Environmental Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
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 sponsorship for strong performers before OPT expires.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
The Environmental Engineer will work under the direction of the Environmental Manager and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. This role involves assisting in the development and maintenance of the environmental management system under the guidance of the Environmental Manager. The Environmental Engineer will manage environmental projects, enforce safety guidelines, and promote continuous improvement efforts within the plant.
Job Description
Environmental Engineer
Location: Tyler, TX
Pay: Based on Experience
Shift Days: Monday–Friday
Shift Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What You’ll Do
- Ensure personal and team safety by wearing appropriate PPE and promoting safety principles.
- Ensure facility compliance with Federal and State Air regulations, RCRA, SPCC, SWPPP, NPDES, DOT, and EPCRA.
- Enforce environmental and safety guidelines and procedures.
- Engage employees in environmental, safety, and process improvement initiatives.
- Manage environmental project activities, including air pollution control, stormwater monitoring, and wastewater treatment.
- Create, improve, and complete environmental reports and maintain records.
- Assess environmental risks and advise team members on environmental impacts.
- Calculate emissions for permit applications and modifications.
- Develop and implement sampling and monitoring plans.
- Manage hazardous material and chemical disposal activities.
- Conduct site investigations and prepare compliance reports.
- Review and maintain SDS documentation and calculate material compositions for EPCRA reporting.
- Maintain environmental software technologies and assist with environmental training.
- Respond to environmental incidents and follow EHS guidelines.
- Stay updated on new technologies and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare technical documentation for regulatory agencies and internal use.
- Work with plant supervisors to direct hourly employees in completing environmentally related job duties properly.
- Ensure personal safety and the safety of team members by wearing appropriate PPE and reporting unsafe conditions or incidents promptly.
- While the responsibilities listed above represent the core functions of this role, the Environmental Engineer may be assigned additional tasks by the Environmental Manager or company leadership as needed to support environmental compliance and operational objectives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an environmental-related discipline, chemistry, engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in environmental management in a heavy manufacturing environment or a related field.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental standards and regulations.
- Proficiency in database systems and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to maintain effective relationships at all organizational levels.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations.
- Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, sitting, using hands, reaching, talking, and hearing, with occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and tasting or smelling.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and distance vision.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and always follow all safety rules/procedures.
- Excellent attendance and punctuality.
Why Join Us
- Be part of a company with over 100 years of stability and industry leadership as a proud member of the McWane family.
- Work in a culture that prioritizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through The McWane Way principles.
- Join a supportive team that values trust, teamwork, and open communication.
- Enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
- Contribute to meaningful work that supports critical infrastructure and community development.
- Experience long-term employment with a company committed to its people and their success.
Additional Information
Based on the founding principles of McWane in 1920, it is expected that all team members will know and exhibit the eight principles of The McWane Way: Safety, Environment, Leadership, Accountability, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, and Communication as well as the values and behaviors supporting these principles.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Company Description
The Environmental Engineer will work under the direction of the Environmental Manager and ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. This role involves assisting in the development and maintenance of the environmental management system under the guidance of the Environmental Manager. The Environmental Engineer will manage environmental projects, enforce safety guidelines, and promote continuous improvement efforts within the plant.
Job Description
Environmental Engineer
Location: Tyler, TX
Pay: Based on Experience
Shift Days: Monday–Friday
Shift Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
What You’ll Do
- Ensure personal and team safety by wearing appropriate PPE and promoting safety principles.
- Ensure facility compliance with Federal and State Air regulations, RCRA, SPCC, SWPPP, NPDES, DOT, and EPCRA.
- Enforce environmental and safety guidelines and procedures.
- Engage employees in environmental, safety, and process improvement initiatives.
- Manage environmental project activities, including air pollution control, stormwater monitoring, and wastewater treatment.
- Create, improve, and complete environmental reports and maintain records.
- Assess environmental risks and advise team members on environmental impacts.
- Calculate emissions for permit applications and modifications.
- Develop and implement sampling and monitoring plans.
- Manage hazardous material and chemical disposal activities.
- Conduct site investigations and prepare compliance reports.
- Review and maintain SDS documentation and calculate material compositions for EPCRA reporting.
- Maintain environmental software technologies and assist with environmental training.
- Respond to environmental incidents and follow EHS guidelines.
- Stay updated on new technologies and regulatory requirements.
- Prepare technical documentation for regulatory agencies and internal use.
- Work with plant supervisors to direct hourly employees in completing environmentally related job duties properly.
- Ensure personal safety and the safety of team members by wearing appropriate PPE and reporting unsafe conditions or incidents promptly.
- While the responsibilities listed above represent the core functions of this role, the Environmental Engineer may be assigned additional tasks by the Environmental Manager or company leadership as needed to support environmental compliance and operational objectives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in an environmental-related discipline, chemistry, engineering, or a related field.
- 3+ years of experience in environmental management in a heavy manufacturing environment or a related field.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental standards and regulations.
- Proficiency in database systems and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to maintain effective relationships at all organizational levels.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to interpret technical procedures and governmental regulations.
- Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, sitting, using hands, reaching, talking, and hearing, with occasional climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and tasting or smelling.
- Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and distance vision.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) and always follow all safety rules/procedures.
- Excellent attendance and punctuality.
Why Join Us
- Be part of a company with over 100 years of stability and industry leadership as a proud member of the McWane family.
- Work in a culture that prioritizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through The McWane Way principles.
- Join a supportive team that values trust, teamwork, and open communication.
- Enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
- Contribute to meaningful work that supports critical infrastructure and community development.
- Experience long-term employment with a company committed to its people and their success.
Additional Information
Based on the founding principles of McWane in 1920, it is expected that all team members will know and exhibit the eight principles of The McWane Way: Safety, Environment, Leadership, Accountability, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, and Communication as well as the values and behaviors supporting these principles.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Environmental Engineer
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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