STEM OPT Environmental Scientist Jobs
Environmental Scientist roles in environmental consulting, remediation, and regulatory compliance regularly qualify for STEM OPT. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you, and your STEM degree unlocks a 24-month OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build a career in this field.
See All Environmental Scientist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 256+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 256+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tetra Tech is seeking a self-motivated, Entry-Level Environmental Scientist / Compliance Specialist to support and expand our landfill and air quality compliance services within the solid waste industry. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong interest in air regulations, landfill gas systems, emissions compliance, and environmental data analysis.
In this role, you will support regulatory compliance programs by analyzing field and operational data, interpreting air quality regulations and permit requirements, preparing compliance reports, and assisting with air permitting and emissions calculations. The primary focus areas include Landfill Gas (LFG) monitoring, Surface Emissions Monitoring (SEM), Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) Systems, air quality permitting, and compliance with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations applicable to solid waste facilities.
This position is primarily remote, with limited, as-needed travel or occasional site visits. Candidates must be comfortable working independently with limited supervision while collaborating with project managers, field staff, engineers, and regulatory specialists across geographically dispersed teams.
Your Role:
- Review, analyze, and interpret landfill air quality and landfill gas monitoring data, including wellfield data, SEM, and air emissions datasets.
- Compare monitoring and operational data against regulatory standards, permit limits, and NSPS/NESHAP criteria to assess compliance.
- Prepare environmental compliance reports, including air compliance summaries, monitoring reports, deviation analyses, and regulatory submittals.
- Support the development and preparation of air quality permit applications, amendments, and renewals, including emission calculations and regulatory compliance demonstrations.
- Collect, manage, track, and organize large datasets related to air emissions, landfill gas, SEM results, and compliance deadlines.
- Develop and maintain templates, trackers, and tools to support consistent, accurate, and timely reporting for multiple facilities / landfills.
- Coordinate with on-site operations, technicians, and subcontractors to confirm that monitoring, testing, and system performance meet regulatory and permit requirements.
- Support Project Managers with deliverables, schedules, and client coordination including procurement of supplies, subcontractor coordination and Work Order development.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary teams on engineering, permitting, and environmental projects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical and regulatory writing.
- Proficiency in MS Office – specifically Word and Excel.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment, demonstrate initiative, and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with field staff, engineers, and regulatory agencies.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability and willingness to perform limited travel as required.
- Interest and ability in developing technical and leadership skills within the Environmental Compliance field.
- 1 to 5 years of experience in environmental science, air quality, regulatory compliance, or engineering is preferred.
- Experience in the solid waste industry (landfills, composting operations, LFGTE systems) or similar sectors is a plus.
- Previous exposure to regulatory agencies or compliance programs is a plus.
COMPENSATION
- The pay range for this position is $50K-$85K annually, based on qualifications, location, and experience.
This position is eligible for our full benefits package including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), My Flex Time (MFT - paid time off), 401K, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Only those that attach a cover letter and are located in either the Pacific or Mountain time zone will be considered. The deadline to apply is 05/6/2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.
INTRODUCTION
Discover your full potential. At Tetra Tech, we are collaborating with industry-leading experts for a sustainable future for our world. We combine consulting and engineering with advanced analytics and technology to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our innovation hubs across the globe will enable you to share ideas and best practices while growing your professional network. Wherever you are in your career journey, you will benefit from working with world-class engineers, scientists, and technical specialists.
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Apply today and join the company that is Leading with Science®.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tetra Tech is seeking a self-motivated, Entry-Level Environmental Scientist / Compliance Specialist to support and expand our landfill and air quality compliance services within the solid waste industry. This position is ideal for candidates with a strong interest in air regulations, landfill gas systems, emissions compliance, and environmental data analysis.
In this role, you will support regulatory compliance programs by analyzing field and operational data, interpreting air quality regulations and permit requirements, preparing compliance reports, and assisting with air permitting and emissions calculations. The primary focus areas include Landfill Gas (LFG) monitoring, Surface Emissions Monitoring (SEM), Landfill Gas-to-Energy (LFGTE) Systems, air quality permitting, and compliance with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Pollutants (NESHAP) regulations applicable to solid waste facilities.
This position is primarily remote, with limited, as-needed travel or occasional site visits. Candidates must be comfortable working independently with limited supervision while collaborating with project managers, field staff, engineers, and regulatory specialists across geographically dispersed teams.
Your Role:
- Review, analyze, and interpret landfill air quality and landfill gas monitoring data, including wellfield data, SEM, and air emissions datasets.
- Compare monitoring and operational data against regulatory standards, permit limits, and NSPS/NESHAP criteria to assess compliance.
- Prepare environmental compliance reports, including air compliance summaries, monitoring reports, deviation analyses, and regulatory submittals.
