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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Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Hydrogeologist, Groundwater Modeler in our Chicago, IL office or other Midwest based offices. The opportunity to work a hybrid schedule may be available at the discretion of the Company. This position is well-suited for a talented, highly experienced groundwater modeler who is interested in contributing to innovative and challenging projects involving contaminated site assessment and remediation, groundwater management and water supply, litigation support, and contaminant fate and transport.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and oversight of hydrogeologic investigations and preparation of conceptual site models.
- Provide technical hydrogeological support to various projects including groundwater supply development, construction dewatering and contaminant sites.
- Characterize aquifers using various methods including aquifer pumping tests, down hole geophysics and high-resolution hydraulic profiling.
- Lead data analysis/visualization of site investigation data including the preparation of tables, maps, and figures using both industry-standard and cutting-edge applications.
- Support fate and transport modeling, natural attenuation evaluations, and risk assessment.
- Perform task and project management, including planning and implementing investigation and remediation projects, budgeting and budget management, adherence to schedule, quality, client satisfaction, and profitability.
- Serve as a testifying expert on litigation matters involving hydrogeologic assessment and contaminant fate and transport.
- Prepare, review, and certify technical reports, letters, memoranda, plans, specifications, and proposals.
- Lead meetings with clients, regulatory personnel, and other parties.
- Lead proposal efforts and other business development activities.
- Coordinate contractor oversight for assessment and remediation projects.
- Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, hydrogeology, or earth sciences. (required)
- Advanced degree of the same. (preferred)
- Professional registration (i.e., P.E. or P.G.) (preferred)
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 8 years (10+ preferred) of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
- Experience with developing and analyzing aquifer pumping tests. (required)
- Demonstrated proficiency in contaminant remediation and quantitative hydrogeology. (required)
- Experience with the use of high-resolution investigation methods (laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), membrane interface probes (MIP), and hydraulic profiling tools (HPT)). (preferred)
- Experience with visualization tools (AutoCAD, ArcGIS or EVS) and/or groundwater flow (Modflow, MT3D). (preferred)
- Demonstrated success in the development and management of clients. (required)
- Ability to succeed in a fast-paced consulting environment, handling multiple project assignments, meeting strict deadlines, and traveling to client facilities as needed. (required)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
- Minimum Salary: $123,235/year
- Maximum Salary: $199,555/year (Chicago, IL)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
LI-DH1
LI-Onsite
LI-Hybrid
Overview:
Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Hydrogeologist, Groundwater Modeler in our Chicago, IL office or other Midwest based offices. The opportunity to work a hybrid schedule may be available at the discretion of the Company. This position is well-suited for a talented, highly experienced groundwater modeler who is interested in contributing to innovative and challenging projects involving contaminated site assessment and remediation, groundwater management and water supply, litigation support, and contaminant fate and transport.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Design and oversight of hydrogeologic investigations and preparation of conceptual site models.
- Provide technical hydrogeological support to various projects including groundwater supply development, construction dewatering and contaminant sites.
- Characterize aquifers using various methods including aquifer pumping tests, down hole geophysics and high-resolution hydraulic profiling.
- Lead data analysis/visualization of site investigation data including the preparation of tables, maps, and figures using both industry-standard and cutting-edge applications.
- Support fate and transport modeling, natural attenuation evaluations, and risk assessment.
- Perform task and project management, including planning and implementing investigation and remediation projects, budgeting and budget management, adherence to schedule, quality, client satisfaction, and profitability.
- Serve as a testifying expert on litigation matters involving hydrogeologic assessment and contaminant fate and transport.
- Prepare, review, and certify technical reports, letters, memoranda, plans, specifications, and proposals.
- Lead meetings with clients, regulatory personnel, and other parties.
- Lead proposal efforts and other business development activities.
- Coordinate contractor oversight for assessment and remediation projects.
- Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, hydrogeology, or earth sciences. (required)
- Advanced degree of the same. (preferred)
- Professional registration (i.e., P.E. or P.G.) (preferred)
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least 8 years (10+ preferred) of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
- Experience with developing and analyzing aquifer pumping tests. (required)
- Demonstrated proficiency in contaminant remediation and quantitative hydrogeology. (required)
- Experience with the use of high-resolution investigation methods (laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), membrane interface probes (MIP), and hydraulic profiling tools (HPT)). (preferred)
- Experience with visualization tools (AutoCAD, ArcGIS or EVS) and/or groundwater flow (Modflow, MT3D). (preferred)
- Demonstrated success in the development and management of clients. (required)
- Ability to succeed in a fast-paced consulting environment, handling multiple project assignments, meeting strict deadlines, and traveling to client facilities as needed. (required)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
- Minimum Salary: $123,235/year
- Maximum Salary: $199,555/year (Chicago, IL)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
LI-DH1
LI-Onsite
LI-Hybrid
See all H-1B Visa Hydrogeologist Jobs
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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.