H-1B Visa Hydrogeologist Jobs
Hydrogeologist roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines, requiring at least a bachelor's degree in hydrology, geology, or a closely related field. Federal agencies, environmental consulting firms, and energy companies regularly file H-1B visa petitions for this occupation. The annual cap is 65,000 visas, with 20,000 additional slots reserved for U.S. master's degree holders.
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Get Access To All JobsSenior Hydrogeologist / Senior Water Resources Engineer
Austin, Texas
Description
INTERA Incorporated is seeking an experienced Senior Hydrogeologist / Senior Water Resources Engineer to join our Water Resources and Supply team in Austin, Texas. This role is designed for a well-rounded hydrogeologist or water resources engineer with experience managing staff and leading the technical delivery of groundwater and water-supply projects while remaining actively engaged in the science. The successful candidate will bring strong hydrogeologic judgment, an active Texas Professional Geoscientist or Professional Engineer license, and sufficient project management experience to guide scope, track budget, maintain schedule, direct project staff, develop quality deliverables, and communicate comfortably with clients.
Success will be measured by dependable project execution, defensible technical work, clear communication, and the ability to help project teams perform at a high level. The role will collaborate with INTERA’s hydrogeologists, engineers, groundwater modelers, data scientists, GIS professionals, and field staff on projects involving groundwater supply, aquifer characterization, water-resource planning, production wells, groundwater management, and related hydrogeologic challenges across Texas and beyond.
Our purpose is innovation and stewardship for a sustainable tomorrow. Help us make a difference today!
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as technical lead and, where appropriate, project manager for both field- and office-based hydrogeologic and groundwater-resource projects, with responsibility for technical approach, work planning, scope, budget, schedule, staffing, and deliverable quality.
- Lead both office- and field-based hydrogeologic investigations and analyses supporting groundwater supply, aquifer characterization, water-resource planning, wellfield evaluation, groundwater management, and related client decisions.
- Develop and refine conceptual hydrogeologic models using geologic, hydraulic, geochemical, monitoring, and spatial data.
- Plan and direct field programs that may include drilling, lithologic logging, monitoring- and production-well installation, well development, groundwater sampling, hydraulic testing, aquifer pumping tests, and monitoring-system deployment.
- Prepare, manage, and review the development of technical memoranda, reports, work plans, figures, presentations, specifications, and other project deliverables for clients, regulators, and stakeholders.
- Apply INTERA quality-assurance and quality-control procedures and provide technical review of project work completed by other staff.
- Manage staff and provide day-to-day technical direction and mentorship to early-career hydrogeologists, geologists, scientists, and field staff.
- Communicate directly with clients and project stakeholders about technical progress, decisions, risks, and next steps; support strong client service without an individual sales expectation.
- Travel periodically to client and project sites and participate in field activities when project needs require it.
- Ensure compliance with INTERA’s health and safety requirements for fieldwork.
INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner!
Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA’s practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people’s needs for security, health, and well-being with:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
- Paid parental leave—up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
- Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage—paid 100% by the company
- Paid holiday, vacation, and sick time
- Opportunities for stock ownership
- Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
- Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
- Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
- Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geoscience, environmental science, or a closely related field.
- Active Professional Geoscientist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE) license in Texas.
- Ten or more years of relevant professional experience, with a substantial portion in consulting, water resources, groundwater supply, hydrogeologic investigation, or a closely related setting.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead, project manager, or task manager with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, staffing, technical decisions, and deliverable quality.
- Strong working knowledge of physical hydrogeology, groundwater-flow systems, aquifer characterization, hydraulic testing, and hydrogeologic data interpretation.
- Ability to lead technical work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary project teams.
- Strong technical writing, review, presentation, and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organization and judgment, including the ability to manage competing priorities, identify project risks, and deliver accurate work on schedule.
- Willingness and ability to travel to project sites and safely participate in field activities as project needs require.
- Strong dedication to maintaining a safe working environment in both office and field settings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geoscience, civil or environmental engineering, or a related discipline.
- Experience managing and mentoring junior technical staff and reviewing their analyses, field documentation, and written deliverables.
