H-1B Visa Geochemist Jobs
Geochemist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in geochemistry, chemistry, geology, or a closely related field. Mining, energy, and environmental consulting firms are the most active H-1B visa sponsors for this occupation. The 85,000-cap lottery runs each spring for October 1 start dates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Battelle is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Geochemist - Critical Minerals & Remediation with expertise in mining, critical minerals recovery, mineral processing, and industrial waste materials management, treatment, and beneficial use/reuse as part of site remediation. Candidates based near Columbus, Ohio are preferred, with the opportunity to work hybrid at Battelle Headquarters; however, remote candidates will also be considered.
The Environment and Agriculture (E&A) Business Line supports government and commercial clients through environmental services and contract research, focusing on site characterization, risk assessment, and remediation. A key strength of E&A is developing innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges through thought leadership, cutting-edge applied science, and research and development (R&D).
The selected candidate will drive innovative work in contaminant treatment and critical minerals recovery during site remediation and industrial waste management, while supporting the growth of a sustainable waste management and treatment practice area. This role requires providing technical and strategic leadership to Battelle's efforts in evaluating and developing technologies related to critical minerals recovery, contributing engineering and geochemistry expertise to technical projects, and sustaining and growing client relationships in the mining and legacy mine site remediation industries.
This position requires a seasoned expert with a geosciences toolbox that can be broadly applied across the wide range of clients and projects Battelle supports. Candidates with related experience and an interest in innovative solutions for the treatment and beneficial use/reuse of mining and industrial waste materials are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Support market strategy to address critical minerals and rare earth elements industry-specific needs through client engagement
- Support the Emerging Contaminants initiative by coordinating tactical plans for sector-specific targets
- Drive collaboration in research and development and funding through internal R&D programs and external partnerships to better meet industry needs
- Serve as a client-facing senior geochemist or engineer for technology demonstrations evaluating critical minerals recovery technologies from mine waste during site remediation
- Develop technical approaches for assessing performance and operational metrics to guide decision-making in technology selection and implementation during site remediation
- Conduct geochemical modeling for groundwater and surface water, along with fate and transport modeling associated with metals and other contaminants in soil and sediment
- Serve as a technical expert in developing and reviewing site characterization and remedial investigation documents for diverse clients
- Apply expert knowledge of CERCLA and Superfund site Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies to diverse projects
- Actively represent Battelle in industry associations and at conferences, engaging with mining, remediation, and mineral and materials processing/manufacturing industries
- Demonstrate cutting-edge knowledge in the treatment of contaminant metals in aqueous and solid mining waste and recovery of critical minerals
- Attract and develop talent to expand Battelle's site characterization and remediation practice area
- Manage cost-reimbursable, firm-fixed-price, time and materials, and performance-based remediation contracts
- Maintain a strong understanding of applicable regulations and the evolving regulatory environment as it applies to remediation, particularly in mining, minerals processing, and materials manufacturing/processing (e.g., semiconductor industry)
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in geosciences or engineering with five (5) years of experience, master's degree with two (2) years of experience, or PhD; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Geochemistry experience, particularly with state-of-the-practice modeling programs
- Recognized expertise in remediation, including mining, with working knowledge of CERCLA, RCRA, and other applicable federal laws
- Experience working with the federal government performing and managing contaminated site assessments and remedy evaluations, including preparing investigation work plans, design analysis, feasibility studies, treatability studies, removal action work plans, remedy design, and remedy implementation
- Demonstrated client liaison and business development skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Travel up to 25% annually to client locations and conferences
- Applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by U.S. export control laws
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in geosciences or engineering with ten (10) years of experience, master's degree with eight (8) years of experience, or PhD with three (3) years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ten (10) years of experience successfully managing projects, programs, and/or people
- Experience with commercial industries and state/local governments
- Advanced degree in environmental/civil engineering or a closely related field, along with a Registered Professional Engineer (PE) designation
- Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER and MSHA training and refreshers
- Enthusiasm for working in innovative environments and developing technology to solve complex problems
Compensation Data
- Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $106,000 to $151,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
- Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
INTRODUCTION
Battelle delivers when others can’t. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients—whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Battelle is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Geochemist - Critical Minerals & Remediation with expertise in mining, critical minerals recovery, mineral processing, and industrial waste materials management, treatment, and beneficial use/reuse as part of site remediation. Candidates based near Columbus, Ohio are preferred, with the opportunity to work hybrid at Battelle Headquarters; however, remote candidates will also be considered.
The Environment and Agriculture (E&A) Business Line supports government and commercial clients through environmental services and contract research, focusing on site characterization, risk assessment, and remediation. A key strength of E&A is developing innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges through thought leadership, cutting-edge applied science, and research and development (R&D).
The selected candidate will drive innovative work in contaminant treatment and critical minerals recovery during site remediation and industrial waste management, while supporting the growth of a sustainable waste management and treatment practice area. This role requires providing technical and strategic leadership to Battelle's efforts in evaluating and developing technologies related to critical minerals recovery, contributing engineering and geochemistry expertise to technical projects, and sustaining and growing client relationships in the mining and legacy mine site remediation industries.
