H-1B Visa Exploration Geologist Jobs
Exploration Geologist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in geology, geoscience, or a directly related field. Most sponsoring employers are energy companies, mining firms, and environmental consultancies that file LCAs with the DOL before petitioning USCIS.
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Get Access To All JobsState of New Hampshire Job Posting
Department of Transportation
Bureau of Materials & Research
5 Hazen Drive / Concord, NH
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION TECHNICIAN III
Position #21230
$17.81/hour - $23.39/hour
*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
\~ NEW HAMPSHIRE DOT \~
Build Your Career. Build Your Community. Build New Hampshire.
NHDOT Recruitment Brochure
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Materials & Research, has a full-time vacancy for a Geological Exploration Technician III.
SUMMARY:
To perform advanced technical and supervisory work in mobilizing, operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling equipment for the purpose of obtaining subsurface data which is required for the design and construction of NHDOT projects.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Equivalent combination of 2 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in geology, science-related technology, or other related field, and include experience in the operation of light or heavy motor-driven equipment or machinery, excavation, and the use of earth-drilling equipment.
License/Certification: Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with air brakes
Other Requirements:
-
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must meet the minimum standards as established by the Department of Transportation
-
Must receive a negative result on a pre-employment urinalysis drug screen in accordance with the code of Federal Regulations and US DOT requirements
-
Must be able and willing to work out of a hotel or other similar lodging when project is deemed too far to commute from Concord
-
Must be able to lift/carry material weighing up to 50 lbs. on an intermittent basis
-
Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions
Trainee Option: Not applicable
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Supervisory experience is preferred.
- Knowledge of the properties and physical characteristics of subsurface rock and soil strata and knowledge of the operation of combined auger-core boring equipment and drilling apparatus.
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: None
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
The work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
-
Operates geological exploration equipment in order to determine subsurface information, which would include split-spoon soil sampling, drilling with various size core bits and casings, performing field vane shear tests, installing slope inclinometers and piezometers, and performing undisturbed sampling of soft or cohesive soils. Oversees the labeling, transport and delivery of all rock cores and soil boxes.
-
Directly supervises a one or two person crew. Monitors the operation to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
-
Trains new personnel in the safe operation of drilling equipment and procedures and continually monitors the drilling operation to limit potential hazards.
-
Determines method of moving and securing equipment under adverse conditions, such as hills, rafts, wetlands, in and adjacent to roadways, to assure the safety of the equipment, crew and public. Operates a chain saw to provide access of the drill rig to and from test borings in wooded areas.
-
Supervises field repairs and routine maintenance of equipment including drill rigs, trucks and water pumps.
-
Supervises the set up and enforcement of work zone traffic controls for explorations performed in or adjacent to roadways, according to standard policies and procedures.
-
Maintains daily work summary reports, vehicle cost reports, time sheets, and expense sheets to assure proper project cost accounting. Prepares a complete and accurate field log of each exploration, as required.
-
Maintains an inventory of drilling tools and supplies assigned to the crew. Determines the need of specialized tools to complete a specific assignment.
-
Works out of a hotel or other similar lodging when project is deemed too far to commute.
-
Performs work in full conformance with all risk management, safety, and environmental standards, regulations, and administrative orders.
For assistance creating your talent profile or applying online please contact Pamela Shore, Training and Recruitment Specialist, at (603) 271-8026 or at Pamela.A.Shore@dot.nh.gov
For additional information contact the Bureau of Materials & Research, at 603-271-3151 or at Bureau42@dot.nh.gov.
*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:
The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.
See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Other Benefits:
-
Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
-
Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
-
State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
-
Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
-
$50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
-
Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:
https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx
EOE
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964
State of New Hampshire Job Posting
Department of Transportation
Bureau of Materials & Research
5 Hazen Drive / Concord, NH
GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION TECHNICIAN III
Position #21230
$17.81/hour - $23.39/hour
*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
\~ NEW HAMPSHIRE DOT \~
Build Your Career. Build Your Community. Build New Hampshire.
NHDOT Recruitment Brochure
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Materials & Research, has a full-time vacancy for a Geological Exploration Technician III.
SUMMARY:
To perform advanced technical and supervisory work in mobilizing, operating, maintaining, and repairing drilling equipment for the purpose of obtaining subsurface data which is required for the design and construction of NHDOT projects.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Equivalent combination of 2 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in geology, science-related technology, or other related field, and include experience in the operation of light or heavy motor-driven equipment or machinery, excavation, and the use of earth-drilling equipment.
License/Certification: Valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) with air brakes
Other Requirements:
-
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) must meet the minimum standards as established by the Department of Transportation
-
Must receive a negative result on a pre-employment urinalysis drug screen in accordance with the code of Federal Regulations and US DOT requirements
-
Must be able and willing to work out of a hotel or other similar lodging when project is deemed too far to commute from Concord
-
Must be able to lift/carry material weighing up to 50 lbs. on an intermittent basis
-
Must be able to work under adverse weather conditions
Trainee Option: Not applicable
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Supervisory experience is preferred.
