H-1B Visa Environmental Scientist Jobs
Environmental Scientist roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations under the DOL's SOC 19-2041 classification, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, or a related field. Federal agencies, consulting firms, and engineering companies are among the most active H-1B sponsors for this occupation.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tetra Tech is seeking a self-motivated, experienced Senior Environmental Scientist / Compliance Specialist to lead and expand our landfill and air quality compliance services within the solid waste industry. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong technical background in air regulations, landfill gas systems, emissions compliance, environmental permitting, and regulatory interpretation, who are comfortable working with limited oversight while supporting complex, multi-site compliance programs.
In this role, you will independently manage and support regulatory compliance programs by analyzing complex field and operational datasets, interpreting and applying air quality regulations and permit requirements, preparing and reviewing compliance reports, and leading air permitting and emissions calculation efforts. The primary focus areas include Landfill Gas (LFG) monitoring, Surface Emissions Monitoring (SEM), Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) Systems, air quality permitting, and compliance with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) applicable to solid waste facilities.
This position is primarily remote, with limited, as-needed travel or occasional site visits. Candidates must be comfortable working independently, exercising professional judgment, and collaborating with project managers, field staff, engineers, clients, and regulatory specialists across geographically dispersed teams.
This position is eligible for our full benefits package including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), My Flex Time (MFT – paid time off), 401K, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The pay range for this position is $85K–$120K annually, based on qualifications, location, and experience. Only those that attach a cover letter and are located in either the Pacific or Mountain time zone will be considered. The deadline to apply is 05/6/2026.
- Independently review, analyze, interpret, and validate landfill air quality and landfill gas monitoring data, including wellfield data, SEM results, and air emissions datasets for multiple facilities.
- Evaluate monitoring and operational data against regulatory standards, permit conditions, and NSPS/NESHAP requirements, identifying compliance risks, deviations, and corrective action needs.
- Prepare, review, and finalize environmental compliance reports, including air compliance summaries, annual and quarterly monitoring reports, deviation analyses, and regulatory submittals.
- Lead the development and preparation of air quality permit applications, amendments, and renewals, including emissions calculations, regulatory applicability analyses, and compliance demonstrations.
- Manage and oversee large, multi-site datasets related to air emissions, landfill gas, SEM results, compliance schedules, and agency reporting deadlines.
- Develop, maintain, and refine standardized templates, tools, and compliance trackers to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely reporting across multiple facilities and clients.
- Coordinate closely with on-site operations staff, technicians, contractors, and engineers to ensure monitoring programs, testing protocols, and system performance meet regulatory and permit requirements.
- Serve as a technical resource to Project Managers and junior staff, supporting deliverables, schedules, quality control reviews, and client coordination.
- Support client and agency interactions, including preparation for inspections, agency inquiries, and audit responses.
- Contribute to and support multidisciplinary engineering, permitting, and environmental projects, providing subject-matter expertise in landfill and air quality compliance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in environmental science, air quality, regulatory compliance, or a related technical field.
- Strong working knowledge of air quality regulations, including NSPS, NESHAP, and permit compliance applicable to landfills and solid waste facilities.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing air permits, compliance reports, emissions calculations, and regulatory submittals.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including advanced technical and regulatory writing.
- Proficiency in MS Office, specifically advanced use of Word and Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting.
- Proven ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage multiple projects concurrently, and exercise sound professional judgment with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, field staff, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability and willingness to perform limited travel as required.
- Demonstrated interest and capability in mentoring staff and developing leadership skills within the environmental compliance field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.
- 7+ years of experience supporting air quality and regulatory compliance for landfill or solid waste facilities is preferred.
- In depth experience with: LFG systems, SEM, LFGTE systems is preferred.
- Multi-site compliance program management is preferred.
- Experience working directly with regulatory agencies, responding to agency comments, inspections, or enforcement actions is preferred.
- Familiarity with California and/or multi-state air district permitting is a strong plus is preferred.
- Experience supporting proposal development, scope development, or client growth initiatives is preferred.
LIFE AT TETRA TECH
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
ABOUT TETRA TECH
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.
INTRODUCTION
Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tetra Tech is seeking a self-motivated, experienced Senior Environmental Scientist / Compliance Specialist to lead and expand our landfill and air quality compliance services within the solid waste industry. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong technical background in air regulations, landfill gas systems, emissions compliance, environmental permitting, and regulatory interpretation, who are comfortable working with limited oversight while supporting complex, multi-site compliance programs.
In this role, you will independently manage and support regulatory compliance programs by analyzing complex field and operational datasets, interpreting and applying air quality regulations and permit requirements, preparing and reviewing compliance reports, and leading air permitting and emissions calculation efforts. The primary focus areas include Landfill Gas (LFG) monitoring, Surface Emissions Monitoring (SEM), Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) Systems, air quality permitting, and compliance with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) applicable to solid waste facilities.
This position is primarily remote, with limited, as-needed travel or occasional site visits. Candidates must be comfortable working independently, exercising professional judgment, and collaborating with project managers, field staff, engineers, clients, and regulatory specialists across geographically dispersed teams.
This position is eligible for our full benefits package including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), My Flex Time (MFT – paid time off), 401K, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The pay range for this position is $85K–$120K annually, based on qualifications, location, and experience. Only those that attach a cover letter and are located in either the Pacific or Mountain time zone will be considered. The deadline to apply is 05/6/2026.
- Independently review, analyze, interpret, and validate landfill air quality and landfill gas monitoring data, including wellfield data, SEM results, and air emissions datasets for multiple facilities.
- Evaluate monitoring and operational data against regulatory standards, permit conditions, and NSPS/NESHAP requirements, identifying compliance risks, deviations, and corrective action needs.