This position requires a seasoned expert with a geosciences toolbox that can be broadly applied across the wide range of clients and projects Battelle supports. Candidates with related experience and an interest in innovative solutions for the treatment and beneficial use/reuse of mining and industrial waste materials are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Support market strategy to address critical minerals and rare earth elements industry-specific needs through client engagement
- Support the Emerging Contaminants initiative by coordinating tactical plans for sector-specific targets
- Drive collaboration in research and development and funding through internal R&D programs and external partnerships to better meet industry needs
- Serve as a client-facing senior geochemist or engineer for technology demonstrations evaluating critical minerals recovery technologies from mine waste during site remediation
- Develop technical approaches for assessing performance and operational metrics to guide decision-making in technology selection and implementation during site remediation
- Conduct geochemical modeling for groundwater and surface water, along with fate and transport modeling associated with metals and other contaminants in soil and sediment
- Serve as a technical expert in developing and reviewing site characterization and remedial investigation documents for diverse clients
- Apply expert knowledge of CERCLA and Superfund site Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies to diverse projects
- Actively represent Battelle in industry associations and at conferences, engaging with mining, remediation, and mineral and materials processing/manufacturing industries
- Demonstrate cutting-edge knowledge in the treatment of contaminant metals in aqueous and solid mining waste and recovery of critical minerals
- Attract and develop talent to expand Battelle's site characterization and remediation practice area
- Manage cost-reimbursable, firm-fixed-price, time and materials, and performance-based remediation contracts
- Maintain a strong understanding of applicable regulations and the evolving regulatory environment as it applies to remediation, particularly in mining, minerals processing, and materials manufacturing/processing (e.g., semiconductor industry)
Key Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in geosciences or engineering with five (5) years of experience, master's degree with two (2) years of experience, or PhD; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Geochemistry experience, particularly with state-of-the-practice modeling programs
- Recognized expertise in remediation, including mining, with working knowledge of CERCLA, RCRA, and other applicable federal laws
- Experience working with the federal government performing and managing contaminated site assessments and remedy evaluations, including preparing investigation work plans, design analysis, feasibility studies, treatability studies, removal action work plans, remedy design, and remedy implementation
- Demonstrated client liaison and business development skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Travel up to 25% annually to client locations and conferences
- Applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined by U.S. export control laws
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in geosciences or engineering with ten (10) years of experience, master's degree with eight (8) years of experience, or PhD with three (3) years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ten (10) years of experience successfully managing projects, programs, and/or people
- Experience with commercial industries and state/local governments
- Advanced degree in environmental/civil engineering or a closely related field, along with a Registered Professional Engineer (PE) designation
- Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER and MSHA training and refreshers
- Enthusiasm for working in innovative environments and developing technology to solve complex problems
Compensation Data
- Battelle is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The salary range for this role is $106,000 to $151,000 per year, in addition to our comprehensive benefits package. A candidate’s salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to education, relevant work experience, skills, and certifications. Salary ranges may vary based on geographic location and market conditions.
Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
- Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off—giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
- Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs.
- Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
- Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
- Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
- Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
- Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.
A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity’s most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
- Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
- Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
- Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
- Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
- Give back to and improve our communities
Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients’ requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
See all H-1B Visa Geochemist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Geochemist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Geochemist
Verify your degree maps to SOC 19-2042
USCIS evaluates specialty occupation eligibility against the job's SOC code. Pull the O*NET profile for Geoscientists (19-2042) and confirm your degree field appears in the listed education requirements before applying.
Target energy and mining sector employers
Oil and gas producers, mining companies, and environmental remediation firms file LCAs for Geochemist roles far more consistently than generalist engineering consultancies. Search DOL's LCA disclosure data to identify which employers have active filings in your target region.
Search verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Filter by occupation on Migrate Mate to see which employers have filed H-1B petitions for geoscience roles. This surfaces active sponsors you won't find through standard job postings alone.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating salary
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your role, location, and experience level. Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC 19-2042 in your target metro before entering any compensation discussion.
Account for cap-gap if your OPT expires mid-year
If you're on OPT or STEM OPT when your H-1B is approved, cap-gap rules extend your work authorization through September 30. Confirm your employer's timeline aligns with the October 1 activation date so fieldwork or lab schedules aren't disrupted.
Get your foreign credentials evaluated early
A three-year geology or geochemistry degree from outside the U.S. may require a credential evaluation to establish equivalency to a U.S. bachelor's degree. USCIS scrutinizes this for specialty occupation petitions, so obtain a NACES-member evaluation before your employer files.
H-1B Visa Geochemist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Geochemist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Geochemist positions qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because the role normally requires at least a bachelor's degree in geochemistry, chemistry, geology, or a directly related field. USCIS uses the DOL's occupational classification and the O*NET profile for Geoscientists to confirm the degree requirement. Roles in environmental consulting, mining, and petroleum geology consistently meet the standard.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas for Geochemist positions?
Oil and gas extraction companies, hard-rock mining firms, environmental remediation consultancies, and federal contractors in the earth sciences are the most active H-1B sponsors for geochemistry work. Government agencies and national laboratories can also sponsor, though some positions require permanent residency. Use Migrate Mate to browse current openings at employers with verified H-1B filing history in this occupation.
How does the DOL prevailing wage apply to H-1B Geochemist roles?
Your sponsoring employer must file a Labor Condition Application certifying that your offered wage meets or exceeds the DOL prevailing wage for your SOC code, job title, and work location. Wages are tiered by experience level from Level I through Level IV. Run the OFLC Wage Search for SOC code 19-2042 in your target city before finalizing any offer to confirm the floor your employer must meet.
Can fieldwork locations affect my H-1B petition as a Geochemist?
Yes. H-1B status is tied to the worksite location listed on the LCA. If your geochemistry role involves extended fieldwork at sites not covered by your employer's original LCA, your employer may need to file an amended petition or a new LCA covering those locations. Short-term assignments under 30 consecutive days at non-LCA sites may qualify for a short-worksite exemption under USCIS rules.
Does a three-year foreign geology degree qualify for an H-1B Geochemist petition?
It can, but it requires a credential evaluation. USCIS requires proof that a foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree for specialty occupation purposes. A three-year degree from countries like Australia, the UK, or India is often found equivalent when combined with relevant graduate coursework or professional experience. A NACES-member evaluator's report submitted with the I-129 petition is the standard way to establish this equivalency.