OPT Sustainability Jobs
Sustainability jobs on OPT span corporate ESG, environmental consulting, clean energy, and policy roles. Most require a degree in environmental science, sustainability, or a related field. STEM OPT extension eligibility varies by employer and role classification, so confirming your position qualifies before accepting an offer matters.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!
Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
Job Summary:
Come be a part of the industry-leading sustainability program, Commitment to Zero, at Vail Resorts. The Regional Sustainability Manager for Lake Tahoe, Stevens Pass and Australia leads the environmental sustainability efforts for Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, Stevens Pass and our Australian resorts.
This role will report to the Sr. Manager of Sustainability and work with the Vail Resorts’ Sustainability Team, local leadership, and employees across business units to identify and implement sustainability projects and programs. These programs will support the Commitment to Zero initiative, and will focus on energy and emissions reduction, zero waste programs, forests and habitat, and social responsibility work. This role will focus on integrating operations and employees with our sustainability goals, through operational program development, oversight, and implementation and development and execution of capital projects. The position is intended to be based from Heavenly with weekly travel in the Tahoe region.
Job Specifications:
- Starting Wage: $63,431.73 - $70,000.00 + annual bonus
- Employment Type: Year Round
- Shift Type: Full Time hours available
- Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
- Housing Availability: No
Job Responsibilities:
- Design, lead and implement Commitment to Zero (C2Z) and other environmental sustainability programs within the region to achieve a zero net operating footprint.
- Be a sustainability leader that drives innovative programs in the areas of energy and emissions, waste, supply chain management, operational efficiency, and other relevant areas to inspire our employees and our guests.
- Be a leader at working towards achieving Vail Resorts’ Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030 goal.
- Work with resort teams to lead the identification and support the implementation of energy and emissions reduction projects at the resort level, along with renewable energy opportunities with local utilities and community partners.
- Act as internal sustainability consultant to identify sustainability opportunities at an enterprise and resort level.
- Project management: Effectively manage complex capital and budgetary projects that may involve multiple departments, time constraints, and external partners that further our sustainability goals.
- Engagement and outreach: Effectively communicate environmental sustainability through various channels that will demonstrate leadership and drive guest and employee loyalty to our programs and resorts.
- Engagement and outreach: Effectively communicate sustainability updates to resort and regional leadership on a regular basis, as well as to C2Z leaders and other key stakeholders.
- Support brand, positioning, and outreach of sustainability initiatives to guests, employees, and communities in alignment with Epic Promise.
- Support C2Z teams’ leadership and empower them to take action at their own level.
- Be a key player in partnerships that will contribute to achieving Vail Resorts’ Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030 goal.
- Represent Vail Resorts and the resorts in the regional community through events, partnerships and alliances.
- Teamwork & Leadership: Be a strong contributor and leader within the greater Vail Resorts Environmental and Social Responsibility team and the Corporate Sustainability team.
- Occasional travel will be required to the Corporate Headquarters in Colorado and to offsite events at various locations.
Job Requirements:
- Ability to facilitate strategic dialogue and problem solving and critical thinking across multiple departments at both the local resort level and with corporate teams.
- Demonstrated ability of being Out-Front and proactively identifying programs and projects to meet various goals.
- Knowledge of energy and waste systems.
- Comfortable speaking in front of groups and building new relationships.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised.
- Strong computer skills in Excel required.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of energy and waste systems
- Bachelors degree
- 4+ years of experience preferably in sustainability including energy and waste reduction
- Mountain resort or hospitality experience
- Experience with waste diversion and waste reduction strategies
- Experience with energy management and energy efficiency strategies
The expected Total Compensation for this role is $63,431.73 - $70,000.00 + annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
Job Benefits
- Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
- MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Excellent training and professional development
Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:
- Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
- Free ski passes for dependents
- Critical Illness and Accident plans
Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion.
In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.
Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Requisition ID 514715
Reference Date: 05/05/2026
Job Code Function: Environmental
INTRODUCTION
Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests. We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network. We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team. If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!
Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).
Job Summary:
Come be a part of the industry-leading sustainability program, Commitment to Zero, at Vail Resorts. The Regional Sustainability Manager for Lake Tahoe, Stevens Pass and Australia leads the environmental sustainability efforts for Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, Stevens Pass and our Australian resorts.
This role will report to the Sr. Manager of Sustainability and work with the Vail Resorts’ Sustainability Team, local leadership, and employees across business units to identify and implement sustainability projects and programs. These programs will support the Commitment to Zero initiative, and will focus on energy and emissions reduction, zero waste programs, forests and habitat, and social responsibility work. This role will focus on integrating operations and employees with our sustainability goals, through operational program development, oversight, and implementation and development and execution of capital projects. The position is intended to be based from Heavenly with weekly travel in the Tahoe region.
Job Specifications:
- Starting Wage: $63,431.73 - $70,000.00 + annual bonus
- Employment Type: Year Round
- Shift Type: Full Time hours available
- Minimum Age: At least 18 years of age
- Housing Availability: No
Job Responsibilities:
- Design, lead and implement Commitment to Zero (C2Z) and other environmental sustainability programs within the region to achieve a zero net operating footprint.
- Be a sustainability leader that drives innovative programs in the areas of energy and emissions, waste, supply chain management, operational efficiency, and other relevant areas to inspire our employees and our guests.
- Be a leader at working towards achieving Vail Resorts’ Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030 goal.
