OPT Hydrogeologist Jobs
Hydrogeologist roles on OPT typically require a bachelor's or master's degree in geology, hydrology, or environmental science, and most positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers range from environmental consulting firms to federal agencies like the USGS and EPA.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Emery & Garrett Groundwater Investigations (EGGI), a Division of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) is currently seeking a Mid-to High-Level Hydrogeologist to support our hydrogeologic investigations that drive our groundwater exploration, development, and protection practice in Meredith, NH. Qualified candidates must have a strong academic record, including geology and hydrogeology skills, and a willingness to travel overnight and work in the field.
As a Mid- to High-level Hydrogeologist you will work with a fast-paced team of Scientists, Project Managers, and Principals. Our close-knit culture here at EGGI/GZA will allow you to work on challenging projects and grow professionally. You will be mentored by seasoned professionals, who will in turn look to you to share technical knowledge and ideas. Our success relies on this collaborative environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ability to work on and potentially manage multiple groundwater related projects simultaneously
- Willingness to work in a wide variety of hydrogeologic settings (including: glaciated terrains, crystalline bedrock, Triassic basins, carbonate/karst environments, coastal plain aquifers, etc.)
- Travel along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard is required
- Bedrock and surficial geologic mapping
- Conduct remote sensing/lineament analysis
- Geologic Logging of wells
- Conduct and participate geophysical surveys and evaluate resultant data
- Conduct and participate in pumping tests and evaluate resultant data
- Collection and review of water quality samples from groundwater
- Prepare reports, recommendations, plans, proposals, and schedules
- It is anticipated that this position will move quickly into project management.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Geology or Hydrogeology
- 3-10+ years of related geologic experience is preferred
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical capabilities
- Ability to follow directions, and work independently or in a team setting
- Be able to pivot direction in the field or in the office when directives change due to weather, technical findings, project priority shifts, or other
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, problem solving and organizational skills
- Working knowledge of ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro and other common programs such as Word and Excel
- Professional Geologist state registration/licensure is a plus but not required
- Availability to work Monday through Friday and occasional evenings and weekends as necessary to meet project demands
- Have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel
AT GZA, OUR TEAM ENJOYS:
- Professional development and enrichment within a very dynamic team of highly skilled professionals
- Exciting work environment
- Diverse projects across 5 core services offer a range of career growth opportunities for those willing to learn new skills
- Generous, company-subsidized benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401K retirement plan
OVERALL:
Our expectation of a strong candidate is having exposure or experience with many of the key responsibilities listed above and most importantly, the willingness to learn and be mentored to expand our hydrogeological practice.
GZA is an employee-owned multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with a history of more than 50 years of providing innovative engineering solutions to improve the natural and built environment. We are an ENR Top 500 Design firm focused on geotechnical, environmental, water, ecological, and construction management services. With a staff of interrelated professionals dedicated to providing high-level expertise on complex projects above, below and at ground-level, GZA’s experts provide seamless integration across practice areas, client type, and location.
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. is an Affirmative/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital or veteran status, age or other protected status.
We value diversity and are committed to providing an accepting and inclusive work environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiting firms, or other third parties. All unsolicited resumes will be considered a gift, and GZA will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. GZA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. This policy is in place to ensure we respect the relationships with our preferred vendors and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
INTRODUCTION
Emery & Garrett Groundwater Investigations (EGGI), a Division of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) is currently seeking a Mid-to High-Level Hydrogeologist to support our hydrogeologic investigations that drive our groundwater exploration, development, and protection practice in Meredith, NH. Qualified candidates must have a strong academic record, including geology and hydrogeology skills, and a willingness to travel overnight and work in the field.
As a Mid- to High-level Hydrogeologist you will work with a fast-paced team of Scientists, Project Managers, and Principals. Our close-knit culture here at EGGI/GZA will allow you to work on challenging projects and grow professionally. You will be mentored by seasoned professionals, who will in turn look to you to share technical knowledge and ideas. Our success relies on this collaborative environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Ability to work on and potentially manage multiple groundwater related projects simultaneously
- Willingness to work in a wide variety of hydrogeologic settings (including: glaciated terrains, crystalline bedrock, Triassic basins, carbonate/karst environments, coastal plain aquifers, etc.)
