Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Scientist roles are among the most commonly sponsored positions in the U.S., with H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and J-1 visa all being realistic pathways. Pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, national labs, and universities regularly sponsor scientists, and academic positions are often H-1B cap-exempt. If you have a Ph.D. and publications, you're also a strong candidate for O-1 visaA extraordinary ability or EB-1A green card petitions down the line. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, and where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and ideas to work every day. Each role across our organization contributes to our ability to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.
We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will work on a wide variety of environmental compliance and natural resource projects as they relate to water, transportation, pipeline, renewable energy, power infrastructure, and building engineering and development projects. You will be expected to work collaboratively with other experienced environmental scientists and project managers, gaining valuable industry knowledge. You will support federal, state (primarily in the northeast including NY and NJ), and local environmental permits, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, biological assessments and other environmental compliance documentation. You will assist senior and other mid-level scientists in the field and perform data processing associated with the collection of natural resource data.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as an Environmental Scientist supporting natural resources field studies and environmental permitting efforts.
- Perform wetland delineations and ecological/biological field surveys, including flora/fauna surveys, threatened and endangered species field surveys, data collection, interpretation, analysis, and technical report preparation, with oversight from senior staff.
- Prepare wetland and watercourse delineation reports, biological assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans, and related environmental documentation.
- Support development of federal permits and compliance documentation, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 Water Quality Certification permits.
- Assist in the development of NJDEP Division of Land Resources Protection permit applications (Waterfront Development, CAFRA, Flood Hazard Area, Coastal and Freshwater Wetlands).
- Experienced with permit development, compliance documentation, and planning in New York State including: Joint Permit Applications, NYSDEC Protection of Waters, Coastal Erosion Management, Freshwater/Tidal Wetlands Permits, Industrial SPDES, SEQRA, and other environmental related permits.
- Define the level of environmental analysis needed including assessing and analyzing project impacts to identify permitting requirements; develop strategies to avoid or minimize project impacts, and prepare environmental constraints mapping.
- Prepare and review technical sections to support development of and NEPA/State environmental planning documentation such as environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), natural resource reports, and other environmental documents.
- Conduct field work, including potential multi-day field assignments.
- Manage multiple tasks concurrently and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or closely related field
- 5 years technical and/or field experience preparing environmental documents
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel)
- Strong environmental writing and communication skills
- Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant experience performing wetlands, aquatics, terrestrial or other field surveys to support permitting and environmental compliance related tasks.
- Experience coordinating with federal, state and local regulatory agencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Experience using mobile data collection tools and GPS equipment, and familiarity with ArcGIS software.
- Ability to travel for field assignments.
- 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training.
- Other potentially applicable certifications including: Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist, ESA Certified Ecologist, Certified Ecological Landscape Restoration Practitioner (CERP).
- In-depth knowledge of the northeast and/or Mid-Atlantic ecological setting preferred.
- Experience with rare plant species survey protocols and agency coordination is a plus.
- A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience supporting environmental field studies and permitting.
- Extensive knowledge of wetland delineation methods and regulatory coordination.
- Extensive knowledge of regional flora and fauna required, including of listed threatened or endangered species.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills. (A writing sample of candidate’s professional paper, thesis, or project is welcome);
- Preference is given to local candidates.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
COMPENSATION
- Location: {Nanuet, NY}: $88,186 - 125,880
- Location: {Purchase, NY}: $91,788 - $131,125
- Location: {Woodcliff Lake, NJ}: $91,788 - $131,125
PRIMARY LOCATION
Location: United States-New York-Purchase
OTHER LOCATIONS
Location: United States-New York-Nanuet
Location: United States-New Jersey-Woodcliff Lake
INDUSTRY
Water
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
JOB POSTING
Oct 26, 2026
INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, and where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and ideas to work every day. Each role across our organization contributes to our ability to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.
We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will work on a wide variety of environmental compliance and natural resource projects as they relate to water, transportation, pipeline, renewable energy, power infrastructure, and building engineering and development projects. You will be expected to work collaboratively with other experienced environmental scientists and project managers, gaining valuable industry knowledge. You will support federal, state (primarily in the northeast including NY and NJ), and local environmental permits, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, biological assessments and other environmental compliance documentation. You will assist senior and other mid-level scientists in the field and perform data processing associated with the collection of natural resource data.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as an Environmental Scientist supporting natural resources field studies and environmental permitting efforts.
- Perform wetland delineations and ecological/biological field surveys, including flora/fauna surveys, threatened and endangered species field surveys, data collection, interpretation, analysis, and technical report preparation, with oversight from senior staff.
- Prepare wetland and watercourse delineation reports, biological assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans, and related environmental documentation.
- Support development of federal permits and compliance documentation, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 Water Quality Certification permits.
- Assist in the development of NJDEP Division of Land Resources Protection permit applications (Waterfront Development, CAFRA, Flood Hazard Area, Coastal and Freshwater Wetlands).
