OPT Wastewater Operator Jobs
Wastewater Operator jobs on OPT are available at municipal utilities, water districts, and environmental services firms across the U.S. Most roles require state licensure, so confirming exam eligibility during your OPT period is an early priority. STEM OPT extension may apply if your degree is in environmental engineering or a related field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Arcadis is looking for a Water Wastewater Engineer/Design Manager to join our growing Resilience Water Team in Tampa, Florida!
We are looking for dedicated, creative, and energetic candidates interested in tackling challenges and developing sustainable solutions to address water issues like quality, scarcity, reuse, management, and resilience. Collaborating with other experienced Water Professionals, you will support, manage, and drive development of projects, interact and work with clients, and develop your technical and professional capabilities.
ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES
In this role, you will lead tasks and projects for the planning, design and construction of Water/Wastewater distribution/collection systems, pump/lift stations, and/or treatment plants.
Other responsibilities of this role include developing design and construction documents, such as reports, technical memoranda, and specifications, to ensure projects are planned and executed effectively. The individual will provide support in the construction administration of projects, ensuring that processes are managed efficiently and align with established guidelines. Collaboration with multi-discipline teams is a key aspect of the position, requiring strong communication and coordination skills to achieve project objectives.
You may serve as a Design Manager or Assistant Project/Design Manager on projects, overseeing critical tasks and ensuring the successful delivery of project goals. This includes developing scopes of work and budgets that align with client and organizational expectations. Additionally, the role involves supporting client teams by identifying, tracking, and positioning for new opportunities, helping to strengthen client relationships and contribute to the organization's growth.
You will participate in pursuit capture planning for new project opportunities and assist in the preparation of proposals to secure future work. Some local travel may be required to attend project site visits, client meetings, or safety audits, as well as for general planning purposes or to oversee construction activities, depending on project staffing needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
- 4 years of experience in engineering and consulting, primarily related to the municipal water market.
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related field.
Key Skills and Abilities
- Design Management experience.
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and analytically about technical challenges.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- EIT or PE license.
- 6 years of experience in engineering and consulting, primarily related to the municipal water/wastewater market.
- 3 years of experience in local municipal water/wastewater markets.
- Master of Science or Master of Engineering in a related field.
- Active participation in regional and/or national professional associations.
WHY ARCADIS?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $125,000/year. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
LI-CB2
Resilience-NA
Water-NA
INTRODUCTION
Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 34,000 people, in over 30 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life. Everyone has an important role to play. With the power of many curious minds, together we can solve the world’s most complex challenges and deliver more impact together.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Arcadis is looking for a Water Wastewater Engineer/Design Manager to join our growing Resilience Water Team in Tampa, Florida!
We are looking for dedicated, creative, and energetic candidates interested in tackling challenges and developing sustainable solutions to address water issues like quality, scarcity, reuse, management, and resilience. Collaborating with other experienced Water Professionals, you will support, manage, and drive development of projects, interact and work with clients, and develop your technical and professional capabilities.
ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES
In this role, you will lead tasks and projects for the planning, design and construction of Water/Wastewater distribution/collection systems, pump/lift stations, and/or treatment plants.
Other responsibilities of this role include developing design and construction documents, such as reports, technical memoranda, and specifications, to ensure projects are planned and executed effectively. The individual will provide support in the construction administration of projects, ensuring that processes are managed efficiently and align with established guidelines. Collaboration with multi-discipline teams is a key aspect of the position, requiring strong communication and coordination skills to achieve project objectives.
You may serve as a Design Manager or Assistant Project/Design Manager on projects, overseeing critical tasks and ensuring the successful delivery of project goals. This includes developing scopes of work and budgets that align with client and organizational expectations. Additionally, the role involves supporting client teams by identifying, tracking, and positioning for new opportunities, helping to strengthen client relationships and contribute to the organization's growth.
You will participate in pursuit capture planning for new project opportunities and assist in the preparation of proposals to secure future work. Some local travel may be required to attend project site visits, client meetings, or safety audits, as well as for general planning purposes or to oversee construction activities, depending on project staffing needs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
- 4 years of experience in engineering and consulting, primarily related to the municipal water market.
