STEM OPT Environmental Geologist Jobs
Environmental Geologist roles in subsurface assessment, contamination remediation, and site investigation qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in geology, earth sciences, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
Find STEM OPT Environmental Geologist JobsOverview
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Get Access To All JobsGENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Evaluate and interpret subsurface field and sampling data including soil and groundwater to develop conclusions concerning the environmental and geologic site conditions. Generate subsurface maps and cross-sections and collaborate with engineering and environmental scientist staff on projects. Oversee field monitoring and testing of soils including boring investigations and soil type classification. Interpret soil, bedrock and groundwater elevation and quality data. Prepare written plans and reports related to site investigations, assessments and remediation activities. Projects may include construction projects focusing on earthwork and structural foundations; well design and sampling; environmental assessments including Phase I/II site assessments; seismic risk assessments.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
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Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.
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Proficient Geologist/ Hydrogeologist responsible for conducting site testing and making recommendations for systems design on smaller projects of minimal complexity.
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May assist more senior Geologists on large, more complex projects.
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Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
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Implements technical requirements to complete client projects by directing and supervising field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
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Responsible for developing written proposals to clients for approval by senior level professionals.
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Evaluates moderately complex laboratory and field data and assembles in written reports.
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May serve as team member or participate in meetings and communications with client pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
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May oversee work performed by lower level Geologists/Hydrogeologists.
REQUIREMENTS
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Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 3 years’ related experience.
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Master’s degree preferred.
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A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise
The expected salary range for this position is listed below. The base range may be adjusted based on the specific location of the applicant. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
EEO Statement Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Evaluate and interpret subsurface field and sampling data including soil and groundwater to develop conclusions concerning the environmental and geologic site conditions. Generate subsurface maps and cross-sections and collaborate with engineering and environmental scientist staff on projects. Oversee field monitoring and testing of soils including boring investigations and soil type classification. Interpret soil, bedrock and groundwater elevation and quality data. Prepare written plans and reports related to site investigations, assessments and remediation activities. Projects may include construction projects focusing on earthwork and structural foundations; well design and sampling; environmental assessments including Phase I/II site assessments; seismic risk assessments.
ESSENTIAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
-
Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
-
Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.
-
Proficient Geologist/ Hydrogeologist responsible for conducting site testing and making recommendations for systems design on smaller projects of minimal complexity.
-
May assist more senior Geologists on large, more complex projects.
-
Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
-
Implements technical requirements to complete client projects by directing and supervising field staff to sample, test and collect data and/or document site activities.
-
Responsible for developing written proposals to clients for approval by senior level professionals.
-
Evaluates moderately complex laboratory and field data and assembles in written reports.
-
May serve as team member or participate in meetings and communications with client pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
-
May oversee work performed by lower level Geologists/Hydrogeologists.
REQUIREMENTS
-
Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or related field and a minimum of 3 years’ related experience.
-
Master’s degree preferred.
-
A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise
The expected salary range for this position is listed below. The base range may be adjusted based on the specific location of the applicant. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
EEO Statement Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.
See all 86+ STEM OPT Environmental Geologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Environmental Geologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Environmental Geologist
Verify your CIP code maps correctly
Your STEM degree qualifies for the 24-month extension only if its CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. Earth Sciences and Geology codes qualify, but Environmental Studies degrees sometimes don't. Confirm your specific program with your DSO before applying.
Check E-Verify status before applying
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask the hiring manager directly, or check the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website. Accepting an offer from a non-enrolled employer invalidates your extension application entirely.
Target federal contractors and remediation firms
Environmental geology work concentrated in Superfund site remediation, CERCLA compliance, and federal land assessment is often handled by employers already required to use E-Verify as federal contractors. These firms routinely hire OPT students and are familiar with I-983 training plan requirements.
Draft your I-983 training plan before the offer stage
The I-983 must detail how the role connects to your STEM degree. For Environmental Geologist positions, map specific job duties like soil sampling protocols, hydrogeologic modeling, or Phase II ESA work directly to your geology coursework. A vague training plan is the most common cause of DSO rejection.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify-enrolled employers
Migrate Mate filters Environmental Geologist listings to show only employers enrolled in E-Verify, saving you the manual verification step. Search by location and specialization to find firms with active STEM OPT hiring history in geotechnical, environmental, or subsurface investigation roles.
Understand cap-gap timing if H-1B is your next step
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition for you before your STEM OPT expires, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. Your employment at the same employer must remain continuous and your EAD must still be valid when the petition is filed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Environmental Geologist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in geology, earth sciences, environmental engineering, or another CIP code on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program list. The role itself must also be directly related to your degree field. Your DSO will confirm the CIP code match when you apply for the extension through SEVIS. Roles focused on subsurface investigation, contamination assessment, or hydrogeology typically satisfy the degree-relatedness requirement.
How do I confirm my Environmental Geologist employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the employer directly during the offer stage, before your DSO submits your STEM OPT extension application. You can also search the E-Verify employer database using the tool on the E-Verify website. If an employer isn't enrolled, they must complete E-Verify enrollment before USCIS will approve your extension. Don't wait until after you've accepted an offer to check.
What should my I-983 training plan include for an Environmental Geologist position?
The I-983 must show a direct connection between your STEM degree coursework and your job duties. For Environmental Geologist roles, list specific tasks such as conducting Phase I and Phase II environmental site assessments, interpreting borehole logs, running groundwater flow models, or preparing CERCLA remediation reports. Generic descriptions like 'applying scientific knowledge' are insufficient and will likely trigger a DSO revision request.
Where can I find Environmental Geologist jobs that accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for STEM OPT students and filters listings to show employers enrolled in E-Verify. You can search Environmental Geologist roles by location and industry specialization, including environmental consulting, federal contracting, and oil and gas sectors. Using a platform designed for work-authorized candidates saves time compared to filtering general job boards manually.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my Environmental Geologist employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify participation is terminated after your extension begins, you're required to report the change to your DSO within five business days, per USCIS STEM OPT regulations. Your authorization doesn't automatically end, but you must transfer to a new E-Verify-enrolled employer or your status could fall out of compliance. Document the notification to your DSO with dates.