OPT Environmental Field Technician Jobs
Environmental Field Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in environmental science, geology, chemistry, or civil engineering. Field-based roles qualify as STEM OPT in most cases, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization if your employer files the required I-983 training plan.
Find OPT Environmental Field Technician JobsOverview
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Get Access To All JobsGENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct environmental site investigations, assessments and surveys to sample, measure and analyze air, water, material, and soil. Identify, evaluate and recommend risk and remediation strategies/designs to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Prepare applicable permit applications, risk assessments and technical documents including proposals, reports and regulatory agency correspondence. Design systems and environmental protection plans. Projects may include Phase I/II environmental site assessments, ecological and natural resource field surveys, tank closure assessments, asbestos abatement, storm water management, and site planning and permitting.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
-
Understand and practice quality acumen.
-
Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
-
Developing level scientific professional responsible for conducting analyses of component portions of projects; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.
-
Perform site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
-
Assist in the collection and analysis of data from sampling, reports, maps, drawings, tests and aerial photographs to evaluate, plan and permit projects.
-
Conduct water, soil and other sampling.
-
Implements technical requirements to complete client projects by directing field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
-
Outlines required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies in field of expertise.
-
Drafts written proposals to clients for small projects and may assist with portions of proposals on larger projects.
-
May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related science field and a minimum 1 year related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 5 years’ related experience.
-
A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise preferred.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we’re at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.
EEO Statement Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Conduct environmental site investigations, assessments and surveys to sample, measure and analyze air, water, material, and soil. Identify, evaluate and recommend risk and remediation strategies/designs to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Prepare applicable permit applications, risk assessments and technical documents including proposals, reports and regulatory agency correspondence. Design systems and environmental protection plans. Projects may include Phase I/II environmental site assessments, ecological and natural resource field surveys, tank closure assessments, asbestos abatement, storm water management, and site planning and permitting.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
-
Understand and practice quality acumen.
-
Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
-
Developing level scientific professional responsible for conducting analyses of component portions of projects; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.
-
Perform site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
-
Assist in the collection and analysis of data from sampling, reports, maps, drawings, tests and aerial photographs to evaluate, plan and permit projects.
-
Conduct water, soil and other sampling.
-
Implements technical requirements to complete client projects by directing field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
-
Outlines required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies in field of expertise.
-
Drafts written proposals to clients for small projects and may assist with portions of proposals on larger projects.
-
May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
-
Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related science field and a minimum 1 year related experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 5 years’ related experience.
-
A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise preferred.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Our national environmental team helps our clients do the right thing for their projects, and for our planet. Our professionals include environmental architects, archaeologists, biologists, engineers, geologists, historians, industrial hygienists, planners, and scientists. Working together in the field, office, or lab, we help guide clients through the steps and processes to address environmental challenges and move their projects forward as quickly, safely, and sustainably as possible. With services including site assessment, planning and permitting including cultural and natural resources, sustainability and resiliency, regulatory compliance, and industrial hygiene and safety, we’re at the forefront of helping clients succeed and communities thrive.
EEO Statement Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
See all OPT Environmental Field Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Field Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Environmental Field Technician
Target environmental consulting firms over government agencies
Federal and state agencies typically can't sponsor OPT students due to hiring restrictions. Environmental consulting firms like those working in site remediation, air quality, or water testing hire internationally and are far more familiar with OPT work authorization.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Environmental science, geology, chemistry, and civil engineering are all on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before starting your job search so you can accurately represent your authorization timeline to employers.
Apply before your OPT start date is approved
Environmental field roles often have urgent hiring timelines tied to project seasons. Apply three to four months before your intended start date and be upfront that your EAD is pending. Most experienced employers will hold an offer while authorization processes.
Highlight field certifications that reduce employer onboarding cost
40-hour HAZWOPER certification, OSHA 10, and first aid or CPR credentials signal you can go into the field immediately. Employers weighing OPT paperwork against hiring a local candidate are more likely to move forward when your certifications reduce their ramp-up burden.
Address the I-983 training plan early in conversations
STEM OPT requires your employer to submit a formal training plan. Mention you're familiar with the I-983 requirement and that it can be completed quickly. Framing this as a simple onboarding step rather than a legal burden reassures employers unfamiliar with the process.
Focus on project-based firms with federal contracts
Environmental firms holding EPA, Army Corps, or DOT contracts tend to have compliance departments comfortable with international employees. These firms also offer multi-year projects that align naturally with your OPT timeline, making continued authorization easier to justify internally.
Environmental Field Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Environmental Field Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree such as environmental science, geology, chemistry, or civil engineering, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total. Your employer must also be E-Verify registered and submit a signed I-983 training plan with your DSO.
Can I work for a government agency as an Environmental Field Technician on OPT?
Most federal agencies are barred from hiring F-1 OPT students, and many state agencies follow similar restrictions. Your best options are private environmental consulting firms, engineering companies, or contractors that hold government project contracts. These employers are generally more experienced with OPT work authorization and can move faster through the hiring process.
How do I find Environmental Field Technician employers who are open to OPT?
Browse Environmental Field Technician listings on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers with a demonstrated history of sponsoring international students. This saves you from applying to roles where OPT will be a dealbreaker. Prioritizing firms with active STEM OPT candidates already on staff is one of the most reliable signals that an employer understands the authorization process.
What documents do I need to present before starting an Environmental Field Technician job on OPT?
You need your valid EAD card, your current F-1 visa, your I-20 with an OPT authorization stamp, and your passport. Your employer will use these to complete Form I-9. For STEM OPT, you'll also need to provide a copy of your signed I-983 training plan and confirm your employer is enrolled in E-Verify before your DSO updates your SEVIS record.
Can I work across multiple field sites or client locations on OPT?
Yes. OPT does not restrict you to a single fixed worksite, so field roles that involve moving between environmental sampling locations, remediation sites, or client properties are fully permitted. Your employment authorization is tied to your employer, not a specific address. However, any significant change to your job duties or employer must be reported to your DSO within 10 days.