OPT Environmental Specialist Jobs
Environmental Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in environmental science, engineering, or a related field. Many roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in consulting, government contracting, and energy regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this position.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for Environmental Science graduates to join our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA) office! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- The opportunity to gain knowledge in one or more of the following: natural resource regulations, water quality regulatory programs, wetlands identification including knowledge of botany and soil science and experience in ecology, wildlife biology, water resources, geographic information systems and environmental science.
- Some travel and fieldwork may be required (approximately 10-30%).
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelors or Masters Degree in relevant majors including Biology, Environmental Science, or related majors by Summer 2027.
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
INTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for Environmental Science graduates to join our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PA) office! This is not a remote position.
Responsibilities
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- The opportunity to gain knowledge in one or more of the following: natural resource regulations, water quality regulatory programs, wetlands identification including knowledge of botany and soil science and experience in ecology, wildlife biology, water resources, geographic information systems and environmental science.
- Some travel and fieldwork may be required (approximately 10-30%).
QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelors or Masters Degree in relevant majors including Biology, Environmental Science, or related majors by Summer 2027.
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
See all 554+ OPT Environmental Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Environmental Specialist
Target STEM-designated roles
Environmental Specialist positions tied to engineering, data analysis, or environmental science typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree CIP code aligns before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Focus on consulting firms and government contractors
Environmental consulting firms and federal contractors sponsor work visas at higher rates than many other employers. These organizations handle complex, ongoing environmental compliance work that creates sustained demand for specialized talent beyond OPT.
Highlight regulatory knowledge in your resume
Employers value familiarity with EPA standards, NEPA review processes, and state-level environmental regulations. Demonstrating this expertise signals you can contribute immediately, which strengthens the case for sponsoring your visa after OPT ends.
Apply early relative to your OPT end date
H-1B petitions must be filed months before your OPT expires, and cap-subject filings have an April 1 deadline. Starting conversations with employers at least a year before your OPT ends gives both sides enough time to plan.
Address OPT proactively in interviews
Many hiring managers at environmental firms are unfamiliar with OPT authorization. Preparing a clear, brief explanation of your work authorization timeline and what H-1B sponsorship involves removes uncertainty and keeps the process moving forward.
Pursue relevant certifications to strengthen your profile
Credentials like LEED, HAZWOPER, or state-specific environmental certifications differentiate you from other candidates. Employers weighing sponsorship costs are more likely to commit when a candidate brings specialized, hard-to-replace technical qualifications.
Environmental Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Environmental Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your degree, not the job title alone. If your degree is in environmental engineering, environmental science, or a closely related STEM field, your CIP code likely qualifies. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer. Roles that involve data analysis or engineering tasks tend to have the clearest STEM alignment.
How do I find Environmental Specialist employers that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters Environmental Specialist jobs by employers with a documented history of visa sponsorship. Rather than applying broadly and discovering sponsorship issues late in the process, you can prioritize roles where the employer has already demonstrated willingness to support international candidates.
Can I work for a government agency as an Environmental Specialist on OPT?
Federal agencies generally cannot hire F-1 OPT students directly due to citizenship requirements for most positions. State and local government agencies vary, with some open to OPT workers. Environmental consulting firms contracting with government agencies are often a more accessible path and sponsor visas at competitive rates.
What happens to my OPT if my Environmental Specialist role ends before my authorized period expires?
You have a 60-day grace period after your employment ends to find a new position, transfer to a new visa status, or depart the United States. For STEM OPT holders, unemployment cannot exceed 150 days total across the extension period. Report any job changes to your DSO promptly to keep your SEVIS record accurate.
Is fieldwork and travel compatible with F-1 OPT status for Environmental Specialist roles?
Yes. OPT authorizes full-time employment with your sponsoring employer, which includes fieldwork, site visits, and domestic travel as part of that job. International travel is permitted but requires a valid F-1 visa stamp, a current I-20 with a travel signature from your DSO, and a valid passport before departing the United States.