EHS Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
EHS Specialist roles qualify for F-1 OPT when your degree is in environmental science, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or a related STEM field. Many positions fall under STEM OPT extension-eligible CIP codes, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build experience in compliance, safety programs, and regulatory reporting.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are looking for a dedicated Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist to oversee and enhance workplace safety and compliance programs. This role involves conducting audits, delivering safety training, managing permits, and fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in regulatory compliance and a proactive approach to maintaining a safe and sustainable workplace.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure EHS policies and procedures are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Manage and maintain environmental permits, including stormwater, air, and wastewater permits.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify workplace hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Facilitate safety training sessions for employees, including orientations for new team members and annual compliance refreshers.
- Investigate workplace incidents and accidents, prepare detailed reports, and recommend corrective measures.
- Maintain EHS documentation, such as Safety Data Sheets, injury logs, permits, and compliance reports.
- Coordinate and execute emergency response plans, including drills and preparedness measures.
- Monitor and analyze EHS performance metrics to identify areas for continuous improvement.
- Promote employee engagement and awareness regarding safety practices and initiatives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar EHS role, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Strong knowledge of OSHA standards and other regulatory compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective training and collaboration.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHS management systems.
- Relevant certifications, such as OSHA 30-Hour, First Aid, or CPR, are advantageous.
- Proven ability to analyze data and implement actionable safety improvements.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
INTRODUCTION
We are looking for a dedicated Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Specialist to oversee and enhance workplace safety and compliance programs. This role involves conducting audits, delivering safety training, managing permits, and fostering a culture of safety throughout the organization. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in regulatory compliance and a proactive approach to maintaining a safe and sustainable workplace.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure EHS policies and procedures are compliant with local, state, and federal regulations.
- Manage and maintain environmental permits, including stormwater, air, and wastewater permits.
- Conduct regular audits and inspections to identify workplace hazards and implement corrective actions.
- Facilitate safety training sessions for employees, including orientations for new team members and annual compliance refreshers.
- Investigate workplace incidents and accidents, prepare detailed reports, and recommend corrective measures.
- Maintain EHS documentation, such as Safety Data Sheets, injury logs, permits, and compliance reports.
- Coordinate and execute emergency response plans, including drills and preparedness measures.
- Monitor and analyze EHS performance metrics to identify areas for continuous improvement.
- Promote employee engagement and awareness regarding safety practices and initiatives.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar EHS role, preferably within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Strong knowledge of OSHA standards and other regulatory compliance requirements.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective training and collaboration.
- Ability to work independently while contributing to cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and EHS management systems.
- Relevant certifications, such as OSHA 30-Hour, First Aid, or CPR, are advantageous.
- Proven ability to analyze data and implement actionable safety improvements.
Robert Half is the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles. Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
© 2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking “Apply Now,” you’re agreeing to Robert Half’s Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an EHS Specialist
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
EHS Specialist positions require a degree in environmental science, occupational health, industrial hygiene, or engineering. Before applying, verify your field of study directly supports the job description, since OPT authorization is tied to your degree's relevance to the position.
Prioritize STEM OPT-eligible employers
Many EHS roles at manufacturing, construction, and chemical companies qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Target employers registered with E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT, and confirm their E-Verify status before accepting an offer.
Highlight regulatory knowledge in your application
Employers value OPT candidates who already understand OSHA standards, EPA regulations, or NFPA codes. Demonstrating familiarity with specific regulatory frameworks signals you can contribute immediately, reducing the employer's concern about onboarding time during your authorization window.
Pursue relevant certifications while on OPT
Credentials like the Associate Safety Professional (ASP) or Occupational Health and Safety Technologist (OHST) strengthen your profile significantly. Earning these during your OPT period shows employers long-term commitment to the field and makes you more competitive for sponsorship consideration.
Address OPT authorization proactively with employers
Many hiring managers misunderstand OPT and assume it is complicated. Prepare a brief explanation of your authorization timeline, cap-gap protection if applicable, and STEM extension eligibility so employers understand exactly how long you can work without additional sponsorship.
Target industries with consistent EHS hiring needs
Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, construction, and chemical processing companies hire EHS Specialists regularly and have established HR processes for work authorization. These industries are more familiar with sponsoring international employees than smaller firms encountering OPT for the first time.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an EHS Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. If your degree is in environmental science, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or certain engineering fields classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, your EHS Specialist role will likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find EHS Specialist employers that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point since it filters specifically for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship, saving you the time of screening hundreds of job postings manually. Beyond that, large manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, and construction firms tend to have established processes for work authorization and are more likely to have sponsored international employees before.
Can I work as an EHS Specialist on pre-completion OPT while still finishing my degree?
Yes, pre-completion OPT is available before you graduate, but it is part-time only (20 hours per week or less during the academic year). Most EHS Specialist roles are full-time, so you would typically need post-completion OPT to work in a standard position. Pre-completion OPT can work for part-time or internship-based EHS roles.
What degree fields support OPT authorization for EHS Specialist jobs?
Environmental science, environmental engineering, industrial hygiene, occupational safety and health, civil engineering, and chemical engineering are the most common qualifying fields. Your degree must be directly related to the EHS Specialist role under your employer's job description. If your degree is in an unrelated field, your DSO can help you assess whether a direct connection can be established.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B sponsorship?
If your employer submits an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and your case is selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year, even if your EAD expires earlier. If you are not selected in the lottery, you will need to stop working unless another visa option is available. Planning your OPT end date around the H-1B filing timeline is critical.
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