STEM OPT Geologist Jobs
Geologist roles in mining, environmental consulting, and energy qualify for STEM OPT because geology degrees fall under eligible CIP codes. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you file a signed I-983 training plan with your DSO.
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Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for an Early-Career Geologist or Engineer to join our team in Bainbridge Island, Washington. The position will have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations while also learning the business skills needed for a successful consulting career. This position offers hands-on experience across a blend of environmental and geotechnical projects for private- and public-sector clients. Working alongside experienced geologists, engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals, you will support field investigations, evaluate environmental and geotechnical subsurface conditions, analyze data, and prepare technical deliverables while building the practical consulting and project-delivery skills needed for a successful career.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical, and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the planning and execution of environmental and geotechnical field investigations, including logging soil, rock and groundwater conditions while advancing hand explorations, and observing the advancement of drilled borings, excavated test pits, and rock coring.
- Provide field oversight for construction, earthworks, subcontractor, and remediation activities by documenting site conditions and verifying work is performed in accordance with project plans and safety requirements.
- Prepare exploration logs, and perform soil and rock classifications under the guidance of experienced geologists.
- Assist with geologic hazards mapping, including mapping of slopes, geologic features, rock outcrops, and landslides.
- Collect soil, soil vapor/air, surface water, and groundwater samples in accordance with work plans and applicable procedures.
- Additional field activities involve well installation, aquifer testing, landfill gas collection and control system monitoring and operations, and groundwater monitoring.
- Support chemical data and contaminant fate & transport evaluation.
- Support groundwater and soil remedy evaluations, cost estimation, design calculations, and implementation.
- Support data evaluation, including preparing maps, tables, and figures.
- Support environmental due diligence, preparation of environmental and geotechnical technical reports, letters, memoranda, and proposals.
- Coordinate with project managers, other field staff, laboratories, and subcontractors to plan field activities, support site access, communicate findings, and track project tasks.
- Drive company, rental, and personal vehicles to project sites and other business locations, as needed.
- Field work: overall an average of 50% but some weeks will be 100% in the field.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:
- Bachelor's degree in geology or environmental, civil, geotechnical engineering, or relevant degree. (required)
- Advanced degree in the same. (preferred)
- Geologist in Training (GIT) certification or Engineer in Training (EIT) or, if applicable. (preferred)
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Internship(s), co-op position, or prior work experience relevant to the position. (preferred)
- Prior research experience in contaminated media or remediation technology. (preferred)
- Experience with ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, Slide, borehole logging software (gINT). (preferred)
- Strong knowledge of the area and local ties. (preferred)
- Willingness and ability to perform regular outdoor fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions with possible overnight travel, as project needs require. (required)
- Ability to accurately observe and document field conditions, organize and evaluate data, and communicate technical information clearly. (preferred)
- Health and Safety, first aid, CPR, and other training, as well as medical monitoring, are provided and paid for by the firm. (required)
- Client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
- Minimum: $28.54/hour / Maximum: $38.54/hour or Minimum: $80,168.40/year / Maximum: $92,350/year (Bainbridge Island, WA)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all eligible employees including, 9 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, a minimum of 8 sick days, and a minimum of 11 vacation days per year, in line with state or federal requirements. Employees (and their families) are offered medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), a variety of leaves of absences and other benefits to eligible employees.
LI-AO1
LI-Onsite
Overview:
Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for an Early-Career Geologist or Engineer to join our team in Bainbridge Island, Washington. The position will have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations while also learning the business skills needed for a successful consulting career. This position offers hands-on experience across a blend of environmental and geotechnical projects for private- and public-sector clients. Working alongside experienced geologists, engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals, you will support field investigations, evaluate environmental and geotechnical subsurface conditions, analyze data, and prepare technical deliverables while building the practical consulting and project-delivery skills needed for a successful career.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical, and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support the planning and execution of environmental and geotechnical field investigations, including logging soil, rock and groundwater conditions while advancing hand explorations, and observing the advancement of drilled borings, excavated test pits, and rock coring.
- Provide field oversight for construction, earthworks, subcontractor, and remediation activities by documenting site conditions and verifying work is performed in accordance with project plans and safety requirements.
- Prepare exploration logs, and perform soil and rock classifications under the guidance of experienced geologists.
- Assist with geologic hazards mapping, including mapping of slopes, geologic features, rock outcrops, and landslides.
- Collect soil, soil vapor/air, surface water, and groundwater samples in accordance with work plans and applicable procedures.
- Additional field activities involve well installation, aquifer testing, landfill gas collection and control system monitoring and operations, and groundwater monitoring.
- Support chemical data and contaminant fate & transport evaluation.
- Support groundwater and soil remedy evaluations, cost estimation, design calculations, and implementation.
- Support data evaluation, including preparing maps, tables, and figures.
