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 JobsINTRODUCTION
GFT is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental Sciences team in Owings Mills, MD. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Owings Mills office. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, design and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America. Our team guides clients through Environmental Assessments and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments and design, and environmental remediation efforts on projects that span transportation, power, water, and facilities markets. From environmental approvals to complex planning solutions, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Environmental Scientist, you will work on a variety of public and private sector projects supporting transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, and environmental restoration initiatives throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This role combines fieldwork with technical office responsibilities and is ideal for an individual who enjoys working in varied environmental settings while developing strong technical consulting and project delivery skills. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Opportunity to work across multiple environmental disciplines and project types.
- Support environmental compliance, permitting, assessment, investigation, remediation, and restoration projects across transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, natural resources, and related environmental disciplines.
- Assist with Phase I and Phase II ESA’s (soil and groundwater studies).
- Assist with NEPA documentation and environmental review processes.
- Conduct site inspections, environmental monitoring, and field reconnaissance.
- Perform wetland delineations, stream assessments, environmental resource surveys, and stream and wetland monitoring.
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Prepare technical reports, permit applications, environmental documentation, regulatory submissions, and analyze environmental and laboratory data to develop clear, defensible conclusions and recommendations.
- Assist project managers with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
- Plan, prioritize, and organize multiple assignments while meeting project deadlines.
- Perform GIS data collection, mapping, and analysis using ArcGIS.
- Mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for technical growth and progression into increased project responsibility.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you will bring to our firm:
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, or a related scientific or engineering field.
- 0-5 years of relevant environmental consulting, engineering, compliance, assessment, permitting, remediation, or field investigation experience.
- Entry-level candidates with internship, co-op, academic fieldwork, or other applicable experience are encouraged to apply.
- General knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to gather, organize, analyze, and interpret environmental data.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to complete assignments with appropriate direction.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Professional judgment, consistency, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work products.
- Willingness and ability to perform fieldwork in varying weather, terrain, and site conditions.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What we prefer you bring:
- Experience with environmental site assessments, subsurface investigations, remediation, compliance, permitting, or natural resource projects.
- Experience with wetland delineations, stream surveys, stream assessments, restoration, or ecological field studies.
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
- Experience with ArcGIS, GPS, or other environmental data collection tools.
- Familiarity with environmental databases and electronic data deliverables, including EQuIS.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microsoft Project, or related software.
- Knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory processes in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is $62,000 - $93,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
LOCATION
Location: Owings Mills, MD
CORE BUSINESS HOURS
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment Status: Full-Time
LI-KV1
LI-hybrid
INTRODUCTION
GFT is seeking an Environmental Scientist to join our Environmental Sciences team in Owings Mills, MD. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at our Owings Mills office. GFT’s Environmental team delivers integrated planning, permitting, design and compliance solutions that support infrastructure development across North America. Our team guides clients through Environmental Assessments and permitting processes, ecological and regulatory assessments and design, and environmental remediation efforts on projects that span transportation, power, water, and facilities markets. From environmental approvals to complex planning solutions, GFT helps clients protect resources, manage risk, and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As an Environmental Scientist, you will work on a variety of public and private sector projects supporting transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, and environmental restoration initiatives throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This role combines fieldwork with technical office responsibilities and is ideal for an individual who enjoys working in varied environmental settings while developing strong technical consulting and project delivery skills. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Opportunity to work across multiple environmental disciplines and project types.
- Support environmental compliance, permitting, assessment, investigation, remediation, and restoration projects across transportation, energy, infrastructure, facilities, natural resources, and related environmental disciplines.
- Assist with Phase I and Phase II ESA’s (soil and groundwater studies).
- Assist with NEPA documentation and environmental review processes.
- Conduct site inspections, environmental monitoring, and field reconnaissance.
- Perform wetland delineations, stream assessments, environmental resource surveys, and stream and wetland monitoring.
- Interpret and apply federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Prepare technical reports, permit applications, environmental documentation, regulatory submissions, and analyze environmental and laboratory data to develop clear, defensible conclusions and recommendations.
- Assist project managers with project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and execution.
- Plan, prioritize, and organize multiple assignments while meeting project deadlines.
- Perform GIS data collection, mapping, and analysis using ArcGIS.
- Mentoring, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Opportunities for technical growth and progression into increased project responsibility.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you will bring to our firm:
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, Biology, Ecology, or a related scientific or engineering field.
- 0-5 years of relevant environmental consulting, engineering, compliance, assessment, permitting, remediation, or field investigation experience.
- Entry-level candidates with internship, co-op, academic fieldwork, or other applicable experience are encouraged to apply.
- General knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to gather, organize, analyze, and interpret environmental data.
- Self-motivated, organized, and able to complete assignments with appropriate direction.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Professional judgment, consistency, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality work products.
- Willingness and ability to perform fieldwork in varying weather, terrain, and site conditions.
- Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What we prefer you bring:
- Experience with environmental site assessments, subsurface investigations, remediation, compliance, permitting, or natural resource projects.
- Experience with wetland delineations, stream surveys, stream assessments, restoration, or ecological field studies.
- OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification.
- Experience with ArcGIS, GPS, or other environmental data collection tools.
- Familiarity with environmental databases and electronic data deliverables, including EQuIS.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Microsoft Project, or related software.
- Knowledge of environmental permitting and regulatory processes in the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
COMPENSATION
The salary range for this role is $62,000 - $93,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
LOCATION
Location: Owings Mills, MD
CORE BUSINESS HOURS
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Employment Status: Full-Time
LI-KV1
LI-hybrid
See all 70+ OPT Environmental Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Scientist Jobs.
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.