- Knowledge of the properties and physical characteristics of subsurface rock and soil strata and knowledge of the operation of combined auger-core boring equipment and drilling apparatus.
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: None
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
The work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
-
Operates geological exploration equipment in order to determine subsurface information, which would include split-spoon soil sampling, drilling with various size core bits and casings, performing field vane shear tests, installing slope inclinometers and piezometers, and performing undisturbed sampling of soft or cohesive soils. Oversees the labeling, transport and delivery of all rock cores and soil boxes.
-
Directly supervises a one or two person crew. Monitors the operation to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
-
Trains new personnel in the safe operation of drilling equipment and procedures and continually monitors the drilling operation to limit potential hazards.
-
Determines method of moving and securing equipment under adverse conditions, such as hills, rafts, wetlands, in and adjacent to roadways, to assure the safety of the equipment, crew and public. Operates a chain saw to provide access of the drill rig to and from test borings in wooded areas.
-
Supervises field repairs and routine maintenance of equipment including drill rigs, trucks and water pumps.
-
Supervises the set up and enforcement of work zone traffic controls for explorations performed in or adjacent to roadways, according to standard policies and procedures.
-
Maintains daily work summary reports, vehicle cost reports, time sheets, and expense sheets to assure proper project cost accounting. Prepares a complete and accurate field log of each exploration, as required.
-
Maintains an inventory of drilling tools and supplies assigned to the crew. Determines the need of specialized tools to complete a specific assignment.
-
Works out of a hotel or other similar lodging when project is deemed too far to commute.
-
Performs work in full conformance with all risk management, safety, and environmental standards, regulations, and administrative orders.
For assistance creating your talent profile or applying online please contact Pamela Shore, Training and Recruitment Specialist, at (603) 271-8026 or at Pamela.A.Shore@dot.nh.gov
For additional information contact the Bureau of Materials & Research, at 603-271-3151 or at Bureau42@dot.nh.gov.
*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:
The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.
See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Other Benefits:
-
Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
-
Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
-
State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
-
Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
-
$50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
-
Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:
https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx
EOE
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964
See all H-1B Visa Exploration Geologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Exploration Geologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Exploration Geologist
Verify your degree field matches the role
USCIS scrutinizes degree-to-job alignment for geoscience roles. A geology or earth sciences degree maps cleanly, but an environmental science or geography degree may require a credential evaluation letter confirming equivalency to a U.S. specialty occupation.
Target employers with active LCA filings
Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm a company has filed LCAs under SOC code 19-2042 (Geoscientists) before applying. Employers with no prior filings in that code face a steeper internal approval process and longer timelines.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Exploration Geologist postings by employers with documented H-1B filing history, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored the role. It saves weeks of screening.
Ask about fieldwork and visa status implications
Exploration Geologist roles often involve extended fieldwork in remote locations or international travel. Confirm with your prospective employer that they understand H-1B portability rules and will maintain your status during project-based travel outside the U.S.
Negotiate a cap-exempt or early filing timeline
If you're already on H-1B with a cap-exempt institution, a straight transfer is possible year-round. For cap-subject roles, your employer must file in April for an October 1 start, so time your offer acceptance and resignation accordingly.
Understand how prevailing wage level affects your offer
DOL assigns geoscience roles to wage levels I through IV based on experience and supervision. Your offered salary must meet the certified LCA wage level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the prevailing wage for your specific job location before negotiating.
H-1B Visa Exploration Geologist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Exploration Geologist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS recognizes Exploration Geologist as a specialty occupation because the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in geology, geoscience, or a directly related field. Employers document this in the H-1B petition using the job description and the DOL-certified LCA. Degrees in closely related fields like geophysics or earth sciences generally qualify, but a general science degree may trigger a Request for Evidence.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Exploration Geologists?
Oil and gas companies, mining firms, environmental consulting firms, and federal contractors are the most consistent sponsors for this role. Employers with active LCA filings under SOC code 19-2042 have already navigated the DOL process for geoscience positions. You can browse employers with verified H-1B filing history for Exploration Geologist roles on Migrate Mate without sorting through companies that have never sponsored the position.
How does fieldwork or remote project work affect my H-1B status?
H-1B status is tied to the worksite listed on your certified LCA. If your role involves regular fieldwork at locations not covered by the original LCA, your employer may need to file an amended petition or certify additional worksites. Extended international travel for project work doesn't jeopardize status as long as you maintain a valid H-1B visa stamp for re-entry and your employer keeps the petition active.
What happens if my geology degree is from outside the United States?
USCIS accepts foreign degrees if a credential evaluation confirms they're equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree in a relevant field. A National Association of Credential Evaluation Services member agency can provide this assessment. Three years of specialized work experience can substitute for one year of formal education under USCIS policy, which matters if your degree is shorter than a four-year U.S. program.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Exploration Geologist employer without losing status?
Yes. Under AC21 portability, you can start working for a new employer as soon as they file an H-1B transfer petition, without waiting for approval, provided your current petition has been approved and you've maintained valid status. Your new employer must file a new LCA with DOL and submit the I-129 to USCIS before your first day. The 60-day grace period after leaving a prior employer gives you time to arrange a transfer.