- Support environmental due diligence, preparation of environmental and geotechnical technical reports, letters, memoranda, and proposals.
- Coordinate with project managers, other field staff, laboratories, and subcontractors to plan field activities, support site access, communicate findings, and track project tasks.
- Drive company, rental, and personal vehicles to project sites and other business locations, as needed.
- Field work: overall an average of 50% but some weeks will be 100% in the field.
EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:
- Bachelor's degree in geology or environmental, civil, geotechnical engineering, or relevant degree. (required)
- Advanced degree in the same. (preferred)
- Geologist in Training (GIT) certification or Engineer in Training (EIT) or, if applicable. (preferred)
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Internship(s), co-op position, or prior work experience relevant to the position. (preferred)
- Prior research experience in contaminated media or remediation technology. (preferred)
- Experience with ArcGIS, Microsoft Access, Slide, borehole logging software (gINT). (preferred)
- Strong knowledge of the area and local ties. (preferred)
- Willingness and ability to perform regular outdoor fieldwork in varying terrain and weather conditions with possible overnight travel, as project needs require. (required)
- Ability to accurately observe and document field conditions, organize and evaluate data, and communicate technical information clearly. (preferred)
- Health and Safety, first aid, CPR, and other training, as well as medical monitoring, are provided and paid for by the firm. (required)
- Client-driven drug and background testing. (required)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)
This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec’s total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
- Minimum: $28.54/hour / Maximum: $38.54/hour or Minimum: $80,168.40/year / Maximum: $92,350/year (Bainbridge Island, WA)
We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all eligible employees including, 9 paid holidays, 2 floating holidays, a minimum of 8 sick days, and a minimum of 11 vacation days per year, in line with state or federal requirements. Employees (and their families) are offered medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), a variety of leaves of absences and other benefits to eligible employees.
LI-AO1
LI-Onsite
See all 60+ STEM OPT Geologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Geologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Geologist
Verify your geology degree CIP code
Check that your degree was classified under a STEM-eligible CIP code before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension. Geology programs typically fall under CIP 40.0601, but earth science variants differ. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
STEM OPT requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify before your training plan is submitted. Use Migrate Mate to search Geologist roles filtered to E-Verify-enrolled employers, so you're not discovering the gap after an offer.
Draft your I-983 training plan early
Your I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your geology work, not a generic job description. Outline field tasks, lab methods, or software skills you'll develop. Have a draft ready before your first offer conversation.
Target field offices in E-Verify-heavy industries
Federal contractors in mining, oil and gas, and environmental remediation are required to use E-Verify, making them reliable STEM OPT employers. Focus your search on companies holding government contracts rather than purely private-sector consulting firms.
Ask about OPT payroll setup before accepting offers
Some smaller geology firms have never hired an OPT student and may not know USCIS payroll requirements. Ask your HR contact whether they can pay you on a standard W-2 while your I-983 is active, and confirm E-Verify case initiation timing.
Understand cap-gap if you apply for H-1B
If you file an H-1B visa petition during STEM OPT, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year if your OPT would expire first. Confirm the exact cutoff with USCIS guidance and notify your DSO immediately after your receipt notice arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a geology degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Geology degrees qualify if your program was classified under a STEM-eligible CIP code, most commonly CIP 40.0601 for geology and earth science. Related programs like geophysics, geochemistry, and environmental geology also appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before filing your STEM OPT extension application, since the degree title alone doesn't determine eligibility.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Geologist role?
Your I-983 must describe how the Geologist position provides practical training directly related to your degree. For geology roles, that means identifying specific technical skills you'll develop, such as geological mapping, core sample analysis, GIS software, or subsurface modeling. Vague descriptions like 'field work' aren't sufficient. Your employer's supervisor must sign the form, and your DSO must receive it before your STEM OPT start date.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT employers. You can ask your employer's HR team directly for their E-Verify Company ID, or check the E-Verify employer search tool on the E-Verify website. Enrollment must be active, not lapsed. If an employer isn't enrolled, they can register with E-Verify before your training plan is submitted, but that process adds lead time to your start date.
Can I work as a Geologist for a staffing agency or contract firm on STEM OPT?
USCIS allows STEM OPT through staffing arrangements only if the employer of record, not the client site, is enrolled in E-Verify and signs the I-983. The training must occur at the client site, but your I-983 is with the staffing firm. This setup creates compliance complexity, so confirm in writing before accepting that the staffing agency will fulfill all STEM OPT employer obligations.
Where can I find Geologist jobs with employers already enrolled in E-Verify?
Migrate Mate lists Geologist positions filtered to employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment, so you don't have to screen for that requirement manually during your search. Federal contractors in mining, energy, and environmental remediation are among the most common geology employers required to participate in E-Verify, making those sectors a practical starting point for STEM OPT candidates.