J-1 Visa Environmental Scientist Jobs
Environmental Scientist roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Research Scholar, Trainee, or Intern program categories, depending on your career stage. A designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and monitors program compliance while you work with a U.S. host employer on field research, environmental assessment, or regulatory science projects.
See All Environmental Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 6+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsThe Opportunity
Tetra Tech is looking for a part-time Environmental Scientist Intern based in Kansas City, MO.
Position Summary
We are seeking an intern to provide support on various environmental projects throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. This position will primarily support environmental investigations for a variety of contracts, including federal, state, local, and commercial clients.
In this position you will be part of a project team. You will gain valuable data collection experience in the field, and preparing detailed analysis of field data and project reports. Tetra Tech provides mentoring and training opportunities to help junior staff hone their areas of expertise and diversify their interests.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
- Field sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water and indoor air samples and other investigations.
- Assistance with report preparation.
- Preparation of sampling plans.
- Interpretation of sample data and preparation of data summary reports.
- Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment used during field studies.
- Supporting other environmental studies.
- The position will require extensive outdoor work as well as overnight travel.
In addition, the following is required:
- Background check.
- Driving on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
Why Tetra Tech
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Required Qualifications
- Working toward a BS in engineering, environmental science or other scientific related degree.
- 0-1 years of experience.
- Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Highly motivated, customer focused and work well in a team environment.
- Proficiency with MS Word and Excel preferred.
- Able to work at least 24-40 hours/week (additional hours can be worked depending on candidate's availability).
Physical Requirements
- Able to lift sample coolers and other equipment up to 50lbs.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors
- The position will require extensive outdoor work as well as overnight travel.
- The work environment is a mix of office and field.
Additional Information (REQUIRED)
- This part-time position requires roughly 30-40% travel.
- Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7am-5pm, with some exceptions when traveling that may require weekend work and hours outside normal business hours.
- Possible night and weekend work.
- Driving on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
Life at Tetra Tech
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
Benefits
Tetra Tech offers a basic core medical plan and our 401k retirement plan for this position.
Health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. Our 25,000 employees work together to provide clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Please no phone calls or agencies.
The Opportunity
Tetra Tech is looking for a part-time Environmental Scientist Intern based in Kansas City, MO.
Position Summary
We are seeking an intern to provide support on various environmental projects throughout Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri. This position will primarily support environmental investigations for a variety of contracts, including federal, state, local, and commercial clients.
In this position you will be part of a project team. You will gain valuable data collection experience in the field, and preparing detailed analysis of field data and project reports. Tetra Tech provides mentoring and training opportunities to help junior staff hone their areas of expertise and diversify their interests.
Essential Job Functions
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions:
- Field sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water and indoor air samples and other investigations.
- Assistance with report preparation.
- Preparation of sampling plans.
- Interpretation of sample data and preparation of data summary reports.
- Regular maintenance and calibration of equipment used during field studies.
- Supporting other environmental studies.
- The position will require extensive outdoor work as well as overnight travel.
In addition, the following is required:
- Background check.
- Driving on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
Why Tetra Tech
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Required Qualifications
- Working toward a BS in engineering, environmental science or other scientific related degree.
- 0-1 years of experience.
- Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Highly motivated, customer focused and work well in a team environment.
- Proficiency with MS Word and Excel preferred.
- Able to work at least 24-40 hours/week (additional hours can be worked depending on candidate's availability).
Physical Requirements
- Able to lift sample coolers and other equipment up to 50lbs.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors
- The position will require extensive outdoor work as well as overnight travel.
- The work environment is a mix of office and field.
Additional Information (REQUIRED)
- This part-time position requires roughly 30-40% travel.
- Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7am-5pm, with some exceptions when traveling that may require weekend work and hours outside normal business hours.
- Possible night and weekend work.
- Driving on a regular basis. Passing a motor vehicle record background check and maintaining a valid driver's license and good driving record is required.
Life at Tetra Tech
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
Benefits
Tetra Tech offers a basic core medical plan and our 401k retirement plan for this position.
Health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including any public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, and international authorities as well as client and project requirements.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. Our 25,000 employees work together to provide clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Please no phone calls or agencies.
See all 6+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Environmental Scientist
Align your credentials with specialty occupation standards
Environmental Scientist positions often require a degree in environmental science, chemistry, geology, or a related natural science. Gather transcripts, credential evaluations, and any professional licenses before approaching host employers, since designated sponsors verify these during DS-2019 issuance.
Target host employers with active research programs
Federal agencies like the EPA, USGS, and NOAA routinely host J-1 exchange visitors in environmental roles. State environmental agencies and university-affiliated research institutes are also strong targets because their compliance infrastructure is already aligned with J-1 program requirements.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1 compatible roles
Use Migrate Mate to filter Environmental Scientist positions at U.S. employers whose hiring history signals openness to exchange visitors. Identifying roles where the host has previously worked with J-1 participants saves significant time before outreach.
Build a training plan before the offer stage
Trainee and Intern category sponsors require a detailed training plan outlining skills you will gain and how they differ from regular employment duties. Draft this document with your prospective host employer early so it is ready the moment a designated sponsor begins reviewing your application.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement upfront
Environmental Scientist roles funded by a government agency or tied to graduate study in your home country frequently trigger the two-year home residency requirement. Confirm your eligibility for a waiver through DOL or a relevant federal agency before accepting a host employer offer.
Confirm prevailing wage compliance with your host employer
Although J-1 is not subject to a DOL Labor Condition Application the way H-1B is, your compensation must meet the standard for similar positions in the area. Cross-check your offered salary against the OFLC Wage Search or Bureau of Labor Statistics data for Environmental Scientists in that geographic market.
Environmental Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Environmental Scientist JobsEnvironmental Scientist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits an Environmental Scientist role?
The right category depends on your career stage. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program, the Intern category applies. If you have completed your degree within the past year and are in early-career training, the Trainee category is the appropriate fit. Established researchers with a graduate degree and professional experience typically qualify under the Research Scholar category, which is commonly used for university and federal agency placements.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as an Environmental Scientist?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your hiring employer. Entities such as IIE, Cultural Vistas, and CIEE issue the DS-2019 form that activates your J-1 status. Your host employer, whether a consulting firm, federal agency, or research institute, is the organization where you work and gain experience. These are two separate roles, and your host must be approved by the designated sponsor before your program begins.
Does the two-year home residency requirement apply to Environmental Scientist J-1 holders?
It can. If your training in environmental science was funded by your home government, or if your home country's government identifies Environmental Scientist as a skill in short supply and has flagged the exchange category, the two-year requirement may apply. You can check your DS-2019 remarks section and the State Department's Exchange Visitor Skills List for your country. Waivers are available through channels including a no-objection statement from your home government or a request from a U.S. federal agency.
How do I find U.S. host employers open to J-1 Environmental Scientists?
Use Migrate Mate to search for Environmental Scientist roles at employers whose hiring patterns align with exchange visitor programs. Federal research agencies, environmental consulting firms, and land-management organizations are common host types. Once you identify a promising employer, confirm directly that they are willing to engage a designated sponsor organization before investing time in a formal application.
Can an Environmental Scientist on a J-1 visa transition to a work visa later?
Yes, but the two-year home residency requirement must be resolved first if it applies to you. Once that obligation is fulfilled or waived, you are eligible to change to H-1B or another work visa category. Environmental Scientist positions that qualify as specialty occupations under USCIS standards are common pathways for that transition, provided you have a U.S. employer willing to file a petition on your behalf.
See which Environmental Scientist employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Environmental Scientist Jobs