STEM OPT Hydrogeologist Jobs
Hydrogeologist roles in groundwater assessment, contamination remediation, and water resource management qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree is in geology, environmental science, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to hire you under STEM OPT.
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Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a self-motivated Geologist or Hydrogeologist III in our Long Beach, CA office to support a variety of environmental projects including site investigation and remediation programs throughout the Los Angeles Basin. The successful candidate will prepare and execute work plans to collect and analyze geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data. The field activities will consist of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air, and soil vapor sample collection, geological logging and interpretation, and the oversight of subcontractors including excavation, drilling, well construction, aquifer testing, and well rehabilitation. The office activities will involve planning, task management, and preparation of site investigation and remediation progress reports. Flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects, a positive attitude, willingness to mentor junior staff, and commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support site characterization, subsurface investigation, and remediation activities.
- Collect, evaluate, and interpret geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data in field and office settings.
- Plan, conduct, and supervise fieldwork, including:
- Stakeholder engagement, team communication, and coordination of logistics.
- Subcontractor coordination oversight.
- Conduct due diligence for utility clearance.
- Soil and bedrock drilling, characterization, and sampling.
- Monitoring well (groundwater and soil vapor) installation.
- Soil, sediment, soil vapor, sanitary system, surface water, and groundwater sampling.
- Surface and borehole geophysical techniques.
- Aquifer testing (e.g., slug tests, packer testing, step-drawdown, tracer tests).
- Remedial systems performance monitoring:
- Prepare and/or task-manage plans, permits, and reports for hazardous waste, air quality, stormwater, and wastewater programs.
- Perform and/or task-manage Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments.
- Provide environmental compliance support to clients, including on-site assistance as needed.
- Support Project Managers to deliver within scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring quality standards on all deliverables.
- Communicate clearly with subcontractors, regulators, and clients during field and office activities.
- Apply scientific principles, theories, and practices to develop practical solutions to complex problems.
- Interpret and record data, conduct analyses, and compare findings to applicable local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance.
- Work under general direction, independently determining and developing approaches to problem-solving.
- Solve problems using standard procedures and modifications based on prior assignments.
- Perform inspections and tests to verify regulatory and project compliance.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
- Champion health and safety by participating in hazard recognition, project activity planning, and H&S planning and oversight.
- Travel up to 25% to various sites, as project needs require.
- Data management, report preparation and coordination with technical team.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- BA/BS or similar.
- 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental investigation and remediation.
- A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
- US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 6+ years of environmental investigation and remediation experience.
- California GIT and/or PG license.
- Strong technical report writing skills; ability to lead preparation of investigation and compliance reports.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER with current 8-hour refresher.
- 30-hour OSHA Construction Supervisory certificate.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification.
Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Company Description
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking a self-motivated Geologist or Hydrogeologist III in our Long Beach, CA office to support a variety of environmental projects including site investigation and remediation programs throughout the Los Angeles Basin. The successful candidate will prepare and execute work plans to collect and analyze geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data. The field activities will consist of soil, groundwater, surface water, sediment, air, and soil vapor sample collection, geological logging and interpretation, and the oversight of subcontractors including excavation, drilling, well construction, aquifer testing, and well rehabilitation. The office activities will involve planning, task management, and preparation of site investigation and remediation progress reports. Flexibility to work on a multitude of diverse projects, a positive attitude, willingness to mentor junior staff, and commitment to workplace health and safety are imperative.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support site characterization, subsurface investigation, and remediation activities.
- Collect, evaluate, and interpret geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical data in field and office settings.
- Plan, conduct, and supervise fieldwork, including:
- Stakeholder engagement, team communication, and coordination of logistics.
- Subcontractor coordination oversight.
- Conduct due diligence for utility clearance.
- Soil and bedrock drilling, characterization, and sampling.
- Monitoring well (groundwater and soil vapor) installation.
- Soil, sediment, soil vapor, sanitary system, surface water, and groundwater sampling.
- Surface and borehole geophysical techniques.
- Aquifer testing (e.g., slug tests, packer testing, step-drawdown, tracer tests).
- Remedial systems performance monitoring:
- Prepare and/or task-manage plans, permits, and reports for hazardous waste, air quality, stormwater, and wastewater programs.
