Wildlife Biologist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Wildlife biologists can secure H-1B visa, O-1 visa, or EB-2 NIW visa sponsorship through federal agencies, research institutions, and environmental consulting firms. The specialty occupation requirement is typically met with degrees in wildlife biology, ecology, or related life sciences. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Wildlife Biologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 7+ Wildlife Biologist jobs










See all Wildlife Biologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Wildlife Biologist roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
State of New Hampshire Job Posting
NH Fish and Game Department
Wildlife Division
11 Hazen Drive Concord NH 03301
HABITAT MANAGEMENT BIOLOGIST I
Position #43037
$25.40/hour - $34.14/hour
- See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
The State of New Hampshire, NH Fish and Game Department has a full-time vacancy for Habitat Management Biologist I.
Summary:
To perform field work, research, collect data, organize, and implement habitat improvement projects on state lands as part of the inter-agency cooperative state land management program. Develops management plans, analyzes data, and prepares documents for the purpose of achieving management goals on state lands, Wildlife Management Areas, and to assess environmental impacts. Assists with general stewardship of Wildlife Management Areas.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
Other information:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in biology, wildlife or fisheries management, wildlife or fisheries research, or related field.
License/Certification: Valid Driver’s license
Other Requirements:
-
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must meet the minimum standards as established by the agency
-
Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
-
Must be able to work long hours in hot, cold, or wet conditions.
-
Requires medium to heavy work, including continuous strenuous activities such as frequent reaching, bending or lifting as well as performing work activities which require fine manual dexterity or coordination in operating machines or equipment
Trainee Option: Candidates with an equivalent combination of 4.5+ years of relevant education and experience after completion of high school may be considered and hired in 'trainee status' for this position.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of GPS/GIS technology.
- Knowledge of habitat requirements of wildlife native to NH.
- Knowledge and experience in operating tractors and like machinery and troubleshooting mechanical issues with same.
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS:
-
Must possess and maintain a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain within 12 months of hire.
-
Must possess and maintain certification as a Prescribed Firefighter I as defined by the New Hampshire Prescribed Fire Council or obtain within 12 months of hire.
-
Must possess and maintain a State of New Hampshire Commercial Pesticide Applicator License at the supervisory level or obtain within 12 months of hire.
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
DETAILED TASKS (AGENCY/POSITION-SPECIFIC):
-
Identifies, plans, implements and supervises habitat improvement projects on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA) and other state-owned lands with a focus on early successional habitats. Habitat management activities to include, but not be limited to, prescribed burning, mowing, planting, and herbicide applications.
-
Develops contracts and supervises (accepts/rejects) the work of contractors, seasonal employees and volunteers, as appropriate, to meet long term objectives of the Wildlife Habitat Program ensuring work adheres to state and federal regulatory standards.
-
Assists the WMA Land Manager with infrastructure projects such as property sign and gate installations, and repairs of woods roads and stream crossings. Assists with general WMA stewardship including, but not limited to, evaluating public use of WMAs, making recommendations to address conflicting uses and implementing corrective actions, and assisting the Land Surveyor with boundary line maintenance as needed.
-
Coordinates agriculture leases on WMAs including issuing requests for farming proposals when relevant, and monitoring farming activities to ensure compliance with WMA wildlife habitat objectives and lease agreements.
-
Provides technical expertise and support to landowners, town, state, and federal government officials on wildlife habitat management as it pertains to wildlife, public safety, and recreational use goals.
-
Operates and maintains the Department tractor and other equipment to mow, cut brush, spread seed and fertilizer, and conduct other land management activities to achieve wildlife habitat improvement objectives. Operates and maintains Department equipment, such as vehicles, ATVs, saws and power tools, as needed, to accomplish program objectives.
-
Coordinates invasive plant management projects on WMA’s and other state land through surveying, site reviews, planning, applying mechanical or chemical treatments, developing and supervising contracts, and other activities.
