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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Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a self-motivated Geologist or Hydrogeologist III in our Long Beach, CA office to support a variety of environmental projects including site investigation and remediation programs throughout the Los Angeles Basin. The successful candidate will prepare and execute work plans to collect and analyze geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data. The field activities will consist of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air, and soil vapor sample collection, geological logging and interpretation, and the oversight of subcontractors including excavation, drilling, well construction, aquifer testing, and well rehabilitation. The office activities will involve planning, task management, and preparation of site investigation and remediation progress reports. Flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects, a positive attitude, willingness to mentor junior staff, and commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support site characterization, subsurface investigation, and remediation activities.
- Collect, evaluate, and interpret geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data in field and office settings.
- Plan, conduct, and supervise fieldwork, including:
- Stakeholder engagement, team communication, and coordination of logistics.
- Subcontractor coordination oversight.
- Conduct due diligence for utility clearance.
- Soil and bedrock drilling, characterization, and sampling.
- Monitoring well (groundwater and soil vapor) installation.
- Soil, sediment, soil vapor, sanitary system, surface water, and groundwater sampling.
- Surface and borehole geophysical techniques.
- Aquifer testing (e.g., slug tests, packer testing, step-drawdown, tracer tests).
- Remedial systems performance monitoring:
- Prepare and/or task-manage plans, permits, and reports for hazardous waste, air quality, stormwater, and wastewater programs.
- Perform and/or task-manage Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments.
- Provide environmental compliance support to clients, including on-site assistance as needed.
- Support Project Managers to deliver within scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring quality standards on all deliverables.
- Communicate clearly with subcontractors, regulators, and clients during field and office activities.
- Apply scientific principles, theories, and practices to develop practical solutions to complex problems.
- Interpret and record data, conduct analyses, and compare findings to applicable local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance.
- Work under general direction, independently determining and developing approaches to problem-solving.
- Solve problems using standard procedures and modifications based on prior assignments.
- Perform inspections and tests to verify regulatory and project compliance.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
- Champion health and safety by participating in hazard recognition, project activity planning, and H&S planning and oversight.
- Travel up to 25% to various sites, as project needs require.
- Data management, report preparation and coordination with technical team.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- BA/BS or similar.
- 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental investigation and remediation.
- A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
- US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 6+ years of environmental investigation and remediation experience.
- California GIT and/or PG license.
- Strong technical report writing skills; ability to lead preparation of investigation and compliance reports.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER with current 8-hour refresher.
- 30-hour OSHA Construction Supervisory certificate.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification.
Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a self-motivated Geologist or Hydrogeologist III in our Long Beach, CA office to support a variety of environmental projects including site investigation and remediation programs throughout the Los Angeles Basin. The successful candidate will prepare and execute work plans to collect and analyze geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data. The field activities will consist of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air, and soil vapor sample collection, geological logging and interpretation, and the oversight of subcontractors including excavation, drilling, well construction, aquifer testing, and well rehabilitation. The office activities will involve planning, task management, and preparation of site investigation and remediation progress reports. Flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects, a positive attitude, willingness to mentor junior staff, and commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support site characterization, subsurface investigation, and remediation activities.
- Collect, evaluate, and interpret geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data in field and office settings.
- Plan, conduct, and supervise fieldwork, including:
- Stakeholder engagement, team communication, and coordination of logistics.
- Subcontractor coordination oversight.
- Conduct due diligence for utility clearance.
- Soil and bedrock drilling, characterization, and sampling.
- Monitoring well (groundwater and soil vapor) installation.
- Soil, sediment, soil vapor, sanitary system, surface water, and groundwater sampling.
- Surface and borehole geophysical techniques.
- Aquifer testing (e.g., slug tests, packer testing, step-drawdown, tracer tests).
- Remedial systems performance monitoring:
- Prepare and/or task-manage plans, permits, and reports for hazardous waste, air quality, stormwater, and wastewater programs.
- Perform and/or task-manage Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments.
- Provide environmental compliance support to clients, including on-site assistance as needed.
- Support Project Managers to deliver within scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring quality standards on all deliverables.
- Communicate clearly with subcontractors, regulators, and clients during field and office activities.
- Apply scientific principles, theories, and practices to develop practical solutions to complex problems.
- Interpret and record data, conduct analyses, and compare findings to applicable local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance.
- Work under general direction, independently determining and developing approaches to problem-solving.
- Solve problems using standard procedures and modifications based on prior assignments.
- Perform inspections and tests to verify regulatory and project compliance.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
- Champion health and safety by participating in hazard recognition, project activity planning, and H&S planning and oversight.
- Travel up to 25% to various sites, as project needs require.
- Data management, report preparation and coordination with technical team.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- BA/BS or similar.
- 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental investigation and remediation.
- A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
- US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 6+ years of environmental investigation and remediation experience.
- California GIT and/or PG license.
- Strong technical report writing skills; ability to lead preparation of investigation and compliance reports.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER with current 8-hour refresher.
- 30-hour OSHA Construction Supervisory certificate.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification.
Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
See all OPT Hydrogeologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Hydrogeologist Jobs.
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.