Wildlife Biologist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Wildlife biologists can secure H-1B, O-1, 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.
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Get Access To All JobsAdvertisement Closes 3/31/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
req77036
Wildlife Biologist IV
Pay Grade 16
Salary $52,283.52 - $78,425.28 Annually
Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | INELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Hiring Agency Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources
Location 9956 Highway 268 Corydon, KY 42406 USA
Description
Would you like to work with people who are dedicated to conserving the Commonwealth's Fish and Wildlife Resources? Do you want to be part of an agency that provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors by fishing, hunting, boating, recreational shooting, wildlife watching or related activities in Kentucky? Join us in the exciting, innovative, and rewarding environment of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR)! The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources strives to maintain healthy populations of fish and wildlife across the state. The employees of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife are passionate about the resource they manage. The Wildlife Division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is currently seeking a Wildlife Biologist IV for the Green River Region. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing the planning, management and operation of the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area as well as supervising operations of the Higginson Henry WMA and Lee K. Nelson WMA.
Responsibilities and job duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Working with program and regional staff, agency administration and agency partners to develop and implement long term waterfowl management plans for the areas and the region.
- Scheduling the work of staff to develop and maintain wildlife habitat in the areas.
- Ensuring wintering habitat for waterfowl while overseeing the development and operations of wetland habitat with associated wetland and upland systems, farming operations and associated maintenance.
- Responsible for area farm contracts, maintaining and coordinating the use and maintenance of numerous pieces of farm machinery, heavy equipment and trucks, maintenance of area buildings, completing and maintaining area budgets.
- Administrative reports for administration and program staff, wildlife surveys, public inquiries, public meetings and administration of public area hunts.
- Serves as the regional waterfowl and wetland management specialist and assists with other Wildlife Management Areas in the Green River Region as necessary.
Preferred skills may include, but are not limited to the following:
- A knowledge of the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill.
- Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems and farming.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:
- A 37.50-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)
- Paid Time Off (Sick and Vacation) plus Paid Holidays
- Overtime and Compensatory Time
- Affordable Health Insurance with Optional Health Reimbursement Account
- Life Insurance
- Retirement
- Wellness Incentives Program
- Training and Career Development Opportunities
- Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
- Employee Discounts on electronics, health and wellness, retail, travel, events, entertainment, services and education
Minimum Requirements
Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological science, wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental sciences, or related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have five years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife biology and/or a related field.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: A master's degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology or a related field will substitute for one year of the required experience. A PhD degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology or a related field will substitute for two years of the required experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Spends majority of time outdoors. Must be able to traverse rough and mountainous terrain with equipment.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Thomas Young at Thomas.Young@ky.gov or 270-875-3586.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Advertisement Closes 3/31/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
req77036
Wildlife Biologist IV
Pay Grade 16
Salary $52,283.52 - $78,425.28 Annually
Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | INELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Hiring Agency Tourism, Arts, & Heritage Cabinet | Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Resources
Location 9956 Highway 268 Corydon, KY 42406 USA
Description
Would you like to work with people who are dedicated to conserving the Commonwealth's Fish and Wildlife Resources? Do you want to be part of an agency that provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors by fishing, hunting, boating, recreational shooting, wildlife watching or related activities in Kentucky? Join us in the exciting, innovative, and rewarding environment of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR)! The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources strives to maintain healthy populations of fish and wildlife across the state. The employees of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife are passionate about the resource they manage. The Wildlife Division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife is currently seeking a Wildlife Biologist IV for the Green River Region. The candidate will be responsible for overseeing the planning, management and operation of the Sloughs Wildlife Management Area as well as supervising operations of the Higginson Henry WMA and Lee K. Nelson WMA.
Responsibilities and job duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Working with program and regional staff, agency administration and agency partners to develop and implement long term waterfowl management plans for the areas and the region.
- Scheduling the work of staff to develop and maintain wildlife habitat in the areas.
- Ensuring wintering habitat for waterfowl while overseeing the development and operations of wetland habitat with associated wetland and upland systems, farming operations and associated maintenance.
- Responsible for area farm contracts, maintaining and coordinating the use and maintenance of numerous pieces of farm machinery, heavy equipment and trucks, maintenance of area buildings, completing and maintaining area budgets.
- Administrative reports for administration and program staff, wildlife surveys, public inquiries, public meetings and administration of public area hunts.
- Serves as the regional waterfowl and wetland management specialist and assists with other Wildlife Management Areas in the Green River Region as necessary.
Preferred skills may include, but are not limited to the following:
- A knowledge of the conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill.
- Knowledge of or practical experience with agricultural systems and farming.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies.
- Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele.
We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:
- A 37.50-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)
- Paid Time Off (Sick and Vacation) plus Paid Holidays
- Overtime and Compensatory Time
- Affordable Health Insurance with Optional Health Reimbursement Account
- Life Insurance
- Retirement
- Wellness Incentives Program
- Training and Career Development Opportunities
- Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)
- Employee Discounts on electronics, health and wellness, retail, travel, events, entertainment, services and education
Minimum Requirements
Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a biological science, wildlife biology, fish and wildlife management, conservation biology, natural resources, environmental sciences, or related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: Must have five years of professional experience in wildlife management, wildlife biology and/or a related field.
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: A master's degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology or a related field will substitute for one year of the required experience. A PhD degree in wildlife management, wildlife biology or a related field will substitute for two years of the required experience.
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Spends majority of time outdoors. Must be able to traverse rough and mountainous terrain with equipment.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Thomas Young at Thomas.Young@ky.gov or 270-875-3586.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Wildlife Biologist
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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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.
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