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
Involves developing, implementing, and monitoring environmental and safety programs and policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations, and to ensure a safe and sustainable workplace.
Responsible for the research, collection, analyses of scientific data, development and implementation of procedures and techniques to meet environmental regulatory obligations and permitting requirements. Applies scientific theories to develop new and/or improved products, processes, or technologies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1–3 years of experience, a UAS pilot’s license, and experience in the utility industry. Applicants do not need to meet all of these to be considered.
Responsibilities
- Ensure application of sound environmental management principles to technical issues and in-field or in-facility activities.
- Support implementation of best management practices at the Authority’s facilities that respond to the findings of natural resources studies or are required by permit provisions.
- Ensure that work conducted on Authority property is conducted in an environmentally sound manner, meeting all regulatory requirements in a cost-efficient manner. The intent of this responsibility is to create value for the Authority through compliance with regulatory requirements while minimizing the adverse effect on Authority operations.
- Document regulatory requirements and manage the process of informing outside audiences (including agency personnel, landowners, government officials) of the Authority’s work and the conclusions drawn therefrom.
- Develop scopes of services, review bid proposals, evaluate the suitability of proposed vendors and participate in contract negotiations for a broad suite of environmental services; maintain current Trustee approvals; provide quality assurance oversight of vendor services through feedback from other departments.
- Review and interpret State and Federal Regulations in the areas of responsibility that may affect Authority operations including the preparation of applications to attain/maintain the permits for compliant operation under all applicable regulations and statutes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to review and comprehend environmental regulations and advise specific actions to senior colleagues.
- Capability to collaborate with colleagues to coordinate environmental compliance efforts related to issues from Authority Operating Facilities, Business Units, the regulatory community.
- Familiarity of state and federal agency regulations regarding environmental issues.
- Awareness of capacity to develop consensus for action in an operating and/or construction environment.
- Familiarity and knowledge of the Energy Industry and the associated technologies, services, and practices.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences, Biological Science, Environmental Science or related field.
- Minimum 1 year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Familiarity with knowledge area and the associated technologies, services, and practices preferred.
Physical Requirements
Up to 30% travel primarily within NY State.
HIRING MANAGER: Tyler Davis
DEPARTMENT: Transmission
GRADE LEVEL: EH02P1
The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $62,000 - $84,700. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.
INTRODUCTION
Involves developing, implementing, and monitoring environmental and safety programs and policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local environmental, health, and safety regulations, and to ensure a safe and sustainable workplace.
Responsible for the research, collection, analyses of scientific data, development and implementation of procedures and techniques to meet environmental regulatory obligations and permitting requirements. Applies scientific theories to develop new and/or improved products, processes, or technologies.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 1–3 years of experience, a UAS pilot’s license, and experience in the utility industry. Applicants do not need to meet all of these to be considered.
Responsibilities
- Ensure application of sound environmental management principles to technical issues and in-field or in-facility activities.
- Support implementation of best management practices at the Authority’s facilities that respond to the findings of natural resources studies or are required by permit provisions.
- Ensure that work conducted on Authority property is conducted in an environmentally sound manner, meeting all regulatory requirements in a cost-efficient manner. The intent of this responsibility is to create value for the Authority through compliance with regulatory requirements while minimizing the adverse effect on Authority operations.
- Document regulatory requirements and manage the process of informing outside audiences (including agency personnel, landowners, government officials) of the Authority’s work and the conclusions drawn therefrom.
- Develop scopes of services, review bid proposals, evaluate the suitability of proposed vendors and participate in contract negotiations for a broad suite of environmental services; maintain current Trustee approvals; provide quality assurance oversight of vendor services through feedback from other departments.
- Review and interpret State and Federal Regulations in the areas of responsibility that may affect Authority operations including the preparation of applications to attain/maintain the permits for compliant operation under all applicable regulations and statutes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Ability to review and comprehend environmental regulations and advise specific actions to senior colleagues.
- Capability to collaborate with colleagues to coordinate environmental compliance efforts related to issues from Authority Operating Facilities, Business Units, the regulatory community.
- Familiarity of state and federal agency regulations regarding environmental issues.
- Awareness of capacity to develop consensus for action in an operating and/or construction environment.
- Familiarity and knowledge of the Energy Industry and the associated technologies, services, and practices.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Geosciences, Biological Science, Environmental Science or related field.
- Minimum 1 year of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Familiarity with knowledge area and the associated technologies, services, and practices preferred.
Physical Requirements
Up to 30% travel primarily within NY State.
HIRING MANAGER: Tyler Davis
DEPARTMENT: Transmission
GRADE LEVEL: EH02P1
The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. The estimated salary range for this position is: $62,000 - $84,700. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.
NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email accessibility@nypa.gov.
See all 313+ 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.