OPT Geophysicist Jobs
Geophysicist roles on OPT require employers comfortable with F-1 work authorization, and most positions in oil and gas, environmental consulting, and federal agencies fall under STEM OPT, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Strong technical backgrounds in seismic interpretation or subsurface modeling make candidates competitive.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Put your geophysics expertise to work on projects that make a real impact. At Terracon, you’ll use a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies to support geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials investigations across a variety of projects and industries.
You’ll perform non-invasive surface surveys and borehole geophysical logging to help uncover and understand subsurface conditions. From defining survey objectives and designing the approach to analyzing data and interpreting results, you’ll play an important role throughout the investigation process.
Your work will help inform the planning, design, and construction of vital infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities, while also supporting environmental assessments and earth resource evaluations. Because geophysics supports all of Terracon’s service lines, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, take on diverse technical challenges, and see how your work contributes to projects from the ground down.
Why Terracon?
At Terracon, you’re more than an employee, you’re an employee-owner. As a 100% employee-owned company, we’re invested in each other’s success and give employees the opportunity to help shape their careers.
Terracon anticipates the starting salary range for this job opportunity will be from $57,530 to $69,080. Compensation is determined based on relevant experience to the role. Additional details on the salary range for this job at Terracon can be found further below in this posting.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, employee ownership (ESOP), paid time off, paid holidays, wellbeing resources, and career development opportunities.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
-
Understand and practice quality acumen.
-
Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
-
Developing level Geophysicist responsible for conducting geophysical surveys; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.
-
Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
-
Assists in geophysical data collection and tests to evaluate, plan and permit projects.
-
Outlines required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies in field of expertise.
-
May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
-
Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Geophysics.
-
A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise preferred based on state specific requirements.
MINIMUM SALARY: $57,530
MAXIMUM SALARY: $69,080
The salary range for this position is provided in compliance with all local/state regulations. Terracon considers factors including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate work experience, work location, education/training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients’ project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
EEO Statement: Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
INTRODUCTION
Put your geophysics expertise to work on projects that make a real impact. At Terracon, you’ll use a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies to support geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials investigations across a variety of projects and industries.
You’ll perform non-invasive surface surveys and borehole geophysical logging to help uncover and understand subsurface conditions. From defining survey objectives and designing the approach to analyzing data and interpreting results, you’ll play an important role throughout the investigation process.
Your work will help inform the planning, design, and construction of vital infrastructure, including roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities, while also supporting environmental assessments and earth resource evaluations. Because geophysics supports all of Terracon’s service lines, you’ll have the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines, take on diverse technical challenges, and see how your work contributes to projects from the ground down.
Why Terracon?
At Terracon, you’re more than an employee, you’re an employee-owner. As a 100% employee-owned company, we’re invested in each other’s success and give employees the opportunity to help shape their careers.
Terracon anticipates the starting salary range for this job opportunity will be from $57,530 to $69,080. Compensation is determined based on relevant experience to the role. Additional details on the salary range for this job at Terracon can be found further below in this posting.
Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, employee ownership (ESOP), paid time off, paid holidays, wellbeing resources, and career development opportunities.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
-
Understand and practice quality acumen.
-
Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
-
Developing level Geophysicist responsible for conducting geophysical surveys; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.
-
Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
-
Assists in geophysical data collection and tests to evaluate, plan and permit projects.
-
Outlines required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies in field of expertise.
-
May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
-
Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Geophysics.
-
A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise preferred based on state specific requirements.
MINIMUM SALARY: $57,530
MAXIMUM SALARY: $69,080
The salary range for this position is provided in compliance with all local/state regulations. Terracon considers factors including, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate work experience, work location, education/training, key skills, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients’ project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
EEO Statement: Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Geophysicist
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers early
Geophysicist roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Prioritize employers who have sponsored STEM OPT before, as they understand E-Verify requirements and won't be surprised by your authorization timeline.
Lead with your technical specialization
Hiring managers in geoscience care more about your seismic processing software, reservoir modeling tools, or geophysical survey experience than your visa status. Make your technical skills the first thing they see so authorization becomes secondary.
Focus on oil and gas, mining, and environmental firms
These industries hire geophysicists consistently and have established OPT and H-1B visa pipelines. Large operators like E&P companies and environmental consultancies have in-house HR processes already built around sponsoring international candidates.
Address OPT proactively in your application
State clearly in your cover letter that you have OPT work authorization and are eligible for STEM extension. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often reject candidates due to confusion, not unwillingness. Clarity upfront prevents early screening-out.
Pursue federal contractor and government-adjacent roles carefully
Some federal geophysicist positions require security clearance or U.S. citizenship, which OPT students cannot obtain. Verify citizenship requirements before applying to avoid wasted effort. Private contractors and consulting firms are generally more accessible.
Network through professional geoscience associations
Connecting through the Society of Exploration Geophysicists or the American Geosciences Institute puts you in front of hiring managers at companies actively recruiting. Many geophysics roles are filled through referrals before they reach public job boards.
Geophysicist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Geophysicist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Geophysicist positions consistently qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because geophysics falls under CIP code 40.0603, which is on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list. Your degree must be in geophysics, geoscience, applied physics, or a closely related field. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor the extension.
How do I find Geophysicist employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you can search Geophysicist roles without wasting time on postings that exclude F-1 candidates. Beyond that, large energy companies, environmental consulting firms, and geotechnical contractors tend to have the most established OPT and H-1B pipelines in this field.
Can I work as a Geophysicist for a federal agency on OPT?
It depends on the agency and role. Many federal geophysicist positions with the USGS, EPA, or DOE are open to non-citizens, but some require U.S. citizenship or security clearance eligibility. Always check the specific job posting for citizenship requirements before applying. Federal contractor roles at private firms supporting government projects are generally more accessible to OPT students.
What happens to my OPT if my Geophysicist employer goes through a layoff?
If you're laid off during your OPT period, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to a new visa status, or prepare to leave the U.S. During this window, you can begin interviewing and accepting a new Geophysicist role without penalty, as long as the new job aligns with your degree field and you report the change to your DSO.
Do Geophysicist internships count toward OPT work authorization requirements?
Yes, but only if the internship is directly related to your geoscience or physics degree. OPT requires that all employment be in a role directly tied to your major field of study. A geophysics internship involving seismic data analysis, subsurface mapping, or geophysical surveying clearly qualifies. Unrelated internships, even at the same company, do not count and could jeopardize your OPT status.