CPT Environmental Specialist Jobs
Environmental Specialist CPT roles let F-1 students apply coursework in air quality, remediation, or compliance to real fieldwork, and count it toward degree requirements. Your DSO must authorize each CPT position before your start date, so confirm your I-20 reflects the correct employer and role before accepting an offer.
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Position Summary
The Landfill Environmental Technician is responsible for performing environmental monitoring of water, leachate, and gas systems. The incumbent will apply environmental and engineering principles to modify, test, regulate, and operate equipment and systems used in the operation and regulation of gas systems, leachate collection and ground water testing to ensure daily operations and testing meet federal and state guidelines.
Key Responsibilities
- Performs maintenance and repairs of landfill equipment and control systems to ensure safe and efficient operations.
- Completes daily reports on equipment readings, data collection interpretation, and field observations to ensure all necessary information is documented and meets federal and state rules and regulations.
- Performs routine sampling and analysis of environmental conditions at the landfill and takes necessary corrective action when samples don’t comply with expected operating conditions.
- Develops a thorough understanding of applicable state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (NY, VT, NH, ME, MA, PA) and United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) rules and regulations related to landfill operations.
- Performs repairs and preventative maintenance on gas and leachate collection equipment to constantly improve equipment and avoid any necessary unplanned maintenance activity.
- Participates in regular health and safety meetings to ensure that necessary regulations are being followed by on-site staff.
- Participates in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of the company, products, sales, and services and performs any other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and/or abide by our core values.
Career Path Definitions & Distinctions:
Level I: Has 0-2 years of experience working in landfill operations and system maintenance. Demonstrates a basic level of knowledge and understanding of landfill systems and comprehension of the diagnosis and repair of system irregularities. Demonstrates an understanding of the system controls including SCADA systems, Transducers, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFD).
Level II: Has 2-4 years of experience working in landfill operations and system maintenance. Demonstrates a solid understanding of the diagnosis and repair of system malfunctions. Demonstrates an ability to take charge of systems and manage the operation of them. Collaborates with the landfill team in the design and construction of new systems and implements and manages a preventative maintenance plan.
Level III: Has 4-6 years of experience working in landfill operations and system maintenance. Demonstrates an advanced understanding of the diagnosis and repair of system malfunctions. Has the ability to manage the operations of systems, diagnose malfunctions and make some repairs, referring more advanced issues to a senior technician. Demonstrates a working knowledge of the engineering concepts involved in designing and installing the gas systems, headers, and laterals at the landfill. Is working to obtain a degree in Environmental Science, Geological Sciences, or other related degree or certificate.
Senior: Has 6+ years of experience working in landfill operations and system maintenance. Demonstrates an expert level understanding of the operations of the collections systems and the diagnosis and repair of malfunctions. Understands higher level engineering concepts involved in designing and installing the gas systems, headers, and laterals at the landfill. Assists in training and mentoring level I and II technicians and communicates effectively with management regarding system operations. Degree in Environmental Science, Geological Sciences or other related degree or certificate and/or equivalent in years of progressive experience desired.
Education, Experience & Qualifications
The successful candidate will have a High School or Technical School Education and a minimum of 1 year of experience working on energy recovery systems or other similar equipment. A demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in a collaborative environment is required. A valid driver’s license and the physical ability to lift up to 75lbs on occasion and stand for up to 8 hours a day is required. An ability to work under varying weather conditions is expected. Although not required, an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geological Sciences or other related degree or certificate is preferred. Commitment to workplace safety, sustainability and environmental compliance and a strong mechanical aptitude (SCADA, VFD, Transducer Systems) are required. Excellent verbal, written and communication skills along with a high attention to detail are necessary.
Attributes
Determined and team-oriented individual who possess precision and attention to detail with an ability to see the larger picture, outstanding problem solving skills, and is open to personal and professional training and development.
Benefits
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability Insurance, Maternity & Parental Leave, Flexible Spending Accounts, Discounted Stock Program, 401K, Boot & Clothing Allowance, Safety Awards, Employee Assistance Plan, Wellness Incentive, Tuition Assistance, Career Pathways, Tool Allowance, and More.
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Get Access To All JobsEnvironmental Specialist CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Environmental Specialist work qualify for CPT authorization?
Yes, if the role directly relates to your enrolled program, environmental science, civil engineering, sustainability, or a related field. Your DSO evaluates each position against your curriculum. Roles involving site assessments, regulatory compliance, remediation fieldwork, or environmental impact reporting typically satisfy the integral curriculum requirement. Bring the job description and offer letter to your DSO meeting.
Can I do part-time CPT for an Environmental Specialist internship while taking classes?
Yes. Part-time CPT, defined as 20 hours or fewer per week, doesn't affect your OPT eligibility regardless of how many semesters you use it. Full-time CPT totaling 12 months or more eliminates OPT eligibility entirely, so if you're planning to bridge to OPT after graduation, keep cumulative full-time CPT under that threshold.
What documentation does my employer need to hire me on CPT?
Your employer needs your updated I-20 listing the CPT authorization, your valid F-1 visa stamp for re-entry purposes, and your I-94 showing current status. They'll run your information through E-Verify during Form I-9 completion. Some environmental firms with federal contracts have stricter onboarding security clearance steps, so confirm those requirements before accepting.
How do I find Environmental Specialist employers experienced with CPT hiring?
Search Migrate Mate to browse Environmental Specialist roles at employers with verified work authorization history. Firms that have filed Labor Condition Applications for environmental roles are already familiar with the compliance steps involved in sponsoring international students, which makes the CPT onboarding process faster and less likely to stall.
Does my Environmental Specialist CPT role need to be in-person or can it be remote?
CPT can be remote, but your I-20 must reflect the employer's actual worksite address, not your home address or your university's address. If the role is fully remote, confirm with your DSO how your school records the work location. Some schools require a physical employer address on file. Fieldwork-heavy environmental roles are typically on-site, which simplifies this documentation.