OPT Environmental Technician Jobs
Environmental Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in environmental science, biology, chemistry, or engineering technology. Many positions involve field sampling, lab analysis, and compliance monitoring, which align directly with STEM OPT extension eligibility and the 24-month extension most students qualify for.
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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 511+ OPT Environmental Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Environmental Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Environmental Technician
Target environmental consulting firms first
Firms like environmental consultancies and remediation contractors hire Environmental Technicians regularly and have established OPT onboarding processes. They handle EPA compliance work year-round, making consistent hiring more likely than project-based government contractors.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, and biology degrees typically appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this determines whether you qualify for the 24-month extension.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Most employers need time to verify your EAD and set up payroll. Begin applying at least 60 days before your current OPT authorization begins so offers and start dates align with your authorized employment period without gaps.
Highlight field and lab certifications on your resume
40-hour HAZWOPER certification, soil sampling experience, and water quality testing skills directly address what hiring managers screen for. These credentials signal you can work independently in the field from day one, reducing training costs employers factor into OPT hiring decisions.
Ask about STEM OPT mentorship plans early
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan submitted to your DSO. Raise this in later-stage interviews, not after the offer. Employers already familiar with Form I-983 requirements are far more likely to complete it accurately and on time.
Focus on employers with active EPA or state agency contracts
Companies holding active environmental compliance contracts with federal or state agencies tend to have stable, long-term staffing needs. That stability matters for OPT students who need continuous employment to maintain valid status throughout the authorization period.
Environmental Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Environmental Technician roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, provided your underlying degree is on the STEM designated degree list. Degrees in environmental science, environmental engineering, chemistry, biology, and related technical fields commonly qualify. The job itself must also be directly related to your degree field. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer, since the extension is tied to your degree classification, not just the job title.
What does an employer need to sponsor an Environmental Technician on OPT?
For standard OPT, the employer simply verifies your EAD and reports the hire to your DSO within 10 days. For STEM OPT, the employer must be E-Verify enrolled, sign a formal training plan on Form I-983, and provide evaluations every six months. Most mid-size environmental consulting firms are already E-Verify enrolled due to federal contract requirements, which makes them practical targets for STEM OPT students.
How do I find Environmental Technician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Environmental Technician positions from employers who are open to hiring OPT and visa-sponsored candidates, so you're not filtering through hundreds of roles that exclude international students. Searching there saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process.
Can I work as an Environmental Technician as a contractor or on a per-project basis on OPT?
OPT requires that you work for a single employer in a role directly related to your degree. Short-term project work is permissible as long as each engagement is with one employer at a time and the work remains within your degree field. Self-employment and independent contracting for multiple clients simultaneously are not permitted under standard or STEM OPT authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if my Environmental Technician contract ends between projects?
Standard OPT allows up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment, and STEM OPT extends that to 150 days. If a project-based contract ends, that gap counts toward your unemployment limit from the day employment stops. Lining up your next position before a contract closes is important. Your DSO must also be updated promptly whenever your employment situation changes to keep your SEVIS record accurate.