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 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 573+ 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.