-
Participates in wildlife data collection and activities such as goose banding, biological check stations for deer, pheasant stocking, and similar Wildlife Division duties as assigned.
-
Represents the Department as an official designee and primary contact to committees and other local, state, or regional meetings as assigned. May assist with preparation of testimony regarding relevant proposed legislation as necessary.
-
Manages, maintains, and updates information on habitat and forest resources, stewardship issues, and infrastructure in the state land database and prepares documents and reports in support of habitat, WMA management, and related programs.
For further information please contact Hiring Manager, James Oehler (603) 271-0453 or via email james.d.oehler@wildlife.nh.gov. or Dee Grimes Human Resource Administrator (603) 271-2496 or via email deirdre.l.grimes@wildlife.nh.gov.
TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:
The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.
See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Other Benefits:
- Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
- Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
- Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
- $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:
https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx
EOE
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964
See all Wildlife Biologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Wildlife Biologist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Wildlife Biologist Jobs
Target federal agencies and research institutions
USGS, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and university research centers regularly sponsor wildlife biologists. These employers understand the specialty occupation requirements and have established sponsorship processes.
Highlight specialized fieldwork and research skills
Emphasize experience with specific species, ecosystems, or research methodologies. Skills in GIS mapping, population modeling, or endangered species management strengthen your specialty occupation case significantly.
Consider the EB-2 NIW pathway for researchers
Wildlife biologists conducting research in conservation, climate change, or ecosystem management may qualify for the National Interest Waiver, bypassing the need for employer-sponsored labor certification entirely.
Document field research and publication record
Published research, conference presentations, and field study leadership demonstrate the advanced knowledge required for H-1B specialty occupation classification. Maintain detailed records of all professional contributions and achievements.
Network through professional wildlife organizations
The Wildlife Society, Society for Conservation Biology, and regional wildlife associations connect members with sponsoring employers. Many positions are filled through professional networks rather than public job boards.
Prepare for seasonal work considerations
Many wildlife positions involve seasonal fieldwork. Ensure your employer understands H-1B requires full-time employment year-round. Discuss how off-season duties like data analysis and reporting maintain continuous employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do wildlife biologists qualify for H-1B specialty occupation status?
Yes, wildlife biology positions typically qualify as specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, or related life sciences. The role must involve specialized knowledge in areas like population dynamics, habitat assessment, or species conservation that directly relates to your degree field.
What degree requirements do wildlife biology positions have for visa sponsorship?
Most sponsoring employers require a bachelor's degree in wildlife biology, ecology, zoology, environmental science, or closely related field. A master's degree is often preferred for research positions. If your degree doesn't directly match, you may need to demonstrate how coursework and experience relate to wildlife biology work.
How to find Wildlife Biologist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Wildlife Biologist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on positions with research institutions, environmental consulting firms, government agencies, and conservation organizations that commonly sponsor H-1B visa, O-1, or J-1 visas for scientific roles. These employers often have established sponsorship programs for specialized wildlife research positions.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor wildlife biologists?
Federal agencies like USGS, National Park Service, and Fish and Wildlife Service are primary sponsors, along with state wildlife departments, universities with research programs, environmental consulting firms, and non-profit conservation organizations. Private consulting companies working on environmental impact assessments also sponsor wildlife biologists regularly.
Can seasonal wildlife work qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
H-1B requires full-time, year-round employment, which can be challenging for traditionally seasonal wildlife work. However, positions that combine field seasons with laboratory analysis, report writing, data modeling, and planning during off-seasons can meet the continuous employment requirement if properly structured.
What approval rates do wildlife biologists see for visa applications?
Wildlife biology H-1B petitions generally have favorable approval rates when filed by established research institutions or federal agencies, as these employers easily demonstrate the specialty occupation requirement. However, applications may face scrutiny if the job duties appear too general or don't clearly require specialized biological knowledge.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Wildlife Biologist 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.