OPT Environmental Engineer Jobs
Environmental Engineer jobs on OPT are available across consulting firms, government contractors, and manufacturing companies. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers typically file H-1B visa sponsorship for strong performers before OPT expires.
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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 531+ OPT Environmental Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Environmental Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Environmental engineering roles almost always fall under STEM OPT extension eligibility. Focus on employers already familiar with the 24-month STEM extension process, as they understand the timeline and are more likely to sponsor H-1B visa before your OPT expires.
Emphasize licensed PE mentorship alignment
Many environmental firms value OPT hires who are actively pursuing Professional Engineer licensure. Framing your interest in mentorship and the FE exam signals long-term commitment, which directly addresses employer concerns about visa timeline and retention risk.
Research employers with federal contracts
Government contractors like environmental consulting and remediation firms frequently need engineers for EPA and DoD projects. These firms sponsor visas regularly and often have dedicated HR processes for foreign national employees, making OPT transitions smoother and faster.
Highlight specific technical software proficiency
Environmental engineers who can demonstrate hands-on experience with tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D, GIS, or HYDRUS are harder to replace. Specific technical skills reduce employer hesitation about sponsoring you, because your expertise directly offsets their H-1B investment.
Apply to roles requiring your specific degree field
STEM OPT extension requires your job to be directly related to your degree. Environmental engineering, civil engineering with environmental focus, or environmental science degrees must match the posted role. Confirm this alignment before applying to protect your extension eligibility.
Start sponsorship conversations during the offer stage
Do not wait until your OPT nears expiration to ask about H-1B sponsorship. Raising it professionally during negotiations, after receiving an offer, lets both sides plan for the H-1B lottery timeline and signals you are serious about staying long term.
Environmental Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do environmental engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Environmental engineering is a STEM-designated field, so most environmental engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization after graduation. Your job must be directly related to your degree, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to participate.
How do I find environmental engineer employers who sponsor OPT on Migrate Mate?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT and H-1B candidates, which removes the guesswork of applying to firms that will not consider visa holders. Searching for environmental engineer roles on Migrate Mate lets you focus your applications on employers already prepared to work with your authorization status.
Can I work as an environmental engineer contractor or consultant on OPT?
Yes, but with an important restriction. OPT prohibits self-employment, so you cannot work as an independent contractor billing clients directly. You must be employed by a company that pays you as a W-2 employee. Many environmental consulting firms hire OPT students as full-time employees and place them on client sites, which is permissible.
What happens to my OPT if my environmental engineering employer loses a contract and lays me off?
You enter a 60-day grace period after losing employment on post-completion OPT. During that window, you can find a new qualifying environmental engineer position, apply for a change of status, or prepare to depart. Unemployment also counts against your 90-day unemployment limit for standard OPT and 150 days for STEM OPT, so acting quickly matters.
Does working part-time as an environmental engineer satisfy OPT requirements?
During post-completion OPT, you must work at least 20 hours per week in a job related to your degree to remain in valid status. Part-time environmental engineering roles can satisfy this if the work is directly tied to your field of study. Full-time employment is strongly preferred by most employers and eliminates ambiguity in your authorization.