- Experience with Texas aquifer systems, groundwater availability models, groundwater conservation districts, water utilities, and/or the broader Texas water-planning and regulatory environment.
- Experience with municipal or industrial groundwater-supply development, production wells, wellfield evaluation, managed aquifer recharge, or aquifer storage and recovery.
- Demonstrated experience with public water supply (PWS) well permitting and registration with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
- Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, QGIS, or other GIS tools for hydrogeologic interpretation, data management, mapping, and technical communication.
- Experience applying geostatistical methods to hydrogeologic, geologic, or water-resource datasets.
- Experience using Python or similar programming tools for hydrogeologic data analysis, workflow automation, modeling support, or visualization.
Senior Hydrogeologist / Senior Water Resources Engineer
Austin, Texas
Description
INTERA Incorporated is seeking an experienced Senior Hydrogeologist / Senior Water Resources Engineer to join our Water Resources and Supply team in Austin, Texas. This role is designed for a well-rounded hydrogeologist or water resources engineer with experience managing staff and leading the technical delivery of groundwater and water-supply projects while remaining actively engaged in the science. The successful candidate will bring strong hydrogeologic judgment, an active Texas Professional Geoscientist or Professional Engineer license, and sufficient project management experience to guide scope, track budget, maintain schedule, direct project staff, develop quality deliverables, and communicate comfortably with clients.
Success will be measured by dependable project execution, defensible technical work, clear communication, and the ability to help project teams perform at a high level. The role will collaborate with INTERA’s hydrogeologists, engineers, groundwater modelers, data scientists, GIS professionals, and field staff on projects involving groundwater supply, aquifer characterization, water-resource planning, production wells, groundwater management, and related hydrogeologic challenges across Texas and beyond.
Our purpose is innovation and stewardship for a sustainable tomorrow. Help us make a difference today!
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as technical lead and, where appropriate, project manager for both field- and office-based hydrogeologic and groundwater-resource projects, with responsibility for technical approach, work planning, scope, budget, schedule, staffing, and deliverable quality.
- Lead both office- and field-based hydrogeologic investigations and analyses supporting groundwater supply, aquifer characterization, water-resource planning, wellfield evaluation, groundwater management, and related client decisions.
- Develop and refine conceptual hydrogeologic models using geologic, hydraulic, geochemical, monitoring, and spatial data.
- Plan and direct field programs that may include drilling, lithologic logging, monitoring- and production-well installation, well development, groundwater sampling, hydraulic testing, aquifer pumping tests, and monitoring-system deployment.
- Prepare, manage, and review the development of technical memoranda, reports, work plans, figures, presentations, specifications, and other project deliverables for clients, regulators, and stakeholders.
- Apply INTERA quality-assurance and quality-control procedures and provide technical review of project work completed by other staff.
- Manage staff and provide day-to-day technical direction and mentorship to early-career hydrogeologists, geologists, scientists, and field staff.
- Communicate directly with clients and project stakeholders about technical progress, decisions, risks, and next steps; support strong client service without an individual sales expectation.
- Travel periodically to client and project sites and participate in field activities when project needs require it.
- Ensure compliance with INTERA’s health and safety requirements for fieldwork.
INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner!
Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA’s practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people’s needs for security, health, and well-being with:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
- Paid parental leave—up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
- Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage—paid 100% by the company
- Paid holiday, vacation, and sick time
- Opportunities for stock ownership
- Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
- Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
- Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
- Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geoscience, environmental science, or a closely related field.
- Active Professional Geoscientist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE) license in Texas.
- Ten or more years of relevant professional experience, with a substantial portion in consulting, water resources, groundwater supply, hydrogeologic investigation, or a closely related setting.
- Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead, project manager, or task manager with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, staffing, technical decisions, and deliverable quality.
- Strong working knowledge of physical hydrogeology, groundwater-flow systems, aquifer characterization, hydraulic testing, and hydrogeologic data interpretation.
- Ability to lead technical work independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary project teams.
- Strong technical writing, review, presentation, and verbal communication skills for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong organization and judgment, including the ability to manage competing priorities, identify project risks, and deliver accurate work on schedule.