- Travel along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard is required
- Bedrock and surficial geologic mapping
- Conduct remote sensing/lineament analysis
- Geologic Logging of wells
- Conduct and participate geophysical surveys and evaluate resultant data
- Conduct and participate in pumping tests and evaluate resultant data
- Collection and review of water quality samples from groundwater
- Prepare reports, recommendations, plans, proposals, and schedules
- It is anticipated that this position will move quickly into project management.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelors or Master’s Degree in Geology or Hydrogeology
- 3-10+ years of related geologic experience is preferred
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical capabilities
- Ability to follow directions, and work independently or in a team setting
- Be able to pivot direction in the field or in the office when directives change due to weather, technical findings, project priority shifts, or other
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, problem solving and organizational skills
- Working knowledge of ArcMap or ArcGIS Pro and other common programs such as Word and Excel
- Professional Geologist state registration/licensure is a plus but not required
- Availability to work Monday through Friday and occasional evenings and weekends as necessary to meet project demands
- Have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel
AT GZA, OUR TEAM ENJOYS:
- Professional development and enrichment within a very dynamic team of highly skilled professionals
- Exciting work environment
- Diverse projects across 5 core services offer a range of career growth opportunities for those willing to learn new skills
- Generous, company-subsidized benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401K retirement plan
OVERALL:
Our expectation of a strong candidate is having exposure or experience with many of the key responsibilities listed above and most importantly, the willingness to learn and be mentored to expand our hydrogeological practice.
GZA is an employee-owned multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with a history of more than 50 years of providing innovative engineering solutions to improve the natural and built environment. We are an ENR Top 500 Design firm focused on geotechnical, environmental, water, ecological, and construction management services. With a staff of interrelated professionals dedicated to providing high-level expertise on complex projects above, below and at ground-level, GZA’s experts provide seamless integration across practice areas, client type, and location.
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. is an Affirmative/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital or veteran status, age or other protected status.
We value diversity and are committed to providing an accepting and inclusive work environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
NOTE TO STAFFING AGENCIES:
GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies, recruiting firms, or other third parties. All unsolicited resumes will be considered a gift, and GZA will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. GZA explicitly reserves the right to hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. This policy is in place to ensure we respect the relationships with our preferred vendors and avoid any potential misunderstandings.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Hydrogeologist
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Geology, hydrology, earth sciences, and environmental engineering all appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can confidently tell employers you're eligible for a 36-month OPT period.
Target environmental consulting firms first
Firms like Arcadis, AECOM, and Stantec regularly hire hydrogeologists and have established OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship processes. Their HR teams understand work authorization timelines better than smaller firms that hire only occasionally.
Highlight field instrumentation and modeling software
Employers prioritize candidates with hands-on experience using MODFLOW, GMS, or ArcGIS for groundwater modeling. List specific software and field methods like aquifer pumping tests prominently on your resume to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
Address OPT timing early in conversations
Hydrogeologist roles often involve multi-year projects, so employers care about continuity. Mentioning your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront reassures hiring managers that you can stay through full project cycles before requiring H-1B sponsorship.
Pursue PE or professional geologist licensure strategically
Starting your state Professional Geologist or EIT licensure process while on OPT signals long-term commitment. Many employers sponsor H-1B for candidates already invested in licensure, because that credential directly increases their billable project capacity.
Network through technical societies with industry access
The National Ground Water Association and Geological Society of America host events where environmental consultancies and federal contractors actively recruit. Student membership fees are low, and direct contact with hiring managers bypasses the generic application process entirely.
Hydrogeologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do hydrogeologist jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most hydrogeologist positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total, provided your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as geology, hydrology, environmental engineering, or earth sciences. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO, since some closely related programs are classified differently and could affect your eligibility.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor hydrogeologists for H-1B after OPT?
Large environmental consulting firms, federal contractors supporting EPA and Army Corps of Engineers projects, and water utilities with long-term infrastructure mandates are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for hydrogeologists. These employers depend on specialized technical staff for multi-year contracts, which gives them strong incentive to retain OPT workers through the sponsorship process rather than restart hiring.
How can I find hydrogeologist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists hydrogeologist and environmental science roles specifically filtered for OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, so you're not wasting applications on positions that won't work for your status. Browsing by role type on Migrate Mate lets you identify which firms are actively hiring international candidates, which saves time compared to sorting through general postings with no sponsorship information.
Does a hydrogeologist role count as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Hydrogeology generally qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role typically requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field such as geology, hydrology, or environmental science. The degree-to-job match is important: your employer's offer letter and the job description must both reflect duties that require that specific technical background, not just any bachelor's degree.
Can I work as a hydrogeologist for a federal agency while on OPT?
Federal agencies like the USGS, Bureau of Reclamation, and EPA do hire OPT students, but most direct federal employment requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residence. The practical path is through private contractors and consulting firms that hold federal contracts, since those positions are open to OPT workers and still involve USGS or EPA-funded groundwater projects.