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.
Find OPT Environmental Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 65+ Environmental Scientist jobs
See all 65+ Environmental Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsThis Opportunity
WSP is seeking an Early Career Environmental Scientist for our Gainesville, FL office where you will be involved in projects within our Permitting, Planning, and Licensing Team and be a part of a growing organization that solves our clients’ challenges.
We’re looking for a motivated team member with an interest in environmental projects and regulatory agency requirements. To support our expanding portfolio, this role will be focused on Natural Resources and Permitting within a variety of markets. The candidate will provide technical assistance for the collection, identification, and compiling of data for a variety of biological, physical, and earth science projects across the region. You’ll be part of our interdisciplinary team and collaborate with planners, scientists, and engineers across WSP to deliver impactful results for our clients.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys.
- Under general supervision, perform wetland delineations, T&E surveys, and natural resource inventories (NRIs).
- Conduct surface and ground water sampling.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
- Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
- Comfortable with managing a workflow that includes field work and completion of reporting tasks for multiple projects in a timely manner.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
- Utilize the latest technologies, instrumentation, and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related life sciences field.
- 0 to 1+ years of relevant post education experience.
- Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
- Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from office and project locations.
- Periodic travel for field surveys (typically home for weekends, but some extended opportunities) may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
- Ability to work outside under a variety of site and weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Wetlands Professional in Training (WPIT) status with the Society of Wetland Scientists or equivalent education/experience.
- Herbaceous and woody plant identification skills.
- FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent status.
- Demonstrated experience trailering and operating small boats.
- ArcGIS capabilities.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
This Opportunity
WSP is seeking an Early Career Environmental Scientist for our Gainesville, FL office where you will be involved in projects within our Permitting, Planning, and Licensing Team and be a part of a growing organization that solves our clients’ challenges.
We’re looking for a motivated team member with an interest in environmental projects and regulatory agency requirements. To support our expanding portfolio, this role will be focused on Natural Resources and Permitting within a variety of markets. The candidate will provide technical assistance for the collection, identification, and compiling of data for a variety of biological, physical, and earth science projects across the region. You’ll be part of our interdisciplinary team and collaborate with planners, scientists, and engineers across WSP to deliver impactful results for our clients.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, conduct natural resource field surveys.
- Under general supervision, perform wetland delineations, T&E surveys, and natural resource inventories (NRIs).
- Conduct surface and ground water sampling.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurement and documentation.
- Assist with performing basic professional environmental science work relating to ecological systems and water resources, assisting with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing entry-level technical assistance on various environmental issues.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems and field/work site notebook.
- Comfortable with managing a workflow that includes field work and completion of reporting tasks for multiple projects in a timely manner.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, the maintenance of sample collection, location data, laboratory or statistical documentation, and logbooks.
- Utilize the latest technologies, instrumentation, and techniques in performing studies and analysis of habitats, sites, and potential impacts to the health of the environment and the population.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, ecology, natural resource management, or a related life sciences field.
- 0 to 1+ years of relevant post education experience.
- Analytical skills, and familiarity with research techniques, local/regional ecology and habitats, and applicable species/discipline.
- Familiar with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a scientific and non-scientific audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with business writing, office automation and communication software, technology, and tools.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to and from office and project locations.
- Periodic travel for field surveys (typically home for weekends, but some extended opportunities) may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
- Ability to work outside under a variety of site and weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Wetlands Professional in Training (WPIT) status with the Society of Wetland Scientists or equivalent education/experience.
- Herbaceous and woody plant identification skills.
- FWC Gopher Tortoise Agent status.
- Demonstrated experience trailering and operating small boats.
- ArcGIS capabilities.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See all 65+ 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.