CPT Environmental Technician Jobs
Environmental Technician CPT positions let F-1 students apply fieldwork, lab analysis, and environmental monitoring skills directly to their degree requirements. Your DSO must authorize CPT before you start work, and the role must connect to your enrolled program, environmental science, chemistry, civil engineering, or a related field.
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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 Technician CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Environmental Technician work qualify for CPT authorization?
Yes, if the role directly relates to your enrolled program. Environmental science, geology, chemistry, civil engineering, and related degrees typically support authorization for Environmental Technician duties like sample collection, field monitoring, and lab analysis. Your DSO evaluates the connection to your specific coursework, not just your degree title, so the offer letter must describe actual job tasks.
Can I do part-time CPT as an Environmental Technician while taking classes?
Part-time CPT, defined as 20 hours per week or fewer by USCIS, is available while you're enrolled full-time and doesn't affect your OPT eligibility. Many Environmental Technician employers in environmental consulting and state agencies offer part-time field or lab roles that fit an academic schedule, especially during semester fieldwork components.
How do I find Environmental Technician employers who understand CPT?
Search Migrate Mate for Environmental Technician roles filtered by employers with work authorization experience. Environmental consulting firms, municipal water utilities, and federal contractors, including those working under EPA or Army Corps of Engineers contracts, tend to have more familiarity with CPT than small private labs or construction firms.
Does full-time CPT during a summer field placement affect my OPT eligibility?
One year or more of full-time CPT eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely, per USCIS rules. Seasonal full-time Environmental Technician placements, like summer field campaigns, count toward that total. Track your cumulative full-time CPT days carefully and discuss the tradeoff with your DSO before committing to a full-time summer role.
What should my offer letter include to get CPT approved for an Environmental Technician role?
Your DSO needs the employer's legal name and address, your specific start and end dates, your work schedule, and a description of actual duties. For Environmental Technician roles, list specific tasks: soil or water sampling protocols, equipment operation, regulatory data entry, or hazardous material handling. Vague descriptions like 'assists with environmental projects' frequently trigger DSO revision requests and delay your I-20 update.