Environmental Jobs for OPT Students
Environmental jobs on OPT span roles in consulting, remediation, compliance, and sustainability across government agencies, engineering firms, and nonprofits. Most positions qualify under the STEM OPT extension for degrees in environmental science, engineering, or related fields, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
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Maintain a high standard of overall look and feel of the store which includes maintaining store cleanliness and recovery standards to deliver our Brand Promises. Deliver friendly customer service, help customers shop our store and find what they're looking for.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collects and disposes of trash following approved procedures.
- Dust and damp mops floors following approved procedures.
- Moves equipment and products for proper cleaning and places products back in correct placement.
- Cleans assigned areas with the use of assigned materials and equipment.
- May require mixing water and detergents in containers to prepare cleaning solutions according to specifications.
- Deep clean key areas of the store including but not limited to bathrooms, breakrooms, entry ways and other high traffic areas to maintain a clean, safe environment for customers and staff.
- Must keep cleaning equipment neat and orderly; notify supervisor of supply needs in advance for replenishment.
- Seeks out areas requiring cleaning; takes initiative to complete the task.
- Completes all tasks assigned by supervisor.
- Performs tasks in accordance with all federal, state and county guidelines.
- Maintain positive and respectful interactions with both team members and customers, even in difficult situations, in keeping with the organization's vision and values.
- Project a positive image and serve as a role model for other Team Members.
Other duties as assigned may include:
- Provide a fast and friendly check out experience; execute cash handling to standards.
- Engage customers on benefits of Rewards program and Private Label Credit Cards and complete enrollments.
- Assist with Omni channel processes, including Buy Online Pickup in Store (BOPIS) and Ship from Store (SFS).
- Participate in the truck un-load, stocking, and planogram (POGs) processes.
- Support shrink and safety programs.
- Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws and requirements; execute Company policies and standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Type of experience the job requires:
- Retail and/or cleaning experience preferred.
Physical Requirements
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to remain standing for long periods of time.
- Ability to move throughout the store.
- Regular bending, lifting, carrying, reaching and stretching.
- Lifting heavy boxes and accessing high shelves by ladder or similar equipment.
- If you need help performing these essential functions of your job, please contact your supervisor so that we may engage in the interactive process with you to determine if a reasonable accommodation is available.
- Public retail store setting taking care of our customers; all public areas are climate controlled; some stock rooms may not be climate controlled; some outdoor work if assigned to retrieve shopping carts or while unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings.
- Use of standard commercial cleaners and chemicals from cleaning supplies.
LOCATION
Store - LI-ROOSEVELT FIELD, NY
COMPENSATION
Total Base Pay Range for this Position:
$18.25 - $21.20
At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative.
At Michaels, we prioritize the wellbeing of our teams by providing robust benefits for both full-time and part-time Team Members. Our benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, tuition assistance, generous employee discounts, and much more.
EEO STATEMENT
Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.
Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).
Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.
Michaels requires all team members in this role to be at least sixteen (16) years or older.
INTRODUCTION
Maintain a high standard of overall look and feel of the store which includes maintaining store cleanliness and recovery standards to deliver our Brand Promises. Deliver friendly customer service, help customers shop our store and find what they're looking for.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collects and disposes of trash following approved procedures.
- Dust and damp mops floors following approved procedures.
- Moves equipment and products for proper cleaning and places products back in correct placement.
- Cleans assigned areas with the use of assigned materials and equipment.
- May require mixing water and detergents in containers to prepare cleaning solutions according to specifications.
- Deep clean key areas of the store including but not limited to bathrooms, breakrooms, entry ways and other high traffic areas to maintain a clean, safe environment for customers and staff.
- Must keep cleaning equipment neat and orderly; notify supervisor of supply needs in advance for replenishment.
- Seeks out areas requiring cleaning; takes initiative to complete the task.
- Completes all tasks assigned by supervisor.
- Performs tasks in accordance with all federal, state and county guidelines.
- Maintain positive and respectful interactions with both team members and customers, even in difficult situations, in keeping with the organization's vision and values.
- Project a positive image and serve as a role model for other Team Members.
Other duties as assigned may include:
- Provide a fast and friendly check out experience; execute cash handling to standards.
- Engage customers on benefits of Rewards program and Private Label Credit Cards and complete enrollments.
- Assist with Omni channel processes, including Buy Online Pickup in Store (BOPIS) and Ship from Store (SFS).
