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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Location:
Milwaukee, WI, US, 53202
Langan provides expert land development engineering and environmental consulting services for major developers, renewable energy producers, energy companies, corporations, healthcare systems, colleges/universities, and large infrastructure programs throughout the U.S. and around the world. Our employees collaborate seamlessly among 50+ offices and gain valuable hands-on experience that fosters career growth. Langan culture is entrepreneurial from advancing innovative technical solutions, to participating in robust training and knowledge sharing, to making progressive change within the communities we live and work.
Consistently ranked among the top ten “Best Firms to Work For” and Engineering News-Record’s top 50 firms worldwide, Langan attracts and retains the best talent in the industry. Employees thrive at Langan, a firm that fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment for all; prioritizes wellbeing, health, and safety; encourages volunteerism and philanthropy; offers workplace flexibility, along with carbon-neutral office spaces; and empowers individuals to contribute their skills and knowledge to make impactful contributions.
Job Summary
Langan is seeking an Engineering Geologist to join its collaborative team in Milwaukee, WI. This individual will serve a key function as a field representative during subsurface exploration and construction. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic group of engineering professionals on a wide variety of challenging project types ranging from University capital improvement projects, hospitals, high-rises, stadium and arenas, to multi-family, logistics and alternative energy projects.
Job Responsibilities
- Perform geologic/seismic hazard analysis, construction observation and testing services, and other geologic- and geotechnical-related aspects of a project;
- Develop scope and execute field investigations;
- Identify and implement field and lab work solutions;
- Identify and characterize geologic hazards in the field;
- Research and compile geologic data for projects;
- Work with engineers to provide geologic support with respect to impact of site geologic conditions to site structures;
- Develop geologic cross sections, geologic maps, and other pertinent figures for project reports;
- Prepare and review logs and reports; and
- Perform other duties as requested.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Geology; MS preferred;
- 0-3 years of practical experience;
- Experience with geologic hazard investigations, with emphasis on landslide, A-P fault rupture evaluations and rockfall projects;
- Experience with performing detailed geologic mapping at a professional level;
- Experience with reviewing and interpreting stereo-paired aerial photographs;
- Ability to effectively communicate technical details to clients, co-workers, and staff;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical, multitasking, and judgment capabilities;
- Ability to effectively work independently and in a team environment; and
- Possess reliable transportation for client meetings and job site visits and a valid driver’s license in good standing.
Langan provides a rich array of programs and benefits to help its employees advance their careers and enhance the quality of their lives. Our comprehensive compensation package includes: full-time employment company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and paid pregnancy disability leave; 401(k)/Roth with company match; paid time off including parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses; and educational reimbursement.
Langan offers employee resource groups; flexible work schedules; extensive training; wellness programs; buddy and mentoring programs; and much more!
Langan is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. We believe that an inclusive workplace is essential for the well-being and success of our employees.
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee
See all 157+ 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.