- Perform and/or task-manage Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments.
- Provide environmental compliance support to clients, including on-site assistance as needed.
- Support Project Managers to deliver within scope, budget, and schedule, ensuring quality standards on all deliverables.
- Communicate clearly with subcontractors, regulators, and clients during field and office activities.
- Apply scientific principles, theories, and practices to develop practical solutions to complex problems.
- Interpret and record data, conduct analyses, and compare findings to applicable local, state, and federal regulations to ensure compliance.
- Work under general direction, independently determining and developing approaches to problem-solving.
- Solve problems using standard procedures and modifications based on prior assignments.
- Perform inspections and tests to verify regulatory and project compliance.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to team knowledge sharing.
- Champion health and safety by participating in hazard recognition, project activity planning, and H&S planning and oversight.
- Travel up to 25% to various sites, as project needs require.
- Data management, report preparation and coordination with technical team.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- BA/BS or similar.
- 4 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education in environmental investigation and remediation.
- A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
- US Citizen or US Permanent Resident.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 6+ years of environmental investigation and remediation experience.
- California GIT and/or PG license.
- Strong technical report writing skills; ability to lead preparation of investigation and compliance reports.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER with current 8-hour refresher.
- 30-hour OSHA Construction Supervisory certificate.
- Current First Aid/CPR certification.
Additional Information
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
See all STEM OPT Hydrogeologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Hydrogeologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Hydrogeologist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Hydrogeology roles typically qualify under CIP codes for geology, environmental science, or hydrology. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before submitting applications so you know exactly which roles trigger STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Search for E-Verify enrolled environmental firms
Check E-Verify's employer search tool to confirm a firm is enrolled before you accept an offer. Many smaller environmental consulting firms do groundwater work but aren't enrolled, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT employers regardless of the role.
Target federal and state agency contractors
Environmental contractors working on federal projects are legally required to use E-Verify under executive order. Water districts, remediation contractors, and USGS subcontractors often meet this threshold, making them reliable STEM OPT-eligible employers for hydrogeologist positions.
Build your I-983 training plan around fieldwork
Your I-983 must connect your STEM degree to on-the-job learning objectives. For hydrogeologist roles, document specific training in aquifer testing, groundwater modeling software, or regulatory compliance work rather than listing generic job duties.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified hydrogeologist openings
Search Migrate Mate for hydrogeologist roles filtered by employers with active E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history. This saves you from applying to firms that can't legally extend your work authorization.
Ask about the I-983 sign-off process during offers
Before accepting an offer, confirm that a supervisor with HR authority can sign your I-983 training plan. Some smaller geoscience firms lack a formal HR function, which can delay USCIS compliance reporting and put your STEM OPT status at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a geology or environmental science degree qualify for STEM OPT to work as a hydrogeologist?
Yes, if your degree is in geology, hydrology, environmental science, or a closely related STEM field with a qualifying CIP code, you're eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO confirms the CIP code. Degrees in unrelated fields like business or communications don't qualify, even if you're working in a technical hydrogeology role.
Does my hydrogeologist employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement. Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify for your entire STEM OPT period, not just at the time of hiring. Environmental consulting firms, water utilities, and government contractors vary widely on enrollment status, so verify directly through the E-Verify employer search before you sign an offer.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a hydrogeologist role?
Your I-983 must describe how the position provides practical training related to your STEM degree. For hydrogeology, this means documenting specific learning goals like aquifer characterization, groundwater flow modeling, contaminant transport analysis, or regulatory reporting under EPA or state environmental programs. Vague duty lists don't satisfy USCIS requirements. Your supervisor must sign off and your DSO must authorize the plan before your extension is granted.
How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm transitioning from STEM OPT to H-1B as a hydrogeologist?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year if you're selected in the lottery. You can continue working as a hydrogeologist during this period. USCIS issues a cap-gap notice on your I-20, and your employer should update your status in their E-Verify account accordingly.
Where can I find hydrogeologist jobs that accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists hydrogeologist and environmental science positions from employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history. Filtering by STEM OPT on Migrate Mate helps you avoid applying to firms that lack E-Verify enrollment or have no experience managing OPT training plan requirements, which is a common problem with smaller geoscience consultancies.