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
GFT is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental Sciences team in Owings Mills, MD. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Owings Mills office. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, design and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America. Our team guides clients through Environmental Assessments and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments and design, and environmental remediation efforts on projects that span transportation, power, water, and facilities markets. From environmental approvals to complex planning solutions, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Environmental Scientist, you will work on a variety of public and private sector projects supporting transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, and environmental restoration initiatives throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This role combines fieldwork with technical office responsibilities and is ideal for an individual who enjoys working in varied environmental settings while developing strong technical consulting and project delivery skills. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Opportunity to work across multiple environmental disciplines and project types.
- Support environmental compliance, permitting, assessment, investigation, remediation, and restoration projects across transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, natural resources, and related environmental disciplines.
- Assist with Phase I and Phase II ESA’s (soil and groundwater studies).
- Assist with NEPA documentation and environmental review processes.
- Conduct site inspections, environmental monitoring, and field reconnaissance.
- Perform wetland delineations, stream assessments, environmental resource surveys, and stream and wetland monitoring.
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Prepare technical reports, permit applications, environmental documentation, regulatory submissions, and analyze environmental and laboratory data to develop clear, defensible conclusions and recommendations.
- Assist project managers with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
- Plan, prioritize, and organize multiple assignments while meeting project deadlines.
- Perform GIS data collection, mapping, and analysis using ArcGIS.
- Mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for technical growth and progression into increased project responsibility.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you will bring to our firm:
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, or a related scientific or engineering field.
- 0-5 years of relevant environmental consulting, engineering, compliance, assessment, permitting, remediation, or field investigation experience.
- Entry-level candidates with internship, co-op, academic fieldwork, or other applicable experience are encouraged to apply.
- General knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to gather, organize, analyze, and interpret environmental data.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to complete assignments with appropriate direction.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Professional judgment, consistency, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work products.
- Willingness and ability to perform fieldwork in varying weather, terrain, and site conditions.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What we prefer you bring:
- Experience with environmental site assessments, subsurface investigations, remediation, compliance, permitting, or natural resource projects.
- Experience with wetland delineations, stream surveys, stream assessments, restoration, or ecological field studies.
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
- Experience with ArcGIS, GPS, or other environmental data collection tools.
- Familiarity with environmental databases and electronic data deliverables, including EQuIS.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microsoft Project, or related software.
- Knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory processes in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is $62,000 - $93,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
LOCATION
Location: Owings Mills, MD
CORE BUSINESS HOURS
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment Status: Full-Time
LI-KV1
LI-hybrid
INTRODUCTION
GFT is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental Sciences team in Owings Mills, MD. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Owings Mills office. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, design and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America. Our team guides clients through Environmental Assessments and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments and design, and environmental remediation efforts on projects that span transportation, power, water, and facilities markets. From environmental approvals to complex planning solutions, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Environmental Scientist, you will work on a variety of public and private sector projects supporting transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, and environmental restoration initiatives throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This role combines fieldwork with technical office responsibilities and is ideal for an individual who enjoys working in varied environmental settings while developing strong technical consulting and project delivery skills. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Opportunity to work across multiple environmental disciplines and project types.
- Support environmental compliance, permitting, assessment, investigation, remediation, and restoration projects across transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, natural resources, and related environmental disciplines.
- Assist with Phase I and Phase II ESA’s (soil and groundwater studies).
- Assist with NEPA documentation and environmental review processes.
- Conduct site inspections, environmental monitoring, and field reconnaissance.
- Perform wetland delineations, stream assessments, environmental resource surveys, and stream and wetland monitoring.
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Prepare technical reports, permit applications, environmental documentation, regulatory submissions, and analyze environmental and laboratory data to develop clear, defensible conclusions and recommendations.
- Assist project managers with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
- Plan, prioritize, and organize multiple assignments while meeting project deadlines.
- Perform GIS data collection, mapping, and analysis using ArcGIS.
- Mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for technical growth and progression into increased project responsibility.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you will bring to our firm:
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, or a related scientific or engineering field.
- 0-5 years of relevant environmental consulting, engineering, compliance, assessment, permitting, remediation, or field investigation experience.
- Entry-level candidates with internship, co-op, academic fieldwork, or other applicable experience are encouraged to apply.
- General knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to gather, organize, analyze, and interpret environmental data.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to complete assignments with appropriate direction.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Professional judgment, consistency, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work products.
- Willingness and ability to perform fieldwork in varying weather, terrain, and site conditions.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What we prefer you bring:
- Experience with environmental site assessments, subsurface investigations, remediation, compliance, permitting, or natural resource projects.
- Experience with wetland delineations, stream surveys, stream assessments, restoration, or ecological field studies.
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
- Experience with ArcGIS, GPS, or other environmental data collection tools.
- Familiarity with environmental databases and electronic data deliverables, including EQuIS.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microsoft Project, or related software.
- Knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory processes in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is $62,000 - $93,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
LOCATION
Location: Owings Mills, MD
CORE BUSINESS HOURS
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment Status: Full-Time
LI-KV1
LI-hybrid
See all 530+ OPT Environmental Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Jobs.
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.