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
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 Engineer Jobs
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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.