OPT Environmental Scientist Jobs
Environmental Scientist roles qualify for OPT work authorization under STEM-designated programs like environmental science, ecology, and earth sciences, making you eligible for up to 36 months of work authorization total. Many federal agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research organizations actively sponsor H-1B visas for this specialty occupation.
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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 a Senior Staff Environmental Engineer, Scientist or Geologist to join its collaborative team in Miami, FL. This individual will serve a key function in providing site exploration activities, including soil borings and monitoring well installations; conducting field tests; collecting field data and samples; monitoring construction sites; and compiling data and preparing reports. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, solve problems and overcome challenges in restoring the environment and returning blighted properties to productive re-use while protecting and enhancing the environment. The position encourages learning, growth, creativity, flexibility, and collaboration in a team environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning and execution of field investigations by performing field tests, collecting samples, collecting and recording data, and performing routine calculations;
- Monitor complex construction projects by taking various tests to evaluate whether contractor or subcontractor has complied with job specifications;
- Collect soil, soil vapor, indoor and ambient air, sediment, surface water, and groundwater samples;
- Operate and maintain groundwater and soil vapor treatment systems;
- Assist with acquisition of and compliance with regulatory agency permits to support site investigation and remediation;
- Review and interpret environmental, geological, and historical records to support environmental due diligence;
- Prepare a variety of standard logs and field forms (such as drilling logs, field investigation dailies, and chain of custody logs);
- Identify and implement solutions to both routine and more complex field problems and document them accurately, keeping project manager informed of problems encountered during work assignments;
- Lead tasks associated with the preparation and modification of various engineering documents including reports, specifications, plans, cost estimates and designs for projects;
- Perform and manage tasks within specific budgets and schedules. May track task and project budgets;
- Interact in a professional manner with client and subcontractor representatives in close collaboration with supervisor;
- Supervise or coordinate the work of staff engineers, interns and others who assist in specific assignments as needed; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geology or Hydrogeology;
- 4+ years of related experience in contaminated sites investigation, engineering feasibility studies, remedial and mitigation system design and construction oversight;
- For engineers, possession of a valid Professional licensure or ability to obtain within one year;
- Experience conducting Phase I, II and III environmental site assessment including drilling observation, sampling, well installation, construction/remediation oversight;
- Experience performing small and large scale groundwater treatment system design, operation and maintenance, and optimization;
- Experience providing litigation support services for expert witness projects, or similar;
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of state and federal environmental regulations (including CERCLA and RCRA);
- Experience working with state regulatory agencies;
- 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
- Possess reliable transportation for client meetings and job site visits and a valid driver's license in good standing.
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 a Senior Staff Environmental Engineer, Scientist or Geologist to join its collaborative team in Miami, FL. This individual will serve a key function in providing site exploration activities, including soil borings and monitoring well installations; conducting field tests; collecting field data and samples; monitoring construction sites; and compiling data and preparing reports. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, solve problems and overcome challenges in restoring the environment and returning blighted properties to productive re-use while protecting and enhancing the environment. The position encourages learning, growth, creativity, flexibility, and collaboration in a team environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning and execution of field investigations by performing field tests, collecting samples, collecting and recording data, and performing routine calculations;
- Monitor complex construction projects by taking various tests to evaluate whether contractor or subcontractor has complied with job specifications;
- Collect soil, soil vapor, indoor and ambient air, sediment, surface water, and groundwater samples;
- Operate and maintain groundwater and soil vapor treatment systems;
- Assist with acquisition of and compliance with regulatory agency permits to support site investigation and remediation;
- Review and interpret environmental, geological, and historical records to support environmental due diligence;
- Prepare a variety of standard logs and field forms (such as drilling logs, field investigation dailies, and chain of custody logs);
- Identify and implement solutions to both routine and more complex field problems and document them accurately, keeping project manager informed of problems encountered during work assignments;
- Lead tasks associated with the preparation and modification of various engineering documents including reports, specifications, plans, cost estimates and designs for projects;
- Perform and manage tasks within specific budgets and schedules. May track task and project budgets;
- Interact in a professional manner with client and subcontractor representatives in close collaboration with supervisor;
- Supervise or coordinate the work of staff engineers, interns and others who assist in specific assignments as needed; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geology or Hydrogeology;
- 4+ years of related experience in contaminated sites investigation, engineering feasibility studies, remedial and mitigation system design and construction oversight;
- For engineers, possession of a valid Professional licensure or ability to obtain within one year;
- Experience conducting Phase I, II and III environmental site assessment including drilling observation, sampling, well installation, construction/remediation oversight;
- Experience performing small and large scale groundwater treatment system design, operation and maintenance, and optimization;
- Experience providing litigation support services for expert witness projects, or similar;
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of state and federal environmental regulations (including CERCLA and RCRA);
- Experience working with state regulatory agencies;
- 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
- Possess reliable transportation for client meetings and job site visits and a valid driver's license in good standing.
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 81+ OPT Environmental Scientist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Environmental Scientist
Target environmental consulting firms first
Large consulting firms like AECOM, Tetra Tech, and WSP regularly hire environmental scientists and have established visa sponsorship pipelines. They understand OPT timelines and STEM extension eligibility better than smaller niche employers.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Environmental science, ecology, geology, and earth science degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, since some adjacent programs do not qualify.
Lead with your authorization status upfront
State clearly in your cover letter that you have OPT work authorization and are eligible for a STEM extension. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume authorization is complicated, so clarifying early removes friction from the hiring process.
Prioritize federal contractors and government-adjacent roles
Environmental scientists working on EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, or DOE contracts are common targets for H-1B sponsorship. These employers rely on specialized talent and are experienced navigating immigration requirements for technical scientific roles.
Highlight specialized technical skills in your applications
GIS proficiency, NEPA compliance experience, hazardous waste certifications, and air quality modeling tools like AERMOD are credentials that strengthen specialty occupation arguments, which directly support employer willingness to sponsor H-1B petitions.
Apply before your OPT start date when possible
Employers who want to sponsor you need time to prepare an H-1B petition. Starting your job search three to six months before your OPT authorization begins gives both sides enough runway to plan sponsorship before your status expires.
Environmental Scientist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an environmental scientist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, environmental scientist positions typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, ecology, geology, or a closely related field. Employers must document that the specific role requires this degree, not just any bachelor's degree. Roles involving regulatory compliance, site assessment, or environmental modeling are strong candidates for specialty occupation approval.
Can I work as an environmental scientist on a STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in environmental science, ecology, earth science, or another STEM-designated field on the DHS STEM list, you qualify for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months of OPT. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must submit a formal training plan with your DSO before your standard OPT period ends.
Where can I find environmental scientist jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship history and work authorization compatibility. Environmental scientist roles from consulting firms, government contractors, and research institutions that actively sponsor visas are listed on Migrate Mate, saving you time compared to filtering through general job postings that don't disclose sponsorship intent.
Do government agencies hire environmental scientists on OPT?
Federal agencies generally require U.S. citizenship, so direct federal positions are not available to OPT students. However, federal contractors and subcontractors working on EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and Department of Energy projects frequently hire environmental scientists on OPT. State and local government agencies have varying policies, with some positions open to work-authorized non-citizens.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my environmental science project ends before my OPT expires?
OPT requires that you maintain qualifying employment related to your degree. You have a 90-day unemployment buffer across your total OPT period to find a new position. Project-based or contract work in environmental consulting counts as qualifying employment while active, but gaps between contracts count against your unemployment limit. Plan your job search to stay within the 90-day threshold.