H-1B Visa Environmental Scientist Jobs
Environmental Scientist roles qualify as H-1B visa 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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INTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Department Name: Compliance and Enforcement Division
Program Area: Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau
Looking for a rewarding career and growth opportunity? The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) is seeking highly engaged talent to assist us in our mission to protect and restore the environment and foster a healthy and prosperous New Mexico for present and future generations. Come be a part of our great team for change!
As a valued new employee to the NMED, you will receive five (5) full days of leave in your leave.
NMED participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire.
PURPOSE: Compliance Reports Analysts will perform a technical and regulatory review of air quality compliance reports using standard methods and techniques, determine the adequacy and accuracy of data and processes applicable to state and federal regulations, properly preserve documentation and provide technical assistance where applicable. You will work with more seasoned co-workers to gain a better understanding of regulations and permit requirements. You will also provide support to the Environmental Protection Compliance and Enforcement Bureau (EPCEB), through a variety of special projects that enhance the efficiency of the Section, including software projects, database maintenance and research of the technical aspects of local, state and federal law regulations. The purpose of this position is to operate within the Compliance Reporting section of the EPCEB to help protect the health of New Mexicans and the natural beauty of the state by preventing the deterioration of air quality.
Responsibilities
- Review and process industry compliance reports in a timely manner to verify compliance with air quality statutes, regulations, and permit conditions.
- Prepare case reports and refer potential air quality violations to the Enforcement Unit; investigate citizen air quality complaints and seek resolution.
- Use database user-interface and query software to collect and protect evidentiary documentation.
- Apply knowledge of scientific disciplines to provide technical information and guidance to the public, outside organizations, and internal audiences.
- Work with minimal supervision and collaborate with a team to improve compliance-report collection processes, including online submittals.
CUSTOMERS
- New Mexicans to protect and restore the environment
- Occasional contact with external Federal, State and Local regulatory bodies as well as contractors and environmental not for profit organizations
- Internal staff
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree in Physical, Natural, or Environmental Science, Soil Science, Engineering, or Chemistry and four (4) years of experience in public/environmental health, environmental science, animal science, natural science, biological science, physical science, air quality management, engineering, chemistry, geology, hazardous waste management, wildlife management, and/or water resources. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Asheley Silva (505) 216-2955 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
For more information on how to apply, please check out the Application Guide: link.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
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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.
H-1B Visa Environmental Scientist: 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.