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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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Department of Transportation
JC-527024
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Office Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the leadership of a multi-disciplinary team of environmental professionals. This position includes hiring, staff development and performance reviews. As the Branch Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the accuracy and quality of a broad range of technical documents being prepared in their branch. The incumbent works to coordinate management level interaction with local and regional agencies, federal and state resource agencies, elected officials, project stakeholders and the general public on matters pertaining to project development and compliance with environmental laws, regulations and policies. The incumbent functions as a supervisor to staff, and is responsible for providing feedback, guidance, counseling, and training to these team members.
Parf 04-27-0005 / JC-527024
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 111 Grand St, Oakland, Alameda County.
While at the base of operation, the incumbent will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting in an office. Frequent travel and field work are required within the Region. Some fieldwork requires the ability to work in a variety of climatic and geographical conditions. The incumbent may be required to travel to offices and field locations, as well as occasional travel outside of the area. This position may be eligible for hybrid-telework. The number of telework days is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’ current telework policy. While Caltrans supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-527024
Position #(s):
904-131-0764-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Alameda County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DEPARTMENT INFO: Copy and paste (non-hyperlinks must not be underlined)
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
David Maxwell
(279) 234-2433
David.Maxwell@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Leigh Anne Kuehnel
(510) 286-6009
leigh.anne.kuehnel@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions:
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-527024), PARF# 04-27-0005 and title of the position (SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)) must be included on the STD. 678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Department of Transportation
JC-527024
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Office Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the leadership of a multi-disciplinary team of environmental professionals. This position includes hiring, staff development and performance reviews. As the Branch Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the accuracy and quality of a broad range of technical documents being prepared in their branch. The incumbent works to coordinate management level interaction with local and regional agencies, federal and state resource agencies, elected officials, project stakeholders and the general public on matters pertaining to project development and compliance with environmental laws, regulations and policies. The incumbent functions as a supervisor to staff, and is responsible for providing feedback, guidance, counseling, and training to these team members.
Parf 04-27-0005 / JC-527024
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 111 Grand St, Oakland, Alameda County.
While at the base of operation, the incumbent will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting in an office. Frequent travel and field work are required within the Region. Some fieldwork requires the ability to work in a variety of climatic and geographical conditions. The incumbent may be required to travel to offices and field locations, as well as occasional travel outside of the area. This position may be eligible for hybrid-telework. The number of telework days is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’ current telework policy. While Caltrans supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-527024
Position #(s):
904-131-0764-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Alameda County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DEPARTMENT INFO: Copy and paste (non-hyperlinks must not be underlined)
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
David Maxwell
(279) 234-2433
David.Maxwell@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Leigh Anne Kuehnel
(510) 286-6009
leigh.anne.kuehnel@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions:
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-527024), PARF# 04-27-0005 and title of the position (SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)) must be included on the STD. 678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
See all 124+ H-1B Visa Environmental Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Environmental Scientist Jobs.
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.