project maps, perform spatial analysis, and organize field data to support engineering assessments and design.
- Support Stormwater Programs & Compliance: Assist municipalities with stormwater management programs and MS4 permit compliance, including developing and implementing required plans, procedures, annual reports, and regulatory deliverables.
- Assist with Permitting & Environmental Compliance: Prepare environmental and land use permit applications and support regulatory approvals for stormwater, wastewater, and water infrastructure projects.
- Support Stormwater & Green Infrastructure Projects: Assist with the planning, assessment, design, permitting, inspection, and maintenance of stormwater control measures and green infrastructure solutions.
- Support Construction Administration: Assist with construction project administration, including reviewing contractor submittals and payment requests, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), and verifying compliance with applicable state and federal requirements, including Build America, Buy America (BABA) and Davis-Bacon Act provisions.
- Coordinate Project Delivery: Manage multiple project tasks while supporting Project Managers and Team Leaders with technical execution, client coordination, project budgets, and schedules.
- Mentor & Develop Staff: Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to junior team members while contributing to a collaborative and supportive team environment.
- Grow Your Professional Network: Participate in professional organizations, industry associations, and technical committees to build industry knowledge and strengthen professional relationships.
- Support Business Development: Assist Project Managers and Team Leaders in identifying and pursuing new opportunities through client relationships, proposal development, competitive pursuits, and client interviews and presentations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you’ll bring:
- Bachelor of Science degree in environmental science, geology, engineering, or related field.
- 5 to 8 years of experience in the environmental field with a focus on water resource engineering (stormwater, wastewater and potable water).
- Experience with stormwater, wastewater, and/or potable water projects, including technical design, CAD drafting, field services, and familiarity with VTDEC and/or MassDEP regulations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize competing demands, and meet regulatory, project, and client deadlines.
- Strong leadership and organizational skills, with experience delegating tasks, mentoring junior staff, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, and project stakeholders.
- A proactive, team-oriented mindset with a commitment to quality, continuous learning, and professional growth.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Experience with client management and business development is a plus.
ABOUT THE JOB
At Weston & Sampson, you’ll work alongside more than 1,000 employee-owners who are passionate about improving our communities. From providing clean water to designing resilient infrastructure and sustainable environments, our work has a direct impact on quality of life. We’re looking for curious, driven professionals who want to contribute to innovative, impactful projects and grow with a team that supports them.
We are a 100% employee-owned, interdisciplinary firm offering design, engineering, and environmental services. Since our founding in 1899, we have worked to build a collaborative, forward-thinking environment grounded in respect for each other’s ideas.
WHAT WE OFFER
- Meaningful work: Contribute to projects that protect and enhance the natural and built environments
- Ownership mindset: As an employee-owner, your work directly contributes to our shared success
- Growth opportunities: Build your career through mentorship, diverse projects, and clear advancement pathways
- Flexible workplace: Work in a way that supports your life and not the other way around
- Strong culture: Join a team that values collaboration, inclusion, and recognition
OUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & ACCESS (IDEA)
We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger. Weston & Sampson is committed to fostering a culture of belonging where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. We actively support IDEA principles across our organization and in our daily work.
Ready to transform your environment? Let’s work together.
Explore opportunities and apply: https://www.westonandsampson.com/careers
A note to third-party recruiters
Weston & Sampson manages all recruiting directly. We do not accept unsolicited resumes without a signed agreement in place. Any unsolicited submissions will be considered property of Weston & Sampson, and we are not responsible for associated fees.
See all 47+ Project Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Project Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Project Scientist
Verify your degree field matches precisely
Project Scientist petitions get RFEs when the degree field is adjacent but not directly related to the research area. Pull the O*NET profile for your specific discipline and confirm your transcript reflects the same field the job description names.
Target cap-exempt institutions first
Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and government-affiliated labs are H-1B cap-exempt, meaning your petition bypasses the annual lottery. Apply to these employers before private-sector R&D firms so you're not dependent on a single selection cycle.
Request the prevailing wage tier before accepting
Project Scientist roles span Level I through Level III prevailing wages depending on autonomy and supervision. Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify your tier before negotiating, so the LCA the employer files reflects a wage you've already benchmarked.
Find sponsors with active LCA filing history on Migrate Mate
Search Migrate Mate for employers with verified LCA filings in research and life sciences. This surfaces which institutions have already navigated the DOL certification process for roles like yours, cutting prospecting time significantly.
Document your publication and project record as a specialty occupation exhibit
USCIS adjudicators evaluate whether the role genuinely requires a specific degree. A compiled record of peer-reviewed publications, funded grants, and project scope strengthens the employer's specialty occupation argument and reduces RFE risk on your petition.
Confirm PERM labor certification requirements before accepting a green card offer
If your employer plans to sponsor you for an EB-2 or EB-3 green card, the PERM process requires advertising the position and proving no qualified U.S. workers applied. Confirm the employer's timeline and internal HR capacity to run PERM before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Scientist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS defines specialty occupation as requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. Project Scientist positions typically require a degree in the specific scientific discipline of the research, whether that's chemistry, biology, environmental science, or another domain. The employer must document that the degree field is specifically required, not just preferred, in the LCA and I-129 petition.
What visa types are most common for Project Scientist sponsorship?
H-1B is the most common nonimmigrant path for Project Scientists in private industry. Positions at universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government labs often qualify as H-1B cap-exempt, bypassing the annual lottery. J-1 visa research scholar status is also used for postdoctoral and collaborative research appointments at designated institutions, though it comes with a potential two-year home residency requirement under section 212(e).
How do I find employers actively sponsoring Project Scientist roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history in research and scientific fields, searchable by role and location. This lets you identify which institutions have already filed for Project Scientist positions rather than approaching employers cold and asking whether they sponsor.
Does a foreign doctoral degree satisfy the specialty occupation requirement?
Generally yes, provided the degree is in a field directly related to the role and is evaluated as equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's or higher degree. USCIS accepts credential evaluations from recognized organizations to confirm equivalency. A three-year foreign bachelor's degree may require additional evaluation, but doctoral degrees from accredited international universities are routinely accepted for Project Scientist petitions.
Can a Project Scientist on H-1B pursue a green card while employed?
Yes. H-1B status allows dual intent, meaning you can pursue an EB-2 or EB-3 green card without jeopardizing your nonimmigrant visa status. Most employer-sponsored green card paths for Project Scientists require PERM labor certification through DOL first. Candidates with a U.S. doctoral degree may qualify for the EB-2 National Interest Waiver, which allows self-petition without employer sponsorship or PERM.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Project Scientist jobs?
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.