OPT Environmental Geologist Jobs
Environmental Geologist jobs on OPT involve fieldwork, site assessments, and lab analysis, making STEM OPT designation common since the role typically requires a degree in geology, environmental science, or a related field. Your 12-month standard OPT period can extend to 24 months under STEM OPT, giving you meaningful time to build U.S. experience and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsLangan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten "Best Firms to Work For" and Engineering News-Record's top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking an Entry-Level Environmental Engineer, Scientist or Geologist to join its collaborative team in Milwaukee, WI. This individual will serve a key function in providing site exploration activities including, but not limited to contaminated site investigation and remediation work; soil and groundwater sampling; vapor intrusion investigation; remedial investigation, design, implementation, and monitoring; pilot tests; data management, processing, and evaluation; and report preparation. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with top industry leadership on a complex and diverse portfolio of environmental projects in a continuous learning environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform field inspections and environmental investigations;
- Perform air, soil, gas, groundwater sampling and remediation of contaminated properties;
- Assist with the planning and execution of field investigations by logging borings, collecting samples, performing field tests, and collecting and recording data. Perform routine and special calculations;
- Field oversight of remediation activities and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with job specifications;
- Identify and implement solutions to both routine and more complex field and/or laboratory problems and accurately document results; Communicate with supervisor on any problems encountered on project sites;
- Assist with the preparation of technical reports, specifications, and plans; data management and evaluation; and environmental assessment and remediation; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or Geology;
- Minimum GPA of 3.0;
- 0-2 years of work-related experience;
- Prior relevant internship or professional work experience preferred;
- Applicants with an engineering degree are preferred to have EIT Certification, or current registration for FE exam;
- Strong technical education, professional demeanor, and desire to learn;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities;
- Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment;
- Availability to work overtime as needed; and
- Travel may be required based on business needs and project assignments. Travel requirements may vary by position and may change based on business needs.
Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice at Collection to understand how we collect, use, and retain your personal information: https://www.langan.com/langan-notice-at-collection
Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten "Best Firms to Work For" and Engineering News-Record's top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking an Entry-Level Environmental Engineer, Scientist or Geologist to join its collaborative team in Milwaukee, WI. This individual will serve a key function in providing site exploration activities including, but not limited to contaminated site investigation and remediation work; soil and groundwater sampling; vapor intrusion investigation; remedial investigation, design, implementation, and monitoring; pilot tests; data management, processing, and evaluation; and report preparation. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with top industry leadership on a complex and diverse portfolio of environmental projects in a continuous learning environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform field inspections and environmental investigations;
- Perform air, soil, gas, groundwater sampling and remediation of contaminated properties;
- Assist with the planning and execution of field investigations by logging borings, collecting samples, performing field tests, and collecting and recording data. Perform routine and special calculations;
- Field oversight of remediation activities and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with job specifications;
- Identify and implement solutions to both routine and more complex field and/or laboratory problems and accurately document results; Communicate with supervisor on any problems encountered on project sites;
- Assist with the preparation of technical reports, specifications, and plans; data management and evaluation; and environmental assessment and remediation; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, or Geology;
- Minimum GPA of 3.0;
- 0-2 years of work-related experience;
- Prior relevant internship or professional work experience preferred;
- Applicants with an engineering degree are preferred to have EIT Certification, or current registration for FE exam;
- Strong technical education, professional demeanor, and desire to learn;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities;
- Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment;
- Availability to work overtime as needed; and
- Travel may be required based on business needs and project assignments. Travel requirements may vary by position and may change based on business needs.
Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice at Collection to understand how we collect, use, and retain your personal information: https://www.langan.com/langan-notice-at-collection
See all 30+ OPT Environmental Geologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Geologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Environmental Geologist
Target environmental consulting firms with federal contracts
Firms like those holding EPA, Army Corps, or DOE contracts sponsor OPT and H-1B visa workers regularly. Federal contract work requires technical specialists, making these employers structurally dependent on hiring geologists regardless of visa status.
Highlight your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Environmental Geology typically qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mentioning this in your cover letter reduces employer hesitation, since they get nearly three years of work authorization before any H-1B filing decision becomes necessary.
Get licensed or start the process before job searching
Many Environmental Geologist roles require a Professional Geologist license or active progress toward one. Passing the Fundamentals of Geology exam signals commitment and makes you a stronger hire for employers evaluating OPT candidates against permanent residents.
Frame your fieldwork and lab skills quantitatively on your resume
Employers reviewing OPT candidates want specifics. List software platforms you use, sample volumes processed, or number of Phase I and Phase II ESA reports completed. Concrete output makes your candidacy easier to justify internally when sponsorship conversations arise.
Apply to state and local government environmental agencies
State environmental agencies routinely hire geologists and can sponsor OPT work authorization. Government roles often have structured career ladders and established HR processes for visa sponsorship, reducing the ambiguity that smaller private employers sometimes struggle with.
Time your STEM OPT extension application carefully
File your STEM OPT extension at least 90 days before your standard OPT expires. Delays in your DSO reporting or USCIS processing can create unauthorized gaps. Confirm your employer is E-Verify registered, which is required for STEM OPT.
Environmental Geologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Environmental Geologist qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. If your degree is in geology, geoscience, environmental science, or a closely related STEM field, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12-month OPT period. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your degree's CIP code. Most accredited geology and geoscience programs carry qualifying CIP codes, so the extension is broadly available to Environmental Geologist candidates.
Do Environmental Geologist employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Environmental consulting firms and government contractors sponsor H-1B petitions with reasonable frequency because qualified geologists are in consistent demand and the specialty occupation criteria are well-established for licensed or degree-holding geologists. Smaller boutique firms sponsor less often than mid-sized and large firms. Migrate Mate filters sponsorship-willing employers so you can focus your applications where sponsorship is actually on the table.
Can I work in the field on OPT as an Environmental Geologist?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work in your field of study, which includes fieldwork such as soil sampling, well installation, and site investigation. Your employment must be directly related to your degree. Keep records of your job duties in case USCIS reviews your OPT employment, since field-heavy roles are sometimes scrutinized to confirm the degree connection.
What happens to my OPT if my Environmental Geologist contract ends between projects?
Standard OPT allows up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during the 12-month period. STEM OPT allows up to 150 days total across both periods. If a contract ends and you're between projects, those days count toward your unemployment limit. Start your next job search immediately and document your efforts. Short consulting gaps are common in this field, so tracking your days carefully matters.
Does working part-time on OPT as an Environmental Geologist count toward my authorization?
Yes, OPT permits part-time employment of at least 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Part-time Environmental Geologist roles do count as valid OPT employment as long as the work is directly related to your geology or environmental science degree. However, STEM OPT extension requires full-time employment of at least 20 hours per week with an E-Verify enrolled employer.