H-1B Visa Geophysicist Jobs
Geophysicist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under USCIS because they require at least a bachelor's degree in geophysics, earth sciences, or a directly related field. Most openings come from oil and gas operators, environmental consulting firms, and federal contractors who file LCAs through DOL before sponsoring your petition.
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Get Access To All JobsLOCATION: Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Job ID: 1712
General Responsibilities:
Perform a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from the ground surface as well as geophysical logging in boreholes to provide images or models of subsurface conditions. Define survey objectives, design survey approaches, analyze the resulting geophysical data, and provide interpretation of results. Results are incorporated into the planning, design and construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities; the assessment of environmental conditions; and the evaluation of earth resources. Geophysics supports all of Terracon’s service lines.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
-
Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
-
Demonstrate quality practices and acumen.
-
Provide consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
-
Proficient Geophysicist responsible for conducting geophysical surveys and making recommendations for design on smaller projects of minimal complexity.
-
May assist more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects.
-
Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
-
Direct and supervise field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
-
Responsible for developing written proposals to clients for approval by senior level professionals.
-
Evaluates moderately complex geophysical data and assembles in written reports.
-
May serve as team member or participate in meetings and communications with client pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
-
May oversee work performed by lower level Geophysicists and Technicians.
-
Works under the supervision of a Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer.
Requirements
-
Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Geophysics.
-
Minimum 1-3 years’ experience.
-
Master’s degree preferred.
-
A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in field of expertise based on state specific requirements.
Maximum Salary: 95,810.00
Minimum Salary: 68,420.00
Terracon’s Total Rewards program is an important way we create an engaging workplace for you, define and acknowledge success and give you ways to explore new avenues for your career. Our Total Rewards includes compensation, benefits (including employee ownership), recognition and training & development. Terracon considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidates work experience, work location, education/training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients’ project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
LOCATION: Wheat Ridge, Colorado
Job ID: 1712
General Responsibilities:
Perform a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from the ground surface as well as geophysical logging in boreholes to provide images or models of subsurface conditions. Define survey objectives, design survey approaches, analyze the resulting geophysical data, and provide interpretation of results. Results are incorporated into the planning, design and construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities; the assessment of environmental conditions; and the evaluation of earth resources. Geophysics supports all of Terracon’s service lines.
Essential Roles and Responsibilities:
-
Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
-
Demonstrate quality practices and acumen.
-
Provide consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
-
Proficient Geophysicist responsible for conducting geophysical surveys and making recommendations for design on smaller projects of minimal complexity.
-
May assist more senior Geophysicists on large, more complex projects.
-
Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
-
Direct and supervise field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
-
Responsible for developing written proposals to clients for approval by senior level professionals.
-
Evaluates moderately complex geophysical data and assembles in written reports.
-
May serve as team member or participate in meetings and communications with client pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
-
May oversee work performed by lower level Geophysicists and Technicians.
-
Works under the supervision of a Terracon Authorized Project Reviewer.
Requirements
-
Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Geophysics.
-
Minimum 1-3 years’ experience.
-
Master’s degree preferred.
-
A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certification in field of expertise based on state specific requirements.
Maximum Salary: 95,810.00
Minimum Salary: 68,420.00
Terracon’s Total Rewards program is an important way we create an engaging workplace for you, define and acknowledge success and give you ways to explore new avenues for your career. Our Total Rewards includes compensation, benefits (including employee ownership), recognition and training & development. Terracon considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidates work experience, work location, education/training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
About the Team
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients’ project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
See all 30+ H-1B Visa Geophysicist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Geophysicist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Geophysicist
Document your degree's field equivalency early
USCIS scrutinizes whether your degree field directly relates to geophysics work. If your credential is in physics, geology, or earth sciences, get a credential evaluation from a NACES-recognized service before applying to confirm equivalency.
Search LCA filings by SOC code
Geophysicists fall under SOC code 19-2042. Use the OFLC Wage Search to filter Labor Condition Application filings by that code and identify which employers have actively sponsored this role in your target region.
Target employers with cap-exempt filing history
Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government contractors can file H-1B petitions outside the annual cap. Geophysicist roles at USGS-affiliated labs or academic seismic centers are worth prioritizing if you miss the lottery.
Find H-1B-sponsoring geophysics employers on Migrate Mate
Filter by verified DOL LCA filing history for geophysicist roles on Migrate Mate. This surfaces employers who have actually filed for this occupation, not just companies that theoretically could sponsor.
Negotiate LCA wage level before signing an offer
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing rate for your area. Cross-check their offered wage against OFLC Wage Search Level II or III data for geophysicists in that metro before accepting.
Prepare for specialty occupation RFEs with project evidence
USCIS sometimes issues Requests for Evidence questioning whether a geophysicist role truly requires a specialized degree. Field reports, seismic modeling work, or published technical outputs tied directly to your job duties strengthen your petition against that challenge.
H-1B Visa Geophysicist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a geophysicist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS classifies geophysicist positions as specialty occupations because they require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge in earth sciences, physics, or a directly related field, and a minimum of a bachelor's degree in that discipline. Roles involving seismic interpretation, subsurface modeling, or geohazard analysis consistently meet this standard.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most often for geophysicists?
Oil and gas exploration companies, environmental and engineering consulting firms, federal contractors supporting agencies like the USGS, and university research departments are the most active H-1B sponsors for geophysicists. Defense contractors working on geospatial or subsurface applications also file regularly. You can filter employers by LCA filing history for this occupation on Migrate Mate.
Can I qualify without a degree specifically in geophysics?
Yes, but your degree must be in a directly related field. Physics, geology, earth sciences, or petroleum engineering are generally accepted as qualifying. USCIS evaluates the connection between your degree and the specific job duties, so roles requiring seismic analysis or subsurface modeling will face tighter scrutiny if your degree is in a tangentially related area.
How does the H-1B lottery affect geophysicist job searches?
The annual H-1B cap of 85,000 visas includes a lottery when registrations exceed that limit. Geophysicist roles at cap-exempt employers, including universities, nonprofit research organizations, and certain government contractors, bypass the lottery entirely. If you're subject to the cap, an employer can file during the April registration window for an October start date.
What should I verify about an employer's LCA before accepting a geophysicist offer?
Confirm the LCA wage level matches your experience: Level II for developing professionals, Level III for fully qualified practitioners. The certified LCA must cover your actual work location, so remote or multi-site roles require additional LCA filings. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the prevailing wage for geophysicists in your work area before signing.