OPT Health And Safety Specialist Jobs
Health and Safety Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in occupational health, environmental science, or engineering. Most positions qualify under STEM OPT extension eligibility. Employers in manufacturing, construction, and healthcare regularly hire for these roles and have established processes for work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
ERM is hiring motivated, hands-on Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Consultants to join our growing Performance & Assurance technical team in Bay Area California and Seattle Metro Washington.
The ideal candidate has experience developing and supporting implementation of OSHA-Approved State requirements, Standard Operating Procedures, Job Hazard Analyses/Risk Assessments, Emergency Response Plans, Behavioral Safety Programs, and Contractor Safety Management, along with familiarity with research laboratory safety, waste management, environmental reporting, and chemical safety requirements. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) limited-term role for a duration of 12 months, extendable.
Responsibilities
- Perform compliance audits to assess client compliance with applicable health and safety or environmental regulatory requirements, client standards, or management systems.
- Identify follow-up corrective actions to close audit findings.
- Provide technical assistance on EHS compliance and EHS management system projects, including R&D laboratory safety, chemical safety, machine guarding, laser safety, robotics safety, hazardous materials use/storage/waste, and EHS auditing.
- Develop and implement EHS compliance procedures, plans, permits, and reports.
- Support clients’ efforts to improve safety performance through training, field coaching, and targeted EHS assessments.
- Manage tasks within assigned scope, budget, and schedule, and ensure quality standards on project deliverables.
- Build client relationships and nurture repeat business by continuously striving to exceed client expectations.
- Support ERM Partners and Project Managers in managing and delivering projects.
- Build strong collaborative relationships with other ERM employees.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 3 years of applicable experience providing EHS support, with emphasis on health and safety.
- Effective written and verbal communication, organization, and analytical skills.
- Ability to succeed in a fast-paced consulting environment, handling multiple assignments, meeting strict deadlines, and re-prioritizing tasks as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in engineering, environmental science, occupational health and safety, or a related discipline.
- Experience recording and writing detailed technical data and reports.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
For the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Consultants position, the anticipated annual base pay is $39.18-$48.70 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays), parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k), and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.
Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.
At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.
Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.
ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
INTRODUCTION
ERM is hiring motivated, hands-on Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Consultants to join our growing Performance & Assurance technical team in Bay Area California and Seattle Metro Washington.
The ideal candidate has experience developing and supporting implementation of OSHA-Approved State requirements, Standard Operating Procedures, Job Hazard Analyses/Risk Assessments, Emergency Response Plans, Behavioral Safety Programs, and Contractor Safety Management, along with familiarity with research laboratory safety, waste management, environmental reporting, and chemical safety requirements. This is a full-time (40 hours/week) limited-term role for a duration of 12 months, extendable.
Responsibilities
- Perform compliance audits to assess client compliance with applicable health and safety or environmental regulatory requirements, client standards, or management systems.
- Identify follow-up corrective actions to close audit findings.
- Provide technical assistance on EHS compliance and EHS management system projects, including R&D laboratory safety, chemical safety, machine guarding, laser safety, robotics safety, hazardous materials use/storage/waste, and EHS auditing.
- Develop and implement EHS compliance procedures, plans, permits, and reports.
- Support clients’ efforts to improve safety performance through training, field coaching, and targeted EHS assessments.
- Manage tasks within assigned scope, budget, and schedule, and ensure quality standards on project deliverables.
- Build client relationships and nurture repeat business by continuously striving to exceed client expectations.
- Support ERM Partners and Project Managers in managing and delivering projects.
- Build strong collaborative relationships with other ERM employees.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum of 3 years of applicable experience providing EHS support, with emphasis on health and safety.
- Effective written and verbal communication, organization, and analytical skills.
- Ability to succeed in a fast-paced consulting environment, handling multiple assignments, meeting strict deadlines, and re-prioritizing tasks as needed.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in engineering, environmental science, occupational health and safety, or a related discipline.
- Experience recording and writing detailed technical data and reports.
- Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
For the Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Consultants position, the anticipated annual base pay is $39.18-$48.70 (USD). Actual pay will depend on factors such as education, experience, skills, location, performance, and business needs. In some cases, pay may fall outside this range. This role may be eligible for bonus pay subject to the sole discretion of ERM and its policies and procedures (casual and fixed term/flex force employees are not bonus eligible).
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off (vacation, sick, and floating holidays), parental leave, medical, dental, vision, life, disability, AD&D insurance, 401(k), and other applicable benefits to eligible employees.
Who We Are:
As the largest global pure play sustainability consultancy, we partner with the world’s leading organizations, creating innovative solutions to sustainability challenges and unlocking commercial opportunities that meet the needs of today while preserving opportunity for future generations.
At ERM we know that creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment is an essential part of making our company a great place to build a career. We also see our diversity as a strength that helps us create better solutions for our clients. Our diverse team of world-class experts supports clients across the breadth of their organizations to operationalize sustainability, underpinned by our deep technical expertise in addressing their environmental, health, safety, risk and social issues. We call this capability our “boots to boardroom” approach for its comprehensive service model that allows ERM to develop strategic and technical solutions that advance objectives on the ground or at the executive level.
Please submit your resume and brief cover letter.
ERM does not accept recruiting agency resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our jobs alias, ERM employees or any other company location. ERM is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.
ERM is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.
Thank you for your interest in ERM!
See all 59+ OPT Health And Safety Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Health And Safety Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Health And Safety Specialist
Target STEM-designated programs
If your degree is in environmental health, industrial hygiene, or a related STEM field, confirm your program's CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This doubles your authorized work period and makes you significantly more attractive to employers.
Lead with your EAD card timeline
Hiring managers in safety roles often worry about gaps in coverage. Clarify upfront that your EAD card is valid and state your exact end date. A clear authorization timeline reduces hesitation and keeps the focus on your qualifications rather than paperwork concerns.
Highlight OSHA certifications proactively
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certifications signal technical readiness and reduce employer training costs. Listing these prominently shows you can contribute immediately, which matters to employers who need active safety coverage and may offset concerns about sponsoring work authorization.
Focus on regulated industries first
Manufacturing, chemical processing, healthcare, and construction are federally regulated industries with dedicated safety departments. These employers hire Health and Safety Specialists regularly, have HR teams familiar with OPT, and are more likely to have sponsorship infrastructure already in place.
Frame H-1B transition as low-risk
Prepare a one-paragraph explanation of how H-1B visa sponsorship works for specialty occupation roles. Safety specialists typically qualify under engineering or science standards. Employers unfamiliar with the process are more likely to move forward when you can walk them through it confidently.
Use your OPT period to build a compliance track record
Document every audit, incident reduction, or regulatory compliance win during your OPT period. Concrete outcomes, such as reduced recordable incidents or passed OSHA inspections, give employers a compelling business case for investing in long-term sponsorship for your position.
Health And Safety Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Health and Safety Specialist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, but it depends on your specific degree. If your bachelor's or master's is in environmental health, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, or a STEM-classified engineering field, you likely qualify for the 24-month extension. Degrees in general business or non-STEM disciplines do not qualify, so verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Health and Safety Specialist jobs that accept OPT work authorization?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers willing to sponsor or accept OPT work authorization, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't support your status. Search Health and Safety Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to find positions where authorization is already confirmed upfront.
Is Health and Safety Specialist considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes, when the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field such as industrial hygiene, environmental science, or safety engineering. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree regardless of field may face more scrutiny. The stronger the degree-to-job alignment, the cleaner the specialty occupation argument for H-1B petition purposes.
Can I work as a Health and Safety Specialist on OPT if my degree is in engineering?
Yes. Engineering degrees in civil, chemical, mechanical, or environmental disciplines are commonly used to support Health and Safety Specialist roles, particularly in construction, manufacturing, and chemical industries. The key is that the job duties must require and relate to your degree field. Your employer will need to document that connection if you later pursue H-1B sponsorship.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B?
If you have a STEM OPT extension, the 60-day cap-gap provision protects your status if your employer files an H-1B petition before your extension expires. Without STEM OPT, your options are more limited. Plan your timeline carefully: STEM OPT applications should be filed at least 90 days before your current EAD expires to avoid gaps in work authorization.