OPT Geologist Jobs
Geologist jobs on OPT are a strong fit for STEM-designated degrees in geology, earth sciences, and related fields, making you eligible for up to three years of work authorization. Demand spans energy, environmental consulting, and mining sectors, with many employers experienced in sponsoring international geoscience professionals.
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Get Access To All JobsLangan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten "Best Firms to Work For" and Engineering News-Record's top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking a Senior Staff Environmental Engineer, Scientist or Geologist to join its collaborative team in Miami, FL. This individual will serve a key function in providing site exploration activities, including soil borings and monitoring well installations; conducting field tests; collecting field data and samples; monitoring construction sites; and compiling data and preparing reports. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, solve problems and overcome challenges in restoring the environment and returning blighted properties to productive re-use while protecting and enhancing the environment. The position encourages learning, growth, creativity, flexibility, and collaboration in a team environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning and execution of field investigations by performing field tests, collecting samples, collecting and recording data, and performing routine calculations;
- Monitor complex construction projects by taking various tests to evaluate whether contractor or subcontractor has complied with job specifications;
- Collect soil, soil vapor, indoor and ambient air, sediment, surface water, and groundwater samples;
- Operate and maintain groundwater and soil vapor treatment systems;
- Assist with acquisition of and compliance with regulatory agency permits to support site investigation and remediation;
- Review and interpret environmental, geological, and historical records to support environmental due diligence;
- Prepare a variety of standard logs and field forms (such as drilling logs, field investigation dailies, and chain of custody logs);
- Identify and implement solutions to both routine and more complex field problems and document them accurately, keeping project manager informed of problems encountered during work assignments;
- Lead tasks associated with the preparation and modification of various engineering documents including reports, specifications, plans, cost estimates and designs for projects;
- Perform and manage tasks within specific budgets and schedules. May track task and project budgets;
- Interact in a professional manner with client and subcontractor representatives in close collaboration with supervisor;
- Supervise or coordinate the work of staff engineers, interns and others who assist in specific assignments as needed; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geology or Hydrogeology;
- 4+ years of related experience in contaminated sites investigation, engineering feasibility studies, remedial and mitigation system design and construction oversight;
- For engineers, possession of a valid Professional licensure or ability to obtain within one year;
- Experience conducting Phase I, II and III environmental site assessment including drilling observation, sampling, well installation, construction/remediation oversight;
- Experience performing small and large scale groundwater treatment system design, operation and maintenance, and optimization;
- Experience providing litigation support services for expert witness projects, or similar;
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of state and federal environmental regulations (including CERCLA and RCRA);
- Experience working with state regulatory agencies;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities;
- Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment;
- Availability to work overtime as needed; and
- Possess reliable transportation for client meetings and job site visits and a valid driver's license in good standing.
Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice at Collection to understand how we collect, use, and retain your personal information: https://www.langan.com/langan-notice-at-collection
Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten "Best Firms to Work For" and Engineering News-Record's top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking a Senior Staff Environmental Engineer, Scientist or Geologist to join its collaborative team in Miami, FL. This individual will serve a key function in providing site exploration activities, including soil borings and monitoring well installations; conducting field tests; collecting field data and samples; monitoring construction sites; and compiling data and preparing reports. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work on diverse projects, solve problems and overcome challenges in restoring the environment and returning blighted properties to productive re-use while protecting and enhancing the environment. The position encourages learning, growth, creativity, flexibility, and collaboration in a team environment.