- Willingness and ability to travel to project sites and safely participate in field activities as project needs require.
- Strong dedication to maintaining a safe working environment in both office and field settings.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, geoscience, civil or environmental engineering, or a related discipline.
- Experience managing and mentoring junior technical staff and reviewing their analyses, field documentation, and written deliverables.
- Experience with Texas aquifer systems, groundwater availability models, groundwater conservation districts, water utilities, and/or the broader Texas water-planning and regulatory environment.
- Experience with municipal or industrial groundwater-supply development, production wells, wellfield evaluation, managed aquifer recharge, or aquifer storage and recovery.
- Demonstrated experience with public water supply (PWS) well permitting and registration with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
- Experience with ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, QGIS, or other GIS tools for hydrogeologic interpretation, data management, mapping, and technical communication.
- Experience applying geostatistical methods to hydrogeologic, geologic, or water-resource datasets.
- Experience using Python or similar programming tools for hydrogeologic data analysis, workflow automation, modeling support, or visualization.
See all H-1B Visa Hydrogeologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Hydrogeologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Hydrogeologist
Verify your degree field matches
USCIS evaluates whether your specific degree directly relates to hydrogeology work. A geology, civil engineering, or environmental science degree typically qualifies, but a general science degree may trigger an RFE. Get a credential evaluation before applying.
Target federal and state agency roles
The USGS, EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and state water boards regularly sponsor H-1B petitions for hydrogeologists. Cap-exempt status at some federal research positions means no lottery risk and year-round filing.
Search H-1B filing history on Migrate Mate
Filter employers by DOL Labor Condition Application data to see which firms have actually filed for hydrogeologist roles. This cuts out companies that list sponsorship as possible but have no filing history in this occupation.
Use OFLC Wage Search before negotiating
DOL prevailing wage levels for hydrogeologists vary significantly by metro area. Pulling the Level II or Level III wage for your target location before your offer stage ensures your salary negotiation keeps the LCA certifiable without delay.
Flag your PE license status early
Some hydrogeologist roles, especially with engineering firms, require a Professional Engineer license that you may not yet hold on an H-1B. Clarify with your prospective employer whether PE licensure is a condition of employment or a post-hire expectation.
Register for H-1B lottery in March
USCIS opens H-1B electronic registration in early March each year for the fiscal year starting October 1. Your employer must submit your registration during this window. Missing it means waiting a full year, so confirm your employer's timeline well before February.
H-1B Visa Hydrogeologist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a hydrogeologist role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. Hydrogeology requires at least a bachelor's degree in hydrology, geology, environmental science, or a closely related field, which meets the USCIS specialty occupation definition. Your employer will document this in the I-129 petition. Roles that blend field work with data analysis or groundwater modeling strengthen the specialty occupation argument considerably.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for hydrogeologists?
Federal and state agencies, large environmental consulting firms, mining and energy companies, and water utilities are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for hydrogeologists. Academic and research institutions are also common sponsors and may qualify as cap-exempt, meaning no lottery. You can browse employers with verified filing history for this occupation on Migrate Mate.
How does the prevailing wage requirement affect a hydrogeologist's H-1B petition?
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for the hydrogeologist occupation in the work location, confirmed through a certified Labor Condition Application before USCIS will approve the H-1B. Wage levels vary by region and job complexity. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the applicable level for your target metro area before your offer is finalized.
Can a hydrogeologist on OPT keep working if their H-1B lottery registration is selected?
Yes. If your OPT is still valid when the H-1B fiscal year begins on October 1, you can continue working under cap-gap protection, which automatically extends your OPT authorization. If your OPT expires before October 1, there will be a gap unless your employer files for premium processing and you have sufficient OPT validity remaining.
Does a Professional Engineer license affect H-1B eligibility for hydrogeologist roles?
A PE license is not required for H-1B approval, but if the job description lists it as a requirement, USCIS may factor it into the specialty occupation analysis. If you hold a PE license from another country, it won't automatically transfer to U.S. licensure. Clarify with your employer whether the role requires U.S. PE licensure as a condition of employment before the petition is filed.