STEM OPT Geophysicist Jobs
Geophysicist roles in oil and gas, environmental consulting, and federal agencies regularly hire F-1 graduates with STEM degrees in geoscience, geophysics, or earth science. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies to qualifying roles, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sign your I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsGENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Perform a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from the ground surface as well as geophysical logging in boreholes to provide images or models of subsurface conditions. Define survey objectives, design survey approaches, analyze the resulting geophysical data, and provide interpretation of results. Results are incorporated into the planning, design and construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities; the assessment of environmental conditions; and the evaluation of earth resources. Geophysics supports all of Terracon’s service lines.
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.
- Understand and practice quality acumen.
- Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
- Developing level Geophysicist responsible for conducting geophysical surveys; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.
- Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
- Assists in geophysical data collection and tests to evaluate, plan and permit projects.
- Outlines required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies in field of expertise.
- May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Geophysics.
- A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise preferred based on state specific requirements.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients’ project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
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:
Perform a comprehensive range of geophysical technologies in support of geologic, groundwater, environmental, engineering, and materials testing investigations. Perform non-invasive geophysical surveys from the ground surface as well as geophysical logging in boreholes to provide images or models of subsurface conditions. Define survey objectives, design survey approaches, analyze the resulting geophysical data, and provide interpretation of results. Results are incorporated into the planning, design and construction of vital infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, airports, landfills, water supplies, and other facilities; the assessment of environmental conditions; and the evaluation of earth resources. Geophysics supports all of Terracon’s service lines.
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.
- Understand and practice quality acumen.
- Support consistent quality standards on proposal and project delivery.
- Developing level Geophysicist responsible for conducting geophysical surveys; assignments are designed to develop knowledge and abilities.
- Performs site visits, field observations and field data collection or assignments.
- Assists in geophysical data collection and tests to evaluate, plan and permit projects.
- Outlines required investigative program(s) by selecting the proper alternative techniques to conduct site studies in field of expertise.
- May have limited client contact pertaining to specific projects/tasks.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Geophysics.
- A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Certification in field of expertise preferred based on state specific requirements.
About us
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.
Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
ABOUT THE TEAM
Terracon's geophysical services provide valuable information about the subsurface of our clients’ project sites faster, safer, and more sustainably than traditional drilling with little or no site disturbance. With the most geophysical professionals and the largest fleet of near-surface equipment compared to competitors, our experts draw on a wide range of screening tools to provide our clients with necessary geophysical data for the exploration, planning, design, locating, and/or evaluation of a wide variety of sites to increase accuracy and manage project risk.
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 STEM OPT Geophysicist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Geophysicist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code determines STEM OPT eligibility. Geophysics and earth science programs typically fall under CIP 40.06, but confirm with your DSO that your specific program is on the STEM-designated degree list before targeting employers.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Only employers enrolled in E-Verify can legally employ STEM OPT students. Search the E-Verify employer search tool directly to confirm enrollment status before you invest time in an application process or accept any offer.
Target employers with active federal contracts
Federal contractors are required by law to use E-Verify, making agencies like USGS, NOAA, and DOE contractors structurally compliant. Geophysicist roles with these employers remove one common STEM OPT obstacle from the equation.
Benchmark your offer against prevailing wages
Your I-983 training plan requires that your compensation meets the prevailing wage for geophysicists in your work location. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the Level I through Level IV wage bands for SOC code 19-2042 before finalizing your offer.
Find STEM OPT geophysicist roles on Migrate Mate
Filter by STEM OPT eligibility and geoscience roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers who have already hired on work authorization. This cuts prospecting time and focuses your applications on companies with a demonstrated track record of supporting OPT students.
File your I-983 before your start date
USCIS requires a signed I-983 training plan on file before you begin working under the STEM OPT extension. Coordinate with your employer's HR team early so signatures and the formal training goals are documented before your first day, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a geophysics or earth science degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, provided your program appears on the STEM-designated degree list maintained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Geophysics degrees typically fall under CIP code 40.06, and related programs in geological and earth sciences often qualify as well. Confirm the exact CIP code on your diploma with your DSO before your STEM OPT extension application, since the classification on file determines eligibility.
What E-Verify requirement applies to employers hiring me as a geophysicist on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify for the specific worksite location where you'll be employed. This is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT placements, not just a best practice. Before signing an offer letter, verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search. Federal agencies and most large energy and environmental consulting firms are already enrolled, but smaller regional firms may not be.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a geophysicist role?
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, the practical skills you'll develop, how your supervisor will evaluate your progress, and how the role relates to your geoscience or geophysics coursework. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy this requirement. Your employer needs to articulate measurable outcomes, such as proficiency in seismic interpretation software, fieldwork methodology, or subsurface modeling techniques relevant to your program of study.
How does cap-gap protection apply if my employer files an H-1B petition during my STEM OPT?
If your employer submits a timely H-1B visa petition before your STEM OPT authorization expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a geophysicist during this period without interruption. USCIS confirms cap-gap coverage through an updated I-20 issued by your DSO, not through a separate filing.
How do I find geophysicist jobs where employers are already familiar with STEM OPT?
Search Migrate Mate to find geophysicist roles filtered for STEM OPT eligibility, where employers have a history of hiring international students on work authorization. This matters because geophysicist hiring often involves fieldwork logistics, security clearance questions, and project-based contracts that can complicate STEM OPT placements at employers who haven't navigated the process before.