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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WSP is seeking an Early Career Environmental Scientist for our Gainesville, FL office where you will be involved in projects within our Permitting, Planning, and Licensing Team and be a part of a growing organization that solves our clients’ challenges.
We’re looking for a motivated team member with an interest in environmental projects and regulatory agency requirements. To support our expanding portfolio, this role will be focused on Natural Resources and Permitting within a variety of markets. The candidate will provide technical assistance for the collection, identification, and compiling of data for a variety of biological, physical, and earth science projects across the region. You’ll be part of our interdisciplinary team and collaborate with planners, scientists, and engineers across WSP to deliver impactful results for our clients.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys.
- Under general supervision, perform wetland delineations, T&E surveys, and natural resource inventories (NRIs).
- Conduct surface and ground water sampling.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
- Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
- Comfortable with managing a workflow that includes field work and completion of reporting tasks for multiple projects in a timely manner.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
- Utilize the latest technologies, instrumentation, and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related life sciences field.
- 0 to 1+ years of relevant post education experience.
- Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
- Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from office and project locations.
- Periodic travel for field surveys (typically home for weekends, but some extended opportunities) may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
- Ability to work outside under a variety of site and weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Wetlands Professional in Training (WPIT) status with the Society of Wetland Scientists or equivalent education/experience.
- Herbaceous and woody plant identification skills.
- FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent status.
- Demonstrated experience trailering and operating small boats.
- ArcGIS capabilities.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
This Opportunity
WSP is seeking an Early Career Environmental Scientist for our Gainesville, FL office where you will be involved in projects within our Permitting, Planning, and Licensing Team and be a part of a growing organization that solves our clients’ challenges.
We’re looking for a motivated team member with an interest in environmental projects and regulatory agency requirements. To support our expanding portfolio, this role will be focused on Natural Resources and Permitting within a variety of markets. The candidate will provide technical assistance for the collection, identification, and compiling of data for a variety of biological, physical, and earth science projects across the region. You’ll be part of our interdisciplinary team and collaborate with planners, scientists, and engineers across WSP to deliver impactful results for our clients.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys.
- Under general supervision, perform wetland delineations, T&E surveys, and natural resource inventories (NRIs).
- Conduct surface and ground water sampling.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
- Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
- Comfortable with managing a workflow that includes field work and completion of reporting tasks for multiple projects in a timely manner.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
- Utilize the latest technologies, instrumentation, and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related life sciences field.
- 0 to 1+ years of relevant post education experience.
- Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
- Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from office and project locations.
- Periodic travel for field surveys (typically home for weekends, but some extended opportunities) may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
- Ability to work outside under a variety of site and weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Wetlands Professional in Training (WPIT) status with the Society of Wetland Scientists or equivalent education/experience.
- Herbaceous and woody plant identification skills.
- FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent status.
- Demonstrated experience trailering and operating small boats.
- ArcGIS capabilities.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See all 510+ 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.