OPT Environmental Jobs
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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for Environmental Science graduates to join our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA) office! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- The opportunity to gain knowledge in one or more of the following: natural resource regulations, water quality regulatory programs, wetlands identification including knowledge of botany and soil science and experience in ecology, wildlife biology, water resources, geographic information systems and environmental science.
- Some travel and fieldwork may be required (approximately 10-30%).
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelors or Masters Degree in relevant majors including Biology, Environmental Science, or related majors by Summer 2027.
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
INTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for Environmental Science graduates to join our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA) office! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- The opportunity to gain knowledge in one or more of the following: natural resource regulations, water quality regulatory programs, wetlands identification including knowledge of botany and soil science and experience in ecology, wildlife biology, water resources, geographic information systems and environmental science.
- Some travel and fieldwork may be required (approximately 10-30%).
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelors or Masters Degree in relevant majors including Biology, Environmental Science, or related majors by Summer 2027.
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
See all 554+ OPT Environmental Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Prioritize consulting firms and engineering firms
Environmental consulting and engineering firms like CDM Smith, AECOM, and Arcadis regularly hire OPT students and have dedicated HR processes for work authorization. These employers sponsor H-1B visas at higher rates than most industries.
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.
Get your EAD card in hand early
File your OPT application with USCIS at least 90 days before graduation. Environmental field roles often have start dates tied to project cycles, and employers won't wait weeks for your Employment Authorization Document.
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.
Environmental OPT: Frequently 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.