- Support the development and preparation of air quality permit applications, amendments, and renewals, including emission calculations and regulatory compliance demonstrations.
- Collect, manage, track, and organize large datasets related to air emissions, landfill gas, SEM results, and compliance deadlines.
- Develop and maintain templates, trackers, and tools to support consistent, accurate, and timely reporting for multiple facilities / landfills.
- Coordinate with on-site operations, technicians, and subcontractors to confirm that monitoring, testing, and system performance meet regulatory and permit requirements.
- Support Project Managers with deliverables, schedules, and client coordination including procurement of supplies, subcontractor coordination and Work Order development.
- Contribute to multidisciplinary teams on engineering, permitting, and environmental projects.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical and regulatory writing.
- Proficiency in MS Office – specifically Word and Excel.
- Ability to work independently in a remote environment, demonstrate initiative, and manage multiple priorities with limited supervision.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with field staff, engineers, and regulatory agencies.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Ability and willingness to perform limited travel as required.
- Interest and ability in developing technical and leadership skills within the Environmental Compliance field.
- 1 to 5 years of experience in environmental science, air quality, regulatory compliance, or engineering is preferred.
- Experience in the solid waste industry (landfills, composting operations, LFGTE systems) or similar sectors is a plus.
- Previous exposure to regulatory agencies or compliance programs is a plus.
COMPENSATION
- The pay range for this position is $50K-$85K annually, based on qualifications, location, and experience.
This position is eligible for our full benefits package including but not limited to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Spending Account (HSA), My Flex Time (MFT - paid time off), 401K, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
- Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
- Merit-based financial rewards.
- Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
- Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
- Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Only those that attach a cover letter and are located in either the Pacific or Mountain time zone will be considered. The deadline to apply is 05/6/2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please no phone calls or agencies.
See all 256+ Environmental Scientist jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Environmental Scientist
Verify your degree's CIP code eligibility
Environmental Science (CIP 03.0104) and related programs like Environmental Studies and Environmental Engineering qualify for STEM OPT. Confirm your degree's exact CIP code with your DSO before targeting roles, since employers will ask your school to verify it on the I-983.
Check E-Verify enrollment before applying
Federal contractors and many state-licensed environmental consulting firms are already E-Verify enrolled, but smaller remediation companies often aren't. Search the E-Verify employer database directly to confirm enrollment status before investing time in an application.
Target federal and state agency contractors first
EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, and state environmental agency contractors are required by regulation to use E-Verify, which removes one of the biggest obstacles for STEM OPT candidates. Environmental consulting firms with federal contracts follow the same requirement.
Build your I-983 training plan around job duties
Your I-983 must connect specific job tasks to your degree's STEM coursework. For Environmental Scientist roles, map fieldwork, data analysis, and regulatory reporting duties directly to courses in your program before your start date, not after.
Use Migrate Mate to filter E-Verify employers
Search Environmental Scientist roles on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment so you aren't discovering eligibility gaps after an offer. Filter by role and location to build a targeted list of employers who can legally hire you.
Address the 60-day grace period in offer negotiations
If your OPT EAD expires while your STEM OPT extension application is pending, you're covered by the 60-day cap-gap period only if your employer filed your extension on time. Confirm your employer's HR team understands this timeline before you accept an offer.
Environmental Scientist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Environmental Scientist JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an Environmental Science degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree's CIP code falls under qualifying STEM categories such as Environmental Science (03.0104), Environmental Engineering (14.1401), or closely related programs. Your DSO confirms the CIP code and authorizes the extension by updating your I-20. Check the official STEM Designated Degree Program List published by USCIS to verify your program before filing.
Does my Environmental Scientist employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employment. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension is approved, not just before your start date. Federal contractors and most state agency consultants already meet this requirement by law. For private-sector employers, verify enrollment in the E-Verify employer database before accepting an offer.
What goes into an I-983 training plan for an Environmental Scientist role?
Your I-983 must describe how the role provides practical training related to your STEM degree. For Environmental Scientist positions, that means documenting specific duties like site assessment, environmental data analysis, regulatory compliance reporting, or remediation project work, and connecting each to coursework from your degree program. Your employer signs the form, and your DSO must authorize it before your extension begins.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm applying for H-1B while on STEM OPT?
If your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working as an Environmental Scientist during this period without interruption. USCIS confirms cap-gap status through your updated I-20 from your DSO.
Where can I find Environmental Scientist jobs with E-Verify employers?
Migrate Mate lists Environmental Scientist roles filtered by employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment, which is the primary eligibility requirement for STEM OPT candidates. This saves you from applying to roles where the employer isn't set up to hire you legally. You can filter by location, industry sector, and role type to match your degree and OPT authorization window.
See which Environmental Scientist employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Environmental Scientist Jobs