Environmental Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Environmental science and engineering roles can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship, though the field isn't as heavily sponsored as tech or finance. Environmental consulting firms, government contractors, and energy companies are the most common sponsors. Positions requiring a specific degree in environmental science or engineering have the strongest specialty occupation arguments. State and local government roles won't sponsor, so focus on private sector employers. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, and where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and ideas to work every day. Each role across our organization contributes to our ability to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.
We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will work on a wide variety of environmental compliance and natural resource projects as they relate to water, transportation, pipeline, renewable energy, power infrastructure, and building engineering and development projects. You will be expected to work collaboratively with other experienced environmental scientists and project managers, gaining valuable industry knowledge. You will support federal, state (primarily in the northeast including NY and NJ), and local environmental permits, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, biological assessments and other environmental compliance documentation. You will assist senior and other mid-level scientists in the field and perform data processing associated with the collection of natural resource data.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as an Environmental Scientist supporting natural resources field studies and environmental permitting efforts.
- Perform wetland delineations and ecological/biological field surveys, including flora/fauna surveys, threatened and endangered species field surveys, data collection, interpretation, analysis, and technical report preparation, with oversight from senior staff.
- Prepare wetland and watercourse delineation reports, biological assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans, and related environmental documentation.
- Support development of federal permits and compliance documentation, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 Water Quality Certification permits.
- Assist in the development of NJDEP Division of Land Resources Protection permit applications (Waterfront Development, CAFRA, Flood Hazard Area, Coastal and Freshwater Wetlands).
- Experienced with permit development, compliance documentation, and planning in New York State including: Joint Permit Applications, NYSDEC Protection of Waters, Coastal Erosion Management, Freshwater/Tidal Wetlands Permits, Industrial SPDES, SEQRA, and other environmental related permits.
- Define the level of environmental analysis needed including assessing and analyzing project impacts to identify permitting requirements; develop strategies to avoid or minimize project impacts, and prepare environmental constraints mapping.
- Prepare and review technical sections to support development of and NEPA/State environmental planning documentation such as environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), natural resource reports, and other environmental documents.
- Conduct field work, including potential multi-day field assignments.
- Manage multiple tasks concurrently and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or closely related field
- 5 years technical and/or field experience preparing environmental documents
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel)
- Strong environmental writing and communication skills
- Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant experience performing wetlands, aquatics, terrestrial or other field surveys to support permitting and environmental compliance related tasks.
- Experience coordinating with federal, state and local regulatory agencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Experience using mobile data collection tools and GPS equipment, and familiarity with ArcGIS software.
- Ability to travel for field assignments.
- 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training.
- Other potentially applicable certifications including: Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist, ESA Certified Ecologist, Certified Ecological Landscape Restoration Practitioner (CERP).
- In-depth knowledge of the northeast and/or Mid-Atlantic ecological setting preferred.
- Experience with rare plant species survey protocols and agency coordination is a plus.
- A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience supporting environmental field studies and permitting.
- Extensive knowledge of wetland delineation methods and regulatory coordination.
- Extensive knowledge of regional flora and fauna required, including of listed threatened or endangered species.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills. (A writing sample of candidate’s professional paper, thesis, or project is welcome);
- Preference is given to local candidates.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
COMPENSATION
- Location: {Nanuet, NY}: $88,186 - 125,880
- Location: {Purchase, NY}: $91,788 - $131,125
- Location: {Woodcliff Lake, NJ}: $91,788 - $131,125
PRIMARY LOCATION
Location: United States-New York-Purchase
OTHER LOCATIONS
Location: United States-New York-Nanuet
Location: United States-New Jersey-Woodcliff Lake
INDUSTRY
Water
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
JOB POSTING
Oct 26, 2026
INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, and where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and ideas to work every day. Each role across our organization contributes to our ability to make a meaningful impact on communities and the environment.
We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this role, you will work on a wide variety of environmental compliance and natural resource projects as they relate to water, transportation, pipeline, renewable energy, power infrastructure, and building engineering and development projects. You will be expected to work collaboratively with other experienced environmental scientists and project managers, gaining valuable industry knowledge. You will support federal, state (primarily in the northeast including NY and NJ), and local environmental permits, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documentation, biological assessments and other environmental compliance documentation. You will assist senior and other mid-level scientists in the field and perform data processing associated with the collection of natural resource data.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Serve as an Environmental Scientist supporting natural resources field studies and environmental permitting efforts.
- Perform wetland delineations and ecological/biological field surveys, including flora/fauna surveys, threatened and endangered species field surveys, data collection, interpretation, analysis, and technical report preparation, with oversight from senior staff.
- Prepare wetland and watercourse delineation reports, biological assessments, monitoring reports, mitigation plans, and related environmental documentation.
- Support development of federal permits and compliance documentation, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 Water Quality Certification permits.
- Assist in the development of NJDEP Division of Land Resources Protection permit applications (Waterfront Development, CAFRA, Flood Hazard Area, Coastal and Freshwater Wetlands).
- Experienced with permit development, compliance documentation, and planning in New York State including: Joint Permit Applications, NYSDEC Protection of Waters, Coastal Erosion Management, Freshwater/Tidal Wetlands Permits, Industrial SPDES, SEQRA, and other environmental related permits.
- Define the level of environmental analysis needed including assessing and analyzing project impacts to identify permitting requirements; develop strategies to avoid or minimize project impacts, and prepare environmental constraints mapping.
- Prepare and review technical sections to support development of and NEPA/State environmental planning documentation such as environmental impact statements (EIS), environmental assessments (EA), natural resource reports, and other environmental documents.
