Environmental Technician Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsThe Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding an Environmental Technician to support environmental surveys, compliance, and construction monitoring for renewable energy projects. This role focuses on ensuring compliance with environmental permits during construction while supporting field-based biological and environmental surveys.
The Environmental Technician will observe and document permit compliance, adhere to standardized protocols, communicate with construction contractors, and complete accurate data collection and reporting. In addition to construction monitoring, this role may support wildlife, botanical, and wetland surveys as needed. The majority of project sites are located in eastern Oregon and Washington, and preference will be given to candidates residing within a 4-hour drive of project sites.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Essential Job Functions:
- Conduct environmental compliance monitoring during construction activities
- Observe and document compliance with environmental permits and project requirements
- Communicate effectively with construction contractors and project teams
- Complete accurate field data collection forms, reports, and documentation
- Support biological and environmental surveys, including wildlife, vegetation, and wetland assessments
- Utilize GPS units and field equipment to collect and track site data
- Maintain compliance with health and safety protocols in remote and active construction environments
- Work independently in the field while maintaining regular communication
- Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards
- Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness
- Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns
- Additional duties as required
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Soils, or related field preferred (not required)
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in environmental fieldwork, construction monitoring, or site restoration
- Experience with environmental compliance monitoring on construction projects preferred
- Experience with soil science, restoration ecology, wildlife, or botany preferred
- Experience implementing NPDES 1200-C permits preferred
- CESCL certification preferred (or ability to obtain)
- Proficiency using GPS units and field data collection tools
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with construction teams and field personnel
- Ability to work independently in remote field environments
- Willingness to adhere to all safety requirements in rural and isolated areas
- Ability to work in harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain
- Flexibility in scheduling due to changing field conditions
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions
Work Schedule & Travel:
- Up to 4 field days per week, depending on project needs
- Work may be seasonal, with increased field demands during peak periods
- Travel required to project sites throughout Oregon and Washington
- Housing and travel expenses reimbursed during field assignments
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits
- Merit-based financial rewards
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth
A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate with experience.
Pay Range: $28.00 – $45.00 hourly
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at Tetra Tech. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities: LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding an Environmental Technician to support environmental surveys, compliance, and construction monitoring for renewable energy projects. This role focuses on ensuring compliance with environmental permits during construction while supporting field-based biological and environmental surveys.
The Environmental Technician will observe and document permit compliance, adhere to standardized protocols, communicate with construction contractors, and complete accurate data collection and reporting. In addition to construction monitoring, this role may support wildlife, botanical, and wetland surveys as needed. The majority of project sites are located in eastern Oregon and Washington, and preference will be given to candidates residing within a 4-hour drive of project sites.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Essential Job Functions:
- Conduct environmental compliance monitoring during construction activities
- Observe and document compliance with environmental permits and project requirements
- Communicate effectively with construction contractors and project teams
- Complete accurate field data collection forms, reports, and documentation
- Support biological and environmental surveys, including wildlife, vegetation, and wetland assessments
- Utilize GPS units and field equipment to collect and track site data
- Maintain compliance with health and safety protocols in remote and active construction environments
- Work independently in the field while maintaining regular communication
- Conduct activities in line with internal procedures, legislation, and industry standards
- Pursue continuous professional development and maintain a high degree of discipline knowledge and awareness
- Work in a safe manner at all times and report all health and safety incidents and concerns
- Additional duties as required
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Soils, or related field preferred (not required)
- 3–5 years of relevant experience in environmental fieldwork, construction monitoring, or site restoration
- Experience with environmental compliance monitoring on construction projects preferred
- Experience with soil science, restoration ecology, wildlife, or botany preferred
- Experience implementing NPDES 1200-C permits preferred
- CESCL certification preferred (or ability to obtain)
- Proficiency using GPS units and field data collection tools
- Strong communication skills and ability to work with construction teams and field personnel
- Ability to work independently in remote field environments
- Willingness to adhere to all safety requirements in rural and isolated areas
- Ability to work in harsh weather conditions and rugged terrain
- Flexibility in scheduling due to changing field conditions
- Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record without restrictions
Work Schedule & Travel:
- Up to 4 field days per week, depending on project needs
- Work may be seasonal, with increased field demands during peak periods
- Travel required to project sites throughout Oregon and Washington
- Housing and travel expenses reimbursed during field assignments
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits
- Merit-based financial rewards
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth
A pre-employment drug screen in compliance with federal regulations is required, along with a physical if needed.
Compensation:
Pay commensurate with experience.
Pay Range: $28.00 – $45.00 hourly
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience and demonstrated work experience in the above role; skills, certifications, and competencies that align to the specified role; geographic location; and education, as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position. At Tetra Tech, health and safety play a vital role in our success. Tetra Tech’s employees work together to comply with all applicable health & safety practices and protocols, including public health orders and regulations that are mandated by local, state, provincial, federal, international authorities, and clients.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at Tetra Tech. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities: LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
How to Get Visa 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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