- Participate in the truck un-load, stocking, and planogram (POGs) processes.
- Support shrink and safety programs.
- Adhere to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Company programs to ensure compliance with applicable laws and requirements; execute Company policies and standards.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Preferred Type of experience the job requires:
- Retail and/or cleaning experience preferred.
Physical Requirements
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Ability to remain standing for long periods of time.
- Ability to move throughout the store.
- Regular bending, lifting, carrying, reaching and stretching.
- Lifting heavy boxes and accessing high shelves by ladder or similar equipment.
- If you need help performing these essential functions of your job, please contact your supervisor so that we may engage in the interactive process with you to determine if a reasonable accommodation is available.
- Public retail store setting taking care of our customers; all public areas are climate controlled; some stock rooms may not be climate controlled; some outdoor work if assigned to retrieve shopping carts or while unloading trucks; Frame shop contains glass cutter and heat press; work hours include nights, weekends, and early mornings.
- Use of standard commercial cleaners and chemicals from cleaning supplies.
LOCATION
Store - LI-ROOSEVELT FIELD, NY
COMPENSATION
Total Base Pay Range for this Position:
$18.25 - $21.20
At The Michaels Companies Inc., our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity and celebration. As the leading destination for creating and celebrating in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative.
At Michaels, we prioritize the wellbeing of our teams by providing robust benefits for both full-time and part-time Team Members. Our benefits include health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, tuition assistance, generous employee discounts, and much more.
EEO STATEMENT
Michaels is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are here for all Team Members and all customers to create, innovate and be better together.
Michaels is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. In keeping with this commitment, Michaels will assure that people with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. Accordingly, if a reasonable accommodation is required to fully participate in the job application or interview process, to perform the essential functions of the job, and/or to receive all other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Customer Care at 1-800-642-4235 (1800-MICHAEL).
Applicants in the U.S. must satisfy federal, state, and local legal requirements of the job.
Michaels requires all team members in this role to be at least sixteen (16) years or older.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Environmental
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program has a STEM CIP code before applying. Environmental science, environmental engineering, and ecology degrees often qualify, unlocking the 24-month STEM OPT extension that makes you far more attractive to employers.
Highlight regulatory fluency in your resume
Employers value candidates who understand EPA regulations, NEPA compliance, and state environmental standards. Calling out specific frameworks you've worked with signals you can contribute immediately without a lengthy onboarding period.
Apply to federal contractor roles carefully
Some federal environmental contracts require security clearances or U.S. citizenship, which OPT students don't hold. Read job descriptions carefully for citizenship requirements before investing time in an application.
Document your fieldwork and certifications
Certifications like 40-Hour HAZWOPER training or EPA Section 608 are concrete differentiators for OPT candidates. Listing these alongside fieldwork hours shows employers you're operationally ready and reduces onboarding concerns tied to temporary work status.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do environmental jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree's CIP code, not the job title. Degrees in environmental engineering, environmental science, ecology, and earth sciences commonly carry STEM CIP designations. Your DSO can confirm whether your program qualifies. If it does, you're eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months, giving you up to three years of post-graduation work authorization.
Can I work for a government agency in an environmental role on OPT?
Yes, federal and state agencies can hire OPT students for environmental roles, but some positions are restricted to U.S. citizens due to security clearance requirements or specific agency policies. Roles at the EPA, state environmental departments, and local governments are often open to OPT holders. Always check the citizenship requirements in the job posting before applying.
How do I find environmental employers who are familiar with OPT sponsorship?
Browse Migrate Mate to find environmental roles from employers who have an established track record of hiring international students and sponsoring work visas. Environmental consulting firms and large engineering companies are your strongest bet since they hire OPT students regularly and have dedicated HR processes for work authorization documentation.
What happens to my OPT status if my environmental project ends before my authorization expires?
OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment during your authorization period, which can cover gaps between project-based roles. If one contract ends, you have 90 days to secure a new qualifying position before your status is compromised. For STEM OPT holders, the limit is 150 days cumulative across the full three-year period. Track your unemployment days carefully.
Does part-time or fieldwork-based environmental consulting count as valid OPT employment?
Yes, part-time work of at least 20 hours per week qualifies as valid OPT employment as long as the role is directly related to your degree. Contract, seasonal, and project-based fieldwork all count. Self-employment can qualify under standard OPT if you can demonstrate it is directly related to your field of study, though this requires careful documentation.
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