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related field.
Key Skills and Abilities
- Design Management experience.
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and analytically about technical challenges.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- EIT or PE license.
- 6 years of experience in engineering and consulting, primarily related to the municipal water/wastewater market.
- 3 years of experience in local municipal water/wastewater markets.
- Master of Science or Master of Engineering in a related field.
- Active participation in regional and/or national professional associations.
WHY ARCADIS?
We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best. We believe everyone's contribution matters. It’s why we are pioneering a skills-based approach, where you can harness your unique experience and expertise to carve your career path and maximize the impact we can make together.
You’ll do meaningful work, and no matter what role, you’ll be helping to deliver sustainable solutions for a more prosperous planet. Make your mark, on your career, your colleagues, your clients, your life and the world around you.
Together, we can create a lasting legacy.
Join Arcadis. Create a Legacy.
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging
We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people. We are an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Arcadis offers benefits for full time and part time positions. These benefits include medical, dental, and vision, EAP, 401K, STD, LTD, AD&D, life insurance, paid parental leave, reward & recognition program and optional benefits including wellbeing benefits, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement. We offer nine paid holidays and 15 days PTO that accrue per year. The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $125,000/year. Actual salaries will vary and are based on several factors, such as experience, education, budget, internal equity, project and location.
LI-CB2
Resilience-NA
Water-NA
See all 46+ OPT Wastewater Operator Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Wastewater Operator
Verify your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Wastewater Operator roles can qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or environmental science. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles expecting longer authorization.
Address state licensure timelines upfront
Most states require a wastewater operator license to work independently. Research your target state's exam schedule and eligibility rules early. Some states allow you to work under a licensed operator while you complete requirements, which matters on a timed OPT period.
Target municipal utilities and water districts
Public utilities and regional water authorities hire operators regularly and are often more familiar with work authorization than private employers. Government-adjacent roles tend to have structured onboarding that accommodates OPT paperwork and documentation requirements more smoothly.
Emphasize hands-on lab and field experience
Employers hiring on OPT want confidence you can contribute quickly. Highlight any wastewater treatment, water quality testing, or environmental monitoring experience from internships, co-ops, or coursework. Practical skills reduce perceived onboarding risk for time-sensitive OPT hires.
Start your job search before OPT begins
Wastewater Operator hiring cycles at utilities can move slowly due to civil service processes. Apply three to four months before your OPT start date if possible. Early outreach gives employers time to process your authorization before your availability window opens.
Clarify H-1B sponsorship potential during interviews
Ask whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visa or green card cases for engineering or technical roles before. Utilities with existing immigration counsel are far more likely to sponsor. Frame the question around long-term retention, not just your immediate need for authorization.
Wastewater Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Wastewater Operator on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students on OPT can work as Wastewater Operator if the role is directly related to their degree field, such as environmental engineering, civil engineering, or environmental science. Your DSO must authorize OPT for your specific degree program, and your employment must align with that field to remain in status.
Do Wastewater Operator jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field like environmental engineering or environmental science, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself is not the deciding factor; your degree's CIP code and your employer's E-Verify enrollment are what matter.
How does state licensure affect OPT students in wastewater roles?
State wastewater operator licenses are required in most states to operate treatment systems independently. Exam eligibility, scheduling, and processing can take several months, which competes directly with your OPT clock. Some states permit working under a licensed supervisor while completing requirements. Research your target state's rules before accepting an offer, and confirm your employer's support for the process.
Do utilities and water districts commonly hire OPT students?
Municipal utilities and regional water districts do hire OPT students, particularly those with environmental or civil engineering degrees. Public employers tend to have more structured HR processes and are often more familiar with work authorization documentation than smaller private firms. Migrate Mate lists Wastewater Operator roles from employers open to OPT candidates, making it easier to focus your search.
What happens to my wastewater job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your OPT expires and your H-1B petition hasn't been approved, you cannot continue working. The key safeguard is cap-gap protection: if your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, you're authorized to keep working through September 30 of that year. Coordinating your employer's H-1B filing timeline well before your OPT end date is critical.