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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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 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.