- Work with resort teams to lead the identification and support the implementation of energy and emissions reduction projects at the resort level, along with renewable energy opportunities with local utilities and community partners.
- Act as internal sustainability consultant to identify sustainability opportunities at an enterprise and resort level.
- Project management: Effectively manage complex capital and budgetary projects that may involve multiple departments, time constraints, and external partners that further our sustainability goals.
- Engagement and outreach: Effectively communicate environmental sustainability through various channels that will demonstrate leadership and drive guest and employee loyalty to our programs and resorts.
- Engagement and outreach: Effectively communicate sustainability updates to resort and regional leadership on a regular basis, as well as to C2Z leaders and other key stakeholders.
- Support brand, positioning, and outreach of sustainability initiatives to guests, employees, and communities in alignment with Epic Promise.
- Support C2Z teams’ leadership and empower them to take action at their own level.
- Be a key player in partnerships that will contribute to achieving Vail Resorts’ Zero Waste to Landfill by 2030 goal.
- Represent Vail Resorts and the resorts in the regional community through events, partnerships and alliances.
- Teamwork & Leadership: Be a strong contributor and leader within the greater Vail Resorts Environmental and Social Responsibility team and the Corporate Sustainability team.
- Occasional travel will be required to the Corporate Headquarters in Colorado and to offsite events at various locations.
Job Requirements:
- Ability to facilitate strategic dialogue and problem solving and critical thinking across multiple departments at both the local resort level and with corporate teams.
- Demonstrated ability of being Out-Front and proactively identifying programs and projects to meet various goals.
- Knowledge of energy and waste systems.
- Comfortable speaking in front of groups and building new relationships.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work unsupervised.
- Strong computer skills in Excel required.
Preferred:
- Knowledge of energy and waste systems
- Bachelors degree
- 4+ years of experience preferably in sustainability including energy and waste reduction
- Mountain resort or hospitality experience
- Experience with waste diversion and waste reduction strategies
- Experience with energy management and energy efficiency strategies
The expected Total Compensation for this role is $63,431.73 - $70,000.00 + annual bonus. Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
Job Benefits
- Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
- MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- Excellent training and professional development
Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:
- Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
- Free ski passes for dependents
- Critical Illness and Accident plans
Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion.
In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor. Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.
Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Requisition ID 514715
Reference Date: 05/05/2026
Job Code Function: Environmental
See all 72+ OPT Sustainability Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Sustainability Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Sustainability
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Not all sustainability titles are classified under STEM CIP codes. Verify your specific role and degree combination qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension before committing to an employer, since OPT duration directly affects your timeline.
Target employers with active E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Many sustainability roles sit inside large corporations or consultancies that already comply. Confirm enrollment during the offer stage, not after you've accepted.
Frame your sustainability expertise around business impact
Employers sponsoring OPT want to see tangible value. Quantify your contributions: carbon reductions achieved, compliance programs built, or ESG reports authored. Concrete outcomes make a stronger case for continued sponsorship than general environmental knowledge.
Look for roles tied to federal contracts or regulated industries
Utilities, government contractors, and publicly traded companies face mandatory sustainability reporting requirements. These employers have ongoing compliance needs, making them more likely to invest in hiring and retaining international sustainability professionals long term.
Highlight dual expertise in data and sustainability
Professionals who combine sustainability knowledge with data skills such as GHG accounting, life cycle analysis, or ESG metrics tools are significantly more competitive. This overlap also increases the chance your role qualifies under a STEM-eligible CIP code.
Start the STEM OPT extension process at least 90 days early
Your DSO must recommend the STEM extension before your current OPT expires. Filing early protects your work authorization gap. Missing this window means stopping work, so build the timeline into your job search from the beginning.
Sustainability OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in a sustainability role on OPT without a STEM degree?
Yes. If your degree is in a non-STEM field like environmental policy or urban planning, you can still work on the standard 12-month OPT authorization. You won't be eligible for the 24-month STEM extension, which limits your runway before needing H-1B visa or another visa. Employers aware of that shorter timeline may be less willing to invest in sponsorship.
Which sustainability job titles are most likely to qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Roles most likely to qualify include sustainability analyst, environmental data analyst, energy engineer, and climate risk modeler, particularly when tied to a STEM-designated CIP code like environmental science or environmental engineering. Job titles alone don't determine eligibility. The degree field and the actual job duties both factor into whether USCIS recognizes the role as qualifying. Confirm with your DSO before accepting.
How do I find sustainability employers that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find sustainability jobs where employers are open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Many sustainability roles at consulting firms, energy companies, and large corporations with active ESG programs regularly hire international candidates. Filtering by sponsorship willingness upfront saves you from applying to roles where your work authorization will be an obstacle.
Does working for a nonprofit in sustainability affect my OPT or STEM extension eligibility?
Standard OPT is unaffected by nonprofit status. For the STEM extension, the key requirement is that your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Many nonprofits are not enrolled, which would disqualify the position regardless of how relevant the work is to your degree. Always verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting a sustainability role at a nonprofit or smaller organization.
What happens to my OPT if my sustainability employer loses funding or shuts down a program?
If you lose your job, you have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your total OPT period. For the STEM extension, the allowance is 150 days total across both OPT periods combined. You must report the job loss to your DSO promptly. Exceeding the unemployment limit violates your status, so starting a new job search immediately is important.