Job Responsibilities
- Assist with the planning and execution of field investigations by performing field tests, collecting samples, collecting and recording data, and performing routine calculations;
- Monitor complex construction projects by taking various tests to evaluate whether contractor or subcontractor has complied with job specifications;
- Collect soil, soil vapor, indoor and ambient air, sediment, surface water, and groundwater samples;
- Operate and maintain groundwater and soil vapor treatment systems;
- Assist with acquisition of and compliance with regulatory agency permits to support site investigation and remediation;
- Review and interpret environmental, geological, and historical records to support environmental due diligence;
- Prepare a variety of standard logs and field forms (such as drilling logs, field investigation dailies, and chain of custody logs);
- Identify and implement solutions to both routine and more complex field problems and document them accurately, keeping project manager informed of problems encountered during work assignments;
- Lead tasks associated with the preparation and modification of various engineering documents including reports, specifications, plans, cost estimates and designs for projects;
- Perform and manage tasks within specific budgets and schedules. May track task and project budgets;
- Interact in a professional manner with client and subcontractor representatives in close collaboration with supervisor;
- Supervise or coordinate the work of staff engineers, interns and others who assist in specific assignments as needed; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Geology or Hydrogeology;
- 4+ years of related experience in contaminated sites investigation, engineering feasibility studies, remedial and mitigation system design and construction oversight;
- For engineers, possession of a valid Professional licensure or ability to obtain within one year;
- Experience conducting Phase I, II and III environmental site assessment including drilling observation, sampling, well installation, construction/remediation oversight;
- Experience performing small and large scale groundwater treatment system design, operation and maintenance, and optimization;
- Experience providing litigation support services for expert witness projects, or similar;
- In-depth knowledge and understanding of state and federal environmental regulations (including CERCLA and RCRA);
- Experience working with state regulatory agencies;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities;
- Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment;
- Availability to work overtime as needed; and
- Possess reliable transportation for client meetings and job site visits and a valid driver's license in good standing.
Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
Please review our Applicant Privacy Notice at Collection to understand how we collect, use, and retain your personal information: https://www.langan.com/langan-notice-at-collection
See all 98+ OPT Geologist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Geologist
Target STEM OPT-friendly industries
Energy companies, environmental consulting firms, and mining operations hire geologists regularly and have established processes for OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship. Focus your search on these sectors before approaching employers without a sponsorship track record.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Geology, geophysics, earth science, and hydrogeology degrees are typically on the STEM OPT designated program list. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, since the extension depends on your program classification, not just your job title.
Apply before your OPT start date
Many geology roles require background checks, field safety certifications, or clearance processes that take weeks. Start applications at least two months before your OPT begins so you can start work on time without gaps in your authorization period.
Highlight fieldwork and technical software skills
Employers sponsoring OPT geologists expect proficiency in ArcGIS, Petrel, or RockWorks alongside field mapping experience. Lead with these credentials in your resume and cover letter to differentiate yourself and signal readiness to contribute immediately.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
Three years of STEM OPT goes quickly. During salary negotiations or offer discussions, ask directly whether the employer sponsors H-1B visas. Employers with prior H-1B filings for geoscience roles are your strongest long-term options.
Report employment changes to your DSO promptly
If you switch employers, move to a new field site, or change job functions significantly during OPT, notify your DSO within 10 days. Reporting delays can jeopardize your status and complicate future visa applications, including H-1B sponsorship.
Geologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do geology degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, most geology and geoscience degrees qualify. The STEM OPT extension applies to degrees on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which includes geology, geophysics, hydrology, and earth sciences. Your eligibility depends on your program's CIP code, not just the degree title. Confirm with your DSO before applying, since some interdisciplinary programs use CIP codes that fall outside the STEM list.
Can I work for an environmental consulting firm or government contractor on OPT?
Yes, both are common employers for OPT geologists. Government contractors can hire OPT students for most geology roles, though positions requiring security clearances may be restricted to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Environmental consulting firms frequently hire geologists on OPT and have experience with the STEM extension and subsequent H-1B sponsorship. Review the clearance requirements in any job posting before applying.
Where can I find Geologist jobs from employers open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for OPT students searching for geologist roles. It filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness, saving you from applying to positions where OPT authorization is a non-starter. This is especially useful for geoscience roles, where sponsorship policies vary widely between large energy companies, smaller environmental firms, and government contractors.
Does working in the field or at remote sites affect my OPT compliance?
Field-based geology work is permitted on OPT as long as the employer who authorized your employment remains the same and the work is related to your degree. If your role requires extended assignments with a third-party client site, confirm that your DSO has the correct employer of record on file. Misreporting your work location or employer can create compliance issues during future visa applications.
What happens to my OPT status if my geology employer reduces my hours or changes my role?
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree and that you work at least 20 hours per week. If your employer reduces you to fewer than 20 hours or reassigns you to work unrelated to your geoscience degree, your OPT compliance is at risk. Report any material changes to your DSO within 10 days. If employment ends, you have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your total OPT period.