- Prepare, review, and finalize environmental compliance reports, including air compliance summaries, annual and quarterly monitoring reports, deviation analyses, and regulatory submittals.
- Lead the development and preparation of air quality permit applications, amendments, and renewals, including emissions calculations, regulatory applicability analyses, and compliance demonstrations.
- Manage and oversee large, multi-site datasets related to air emissions, landfill gas, SEM results, compliance schedules, and agency reporting deadlines.
- Develop, maintain, and refine standardized templates, tools, and compliance trackers to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely reporting across multiple facilities and clients.
- Coordinate closely with on-site operations staff, technicians, contractors, and engineers to ensure monitoring programs, testing protocols, and system performance meet regulatory and permit requirements.
- Serve as a technical resource to Project Managers and junior staff, supporting deliverables, schedules, quality control reviews, and client coordination.
- Support client and agency interactions, including preparation for inspections, agency inquiries, and audit responses.
- Contribute to and support multidisciplinary engineering, permitting, and environmental projects, providing subject-matter expertise in landfill and air quality compliance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years of experience in environmental science, air quality, regulatory compliance, or a related technical field.
- Strong working knowledge of air quality regulations, including NSPS, NESHAP, and permit compliance applicable to landfills and solid waste facilities.
- Demonstrated experience preparing and reviewing air permits, compliance reports, emissions calculations, and regulatory submittals.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including advanced technical and regulatory writing.
- Proficiency in MS Office, specifically advanced use of Word and Excel for data analysis, tracking, and reporting.
- Proven ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage multiple projects concurrently, and exercise sound professional judgment with minimal supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with clients, regulatory agencies, field staff, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability and willingness to perform limited travel as required.
- Demonstrated interest and capability in mentoring staff and developing leadership skills within the environmental compliance field.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline is preferred.
- 7+ years of experience supporting air quality and regulatory compliance for landfill or solid waste facilities is preferred.
- In depth experience with: LFG systems, SEM, LFGTE systems is preferred.
- Multi-site compliance program management is preferred.
- Experience working directly with regulatory agencies, responding to agency comments, inspections, or enforcement actions is preferred.
- Familiarity with California and/or multi-state air district permitting is a strong plus is preferred.
- Experience supporting proposal development, scope development, or client growth initiatives is preferred.
LIFE AT TETRA TECH
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
ABOUT TETRA TECH
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.
See all 480+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as an Environmental Scientist
Align your degree to SOC 19-2041
USCIS evaluates whether your degree directly relates to environmental science work. Pull the O*NET profile for SOC 19-2041 and confirm your transcripts reflect coursework in environmental assessment, ecology, or physical sciences before applying.
Target federal contractors over startups
Engineering and environmental consulting firms with federal contracts file H-1B petitions routinely for this role. Their compliance infrastructure makes sponsorship smoother than at smaller firms without an established immigration process.
Check LCA filings before negotiating offers
Use Migrate Mate to filter Environmental Scientist roles by employers with verified LCA filing history, so you're targeting companies that have already cleared DOL prevailing-wage certification for this occupation code.
Verify prevailing wage before your offer stage
Run your job title, location, and experience level through the OFLC Wage Search before you receive an offer. Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the applicable wage level, and knowing the floor prevents surprises in negotiation.
Document field hours and specialized methodologies
USCIS RFEs for environmental science roles often challenge whether the position truly requires a specialized degree. A letter from your employer detailing site assessment protocols, regulatory reporting duties, and the degree requirements for those tasks strengthens the petition.
File in cap-exempt categories when possible
Positions at universities, research institutions, or nonprofit research organizations are cap-exempt, bypassing the April lottery entirely. If an environmental agency or university lab is recruiting, confirm cap-exempt status with the employer before the October 1 start-date window closes.
Environmental Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Environmental Scientist JobsEnvironmental Scientist H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Environmental Scientist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS classifies Environmental Scientist under SOC code 19-2041, and the role meets the specialty occupation standard when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, geology, or a closely related field. Employers must demonstrate the degree requirement in the LCA and petition. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree regardless of field can face RFEs challenging specialty occupation status.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Environmental Scientist positions?
Environmental consulting firms, civil and geotechnical engineering companies, federal contractors, state environmental agencies, and research universities are consistent H-1B sponsors for this role. Employers with long-term federal contracts tend to have established immigration counsel and file petitions more reliably. You can browse verified H-1B sponsoring employers for Environmental Scientist positions on Migrate Mate, filtered by LCA filing history.
How does prevailing wage apply to Environmental Scientist H-1B petitions?
Your employer's Labor Condition Application must certify that your offered wage meets or exceeds the DOL prevailing wage for your job title, experience level, and work location. The OFLC Wage Search tool publishes four wage levels for SOC 19-2041 by metropolitan area. Positions in high-cost markets like San Francisco or New York carry significantly higher wage floors than the national average, which affects how many employers in those areas can realistically sponsor.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Environmental Scientist employer mid-status?
Yes. Under AC21 portability, you can start working for a new employer as soon as the transfer petition is filed, without waiting for approval, as long as your current H-1B has been approved for at least 180 days. The new employer files a new I-129 petition with a fresh LCA certified for the new worksite and wage level. Any change in job duties or location requires a new LCA even within the same employer.
What happens if my Environmental Scientist H-1B petition receives an RFE?
RFEs for this occupation most commonly challenge whether the specific position requires a degree in a directly related field, or whether the offered wage meets the prevailing wage level. Your employer's attorney should respond with a detailed specialty occupation analysis, including the O*NET job zone classification, industry hiring standards, and a description of the technical duties performed. USCIS typically gives 87 days to respond, and work authorization continues uninterrupted while the RFE is pending.
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