- Experienced with permit development, compliance documentation, and planning in New York State including: Joint Permit Applications, NYSDEC Protection of Waters, Coastal Erosion Management, Freshwater/Tidal Wetlands Permits, Industrial SPDES, SEQRA, and other environmental related permits.
- Define the level of environmental analysis needed including assessing and analyzing project impacts to identify permitting requirements; develop strategies to avoid or minimize project impacts, and prepare environmental constraints mapping.
- Prepare and review technical sections to support development of and NEPA/State environmental planning documentation such as environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), natural resource reports, and other environmental documents.
- Conduct field work, including potential multi-day field assignments.
- Manage multiple tasks concurrently and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or closely related field
- 5 years technical and/or field experience preparing environmental documents
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel)
- Strong environmental writing and communication skills
- Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant experience performing wetlands, aquatics, terrestrial or other field surveys to support permitting and environmental compliance related tasks.
- Experience coordinating with federal, state and local regulatory agencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Experience using mobile data collection tools and GPS equipment, and familiarity with ArcGIS software.
- Ability to travel for field assignments.
- 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training.
- Other potentially applicable certifications including: Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist, ESA Certified Ecologist, Certified Ecological Landscape Restoration Practitioner (CERP).
- In-depth knowledge of the northeast and/or Mid-Atlantic ecological setting preferred.
- Experience with rare plant species survey protocols and agency coordination is a plus.
- A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience supporting environmental field studies and permitting.
- Extensive knowledge of wetland delineation methods and regulatory coordination.
- Extensive knowledge of regional flora and fauna required, including of listed threatened or endangered species.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills. (A writing sample of candidate’s professional paper, thesis, or project is welcome);
- Preference is given to local candidates.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
COMPENSATION
- Location: {Nanuet, NY}: $88,186 - 125,880
- Location: {Purchase, NY}: $91,788 - $131,125
- Location: {Woodcliff Lake, NJ}: $91,788 - $131,125
PRIMARY LOCATION
Location: United States-New York-Purchase
OTHER LOCATIONS
Location: United States-New York-Nanuet
Location: United States-New Jersey-Woodcliff Lake
INDUSTRY
Water
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
JOB POSTING
Oct 26, 2026
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Scientist
Prioritize universities and nonprofit research institutions
H-1B petitions filed by universities, teaching hospitals, and nonprofit research organizations are exempt from the annual cap. This means no lottery and year-round filing, which is especially valuable in a field where research timelines do not align with the March registration window.
Build a publication record to unlock premium visa pathways
A strong citation history can qualify you for an O-1A visa or EB-1A green card, both of which bypass the H-1B lottery entirely. Even a few well-cited papers in peer-reviewed journals can significantly strengthen your case for extraordinary ability.
Use postdoctoral positions as a visa bridge
Postdoc roles at U.S. universities typically come with J-1 visa or cap-exempt H-1B sponsorship. These positions let you build the credentials needed for O-1A or EB-2 NIW petitions while maintaining legal work status.
Target interdisciplinary roles in high-demand areas
Positions combining data analysis with scientific research - such as computational biology or materials informatics - tend to have strong sponsorship demand. Employers filling these hybrid roles often have fewer qualified domestic candidates, which can strengthen the labor market case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What visa options are available for scientists in the U.S.?
Scientists commonly qualify for H-1B visas as specialty occupation workers, and positions at universities and nonprofit research institutions are cap-exempt. Those with significant publications and citations may qualify for O-1A visas for extraordinary ability in the sciences. For permanent residency, EB-1A (extraordinary ability) and EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) are strong pathways for scientists with a demonstrated research track record.
Do national laboratories sponsor visas for scientists?
Many U.S. national laboratories - including Los Alamos, Sandia, Oak Ridge, and Lawrence Berkeley - regularly sponsor H-1B visas for research scientists. These positions are often cap-exempt because the labs are affiliated with or operated by universities and nonprofit organizations. This means no lottery is required, and petitions can be filed year-round.
How to find Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, and government agencies that commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, and EB-2 visas for scientists. These organizations frequently need specialized scientific expertise and are experienced with the visa sponsorship process.
Can I self-petition for a green card as a scientist?
Scientists with advanced degrees and a record of impactful research may qualify for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver, which does not require employer sponsorship. You petition on your own behalf by demonstrating your work benefits the U.S. national interest. A strong publication record, citations, and evidence of real-world impact strengthen the case.
What makes a scientist's H-1B petition strong?
A strong petition clearly connects the job duties to a specific scientific discipline requiring at least a bachelor's degree. Detailed descriptions of research methodologies, specialized techniques, and how the role advances the employer's mission all help. Roles tied to recognized science SOC codes like 19-1042 (Medical Scientists) or 19-2031 (Chemists) reinforce the specialty occupation argument.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Scientist jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a scientist in California will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.