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.
Find Environmental JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 2,011+ Environmental jobs
See all 2,011+ Environmental Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob no: 530038
Position Type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Boston
Department: Environmental Health & Safety
Pay Grade: 32
Date opened: 27 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
General Summary:
The OEHS Lab and Environmental Specialist within the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) is responsible for supporting the radiation, laser chemical and biological safety programs, as well as the environmental management system, including data input into the inventory control system for chemical, radiological and biological materials. The incumbent will be responsible for receiving, bar coding and distributing chemical, radiological and biological materials throughout the campus; will support the collection and shipment of hazardous materials in accordance with state and federal requirements; and may also be involved in routine laboratory inspections; working at the Integrated Science Complex (ISC) loading dock; maintaining the supplies and equipment in the ISC waste rooms; and providing other Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) support services to laboratories campus wide.
Examples of Duties:
- Track radiological material and lasers on campus and update campus laser registration and standard operating procedures as needed.
- Inspect laboratories for safety and compliance with regulations.
- Support the Laboratory Safety and Radiation Safety Committees.
- Participate in training of laboratory personnel.
- Receipt and transport of hazardous materials to end user; collect and transport of laboratory waste and other hazardous materials to the central accumulation site.
- Input data for the web based hazardous materials inventory control system.
- Maintenance of the UMASS on-line chemical inventory program.
- Participate in the University’s Emergency Response Program/Chemical Spill Response Team in the event of emergencies, especially those involving hazardous materials, including periodic call back.
- Assist with a wide variety of EHS services in support of research and teaching laboratories.
- Assist in the preparation of environmental compliance reports such as EPA/DEP Biennial Environmental Compliance Report, annual DEP Air Quality Control Report, MWRA Sewer Use Discharge Permit and EPA NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR).
- Conduct regular inspections of waste accumulation areas, acid neutralization systems, and other areas as necessary.
- Assist in development and maintenance of environmental plans including Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan, Contingency Plans, Stormwater plan, etc.
- Coordinate with other UMB departments on projects involving potential environmental impacts including hazardous materials and soil.
- Monitor new environmental regulations and best practices.
- Occasionally, oversee consultants working on environmental projects.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and 2-5 years of environmental health and safety work experience dealing with environmental compliance, preferably in a university or comparable environment required or the following substitutions:
- Associate’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and a minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of environmental health and safety work experience; or
- A comprehensive knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations.
- Physical requirements include frequent use of computers, and the potential exposure to chemicals 40 percent of the time, and occasional exposure to noise and harsh weather conditions.
- CHMM or ability to obtain CHMM certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MA licensed Wastewater Treatment Operator, grade 2
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other administrative databases.
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state and municipal codes and standards that pertain to chemical, radiological and biological materials.
- Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents, in a diverse and multicultural environment.
- Ability to assess chemical hazards containing chemical spills and following appropriate emergency response procedures.
- Ability to serve as a member of the Environmental Health and Safety Hazwoper Team, in accordance with OSHA 1910.120q.
- Ability to use respiratory protective equipment and wear Level C protective clothing.
- Ability to lift and move heavy drums, up to 50 pounds.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Strong commitment to customer service.
Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.
Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.
Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
Job no: 530038
Position Type: Staff Full Time
Campus: UMass Boston
Department: Environmental Health & Safety
Pay Grade: 32
Date opened: 27 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 10 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
General Summary:
The OEHS Lab and Environmental Specialist within the Office of Environmental Health and Safety (OEHS) is responsible for supporting the radiation, laser chemical and biological safety programs, as well as the environmental management system, including data input into the inventory control system for chemical, radiological and biological materials. The incumbent will be responsible for receiving, bar coding and distributing chemical, radiological and biological materials throughout the campus; will support the collection and shipment of hazardous materials in accordance with state and federal requirements; and may also be involved in routine laboratory inspections; working at the Integrated Science Complex (ISC) loading dock; maintaining the supplies and equipment in the ISC waste rooms; and providing other Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) support services to laboratories campus wide.
Examples of Duties:
- Track radiological material and lasers on campus and update campus laser registration and standard operating procedures as needed.
- Inspect laboratories for safety and compliance with regulations.
- Support the Laboratory Safety and Radiation Safety Committees.
- Participate in training of laboratory personnel.
- Receipt and transport of hazardous materials to end user; collect and transport of laboratory waste and other hazardous materials to the central accumulation site.
- Input data for the web based hazardous materials inventory control system.
- Maintenance of the UMASS on-line chemical inventory program.
- Participate in the University’s Emergency Response Program/Chemical Spill Response Team in the event of emergencies, especially those involving hazardous materials, including periodic call back.
- Assist with a wide variety of EHS services in support of research and teaching laboratories.
- Assist in the preparation of environmental compliance reports such as EPA/DEP Biennial Environmental Compliance Report, annual DEP Air Quality Control Report, MWRA Sewer Use Discharge Permit and EPA NPDES Discharge Monitoring Reports (DMR).
- Conduct regular inspections of waste accumulation areas, acid neutralization systems, and other areas as necessary.
- Assist in development and maintenance of environmental plans including Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan, Contingency Plans, Stormwater plan, etc.
- Coordinate with other UMB departments on projects involving potential environmental impacts including hazardous materials and soil.
- Monitor new environmental regulations and best practices.
- Occasionally, oversee consultants working on environmental projects.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and 2-5 years of environmental health and safety work experience dealing with environmental compliance, preferably in a university or comparable environment required or the following substitutions:
- Associate’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline and a minimum of five to seven (5-7) years of environmental health and safety work experience; or
- A comprehensive knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations.
- Physical requirements include frequent use of computers, and the potential exposure to chemicals 40 percent of the time, and occasional exposure to noise and harsh weather conditions.
- CHMM or ability to obtain CHMM certification.
Preferred Qualifications:
- MA licensed Wastewater Treatment Operator, grade 2
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other administrative databases.
- Thorough knowledge of federal, state and municipal codes and standards that pertain to chemical, radiological and biological materials.
- Ability to interact effectively with a broad range of constituents, in a diverse and multicultural environment.
- Ability to assess chemical hazards containing chemical spills and following appropriate emergency response procedures.
- Ability to serve as a member of the Environmental Health and Safety Hazwoper Team, in accordance with OSHA 1910.120q.
- Ability to use respiratory protective equipment and wear Level C protective clothing.
- Ability to lift and move heavy drums, up to 50 pounds.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Strong commitment to customer service.
Application Instructions:
Please apply online with your resume, cover letter and list of three professional references.
Review of candidates will begin following the application closing date.
Only Internal candidates in the Professional Staff Bargaining Unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
See all 2,011+ Environmental Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental roles.
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.