- Conduct field work, including potential multi-day field assignments.
- Manage multiple tasks concurrently and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science or closely related field
- 5 years technical and/or field experience preparing environmental documents
- Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel)
- Strong environmental writing and communication skills
- Strong conceptual, organizational, problem-solving and research abilities
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Significant experience performing wetlands, aquatics, terrestrial or other field surveys to support permitting and environmental compliance related tasks.
- Experience coordinating with federal, state and local regulatory agencies.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Experience using mobile data collection tools and GPS equipment, and familiarity with ArcGIS software.
- Ability to travel for field assignments.
- 40 Hour HAZWOPER Training.
- Other potentially applicable certifications including: Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS) or Wetland Professional in Training (WPIT), Certified Wildlife Biologist (CWB), Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS), International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist, ESA Certified Ecologist, Certified Ecological Landscape Restoration Practitioner (CERP).
- In-depth knowledge of the northeast and/or Mid-Atlantic ecological setting preferred.
- Experience with rare plant species survey protocols and agency coordination is a plus.
- A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience supporting environmental field studies and permitting.
- Extensive knowledge of wetland delineation methods and regulatory coordination.
- Extensive knowledge of regional flora and fauna required, including of listed threatened or endangered species.
- Strong technical writing and communication skills. (A writing sample of candidate’s professional paper, thesis, or project is welcome);
- Preference is given to local candidates.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.)
COMPENSATION
- Location: {Nanuet, NY}: $88,186 - 125,880
- Location: {Purchase, NY}: $91,788 - $131,125
- Location: {Woodcliff Lake, NJ}: $91,788 - $131,125
PRIMARY LOCATION
Location: United States-New York-Purchase
OTHER LOCATIONS
Location: United States-New York-Nanuet
Location: United States-New Jersey-Woodcliff Lake
INDUSTRY
Water
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
JOB POSTING
Oct 26, 2026
See all 1,704+ Environmental Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Environmental Jobs
Target environmental consulting firms that work on federal projects
Firms like AECOM, Arcadis, WSP, Jacobs, Tetra Tech, and Ramboll perform environmental assessment, remediation, and compliance work for government and private clients across the U.S. These companies regularly hire environmental scientists and engineers and have established processes for H-1B sponsorship.
Specialize in a regulated compliance area
Deep expertise in RCRA hazardous waste management, CERCLA Superfund remediation, Clean Air Act permitting, or NPDES water discharge compliance makes you valuable to employers navigating complex regulatory requirements. Regulatory specialization creates a strong specialty occupation argument because it requires both a relevant degree and knowledge of specific U.S. environmental laws.
Obtain Professional Engineer or relevant certifications
The Professional Engineer (PE) license in environmental engineering, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), or Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) credentials demonstrate advanced competency recognized by the industry. While the PE exam requires U.S. work experience, beginning the process during OPT shows commitment and adds weight to a sponsorship petition.
Leverage STEM OPT to build U.S. regulatory experience
Environmental science and engineering degrees qualify for STEM OPT, providing up to 36 months of work authorization. Use this time to gain hands-on experience with U.S. environmental regulations, which differ significantly from international frameworks and represent specialized knowledge that strengthens your sponsorship case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do employers sponsor visas for environmental scientists and engineers?
Yes, environmental science and engineering roles are well-suited for H-1B visa sponsorship because they require specialized degrees and often involve regulatory compliance work that demands specific expertise. Environmental consulting firms, government contractors, and corporations with environmental compliance departments regularly sponsor these professionals. The EPA's regulatory framework and state-level environmental laws create consistent demand for qualified environmental specialists.
How to find Environmental jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find environmental jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate to search positions at consulting firms, renewable energy companies, and government agencies. Focus on roles like environmental scientist, sustainability consultant, or environmental engineer. These positions often qualify for H-1B, TN visa, or skilled worker visas depending on your location and qualifications.
What environmental roles have the strongest visa sponsorship potential?
Environmental engineers, environmental compliance managers, remediation project managers, air quality specialists, and EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) managers have strong sponsorship track records. Roles involving RCRA, CERCLA, Clean Air Act, or Clean Water Act compliance require specialized regulatory knowledge that clearly meets the specialty occupation threshold. Environmental data scientists and GIS specialists working on environmental applications are also increasingly sponsored.
Is environmental science eligible for STEM OPT?
Environmental science (CIP code 03.0104), environmental engineering (CIP code 14.1401), and environmental health (CIP code 51.2202) are all STEM-designated, qualifying graduates for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. This provides up to 36 months of work authorization after graduation, giving you extended time to secure H-1B sponsorship.
Can I work for the EPA or state environmental agencies on a visa?
Most EPA and state environmental agency positions require U.S. citizenship, though some exceptions exist for specific scientific roles. However, private environmental consulting firms that contract with the EPA and state agencies hire international professionals for similar work. Companies like AECOM, Arcadis, Jacobs, and Tetra Tech perform regulatory compliance, remediation, and assessment work under government contracts and have experience sponsoring H-1B visas.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Environmental jobs?
When a U.S. employer sponsors a foreign worker for a work visa, they are legally required to pay at least the "prevailing wage" — the average wage paid to workers in the same occupation, in the same geographic area, with similar experience. This is set by the Department of Labor to prevent employers from hiring foreign workers at below-market rates. The prevailing wage varies significantly by role, location, and experience level — for example, a environmental in Texas will have a different prevailing wage than the same role in a smaller state. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search.