Environmental Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Environmental scientists in the U.S. typically qualify for H-1B visa, O-1 visa, or EB-2 visa sponsorship based on their specialized scientific knowledge and degree requirements. Most positions require a bachelor's in environmental science, geology, or related field, making them eligible as specialty occupations under USCIS guidelines. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Department of Transportation
JC-527024
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Office Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the leadership of a multi-disciplinary team of environmental professionals. This position includes hiring, staff development and performance reviews. As the Branch Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the accuracy and quality of a broad range of technical documents being prepared in their branch. The incumbent works to coordinate management level interaction with local and regional agencies, federal and state resource agencies, elected officials, project stakeholders and the general public on matters pertaining to project development and compliance with environmental laws, regulations and policies. The incumbent functions as a supervisor to staff, and is responsible for providing feedback, guidance, counseling, and training to these team members.
Parf 04-27-0005 / JC-527024
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 111 Grand St, Oakland, Alameda County.
While at the base of operation, the incumbent will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting in an office. Frequent travel and field work are required within the Region. Some fieldwork requires the ability to work in a variety of climatic and geographical conditions. The incumbent may be required to travel to offices and field locations, as well as occasional travel outside of the area. This position may be eligible for hybrid-telework. The number of telework days is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’ current telework policy. While Caltrans supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-527024
Position #(s):
904-131-0764-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Alameda County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DEPARTMENT INFO: Copy and paste (non-hyperlinks must not be underlined)
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
David Maxwell
(279) 234-2433
David.Maxwell@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Leigh Anne Kuehnel
(510) 286-6009
leigh.anne.kuehnel@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions:
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-527024), PARF# 04-27-0005 and title of the position (SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)) must be included on the STD. 678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Job Posting: Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Department of Transportation
JC-527024
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under the general direction of the Office Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the leadership of a multi-disciplinary team of environmental professionals. This position includes hiring, staff development and performance reviews. As the Branch Chief, the incumbent is responsible for the accuracy and quality of a broad range of technical documents being prepared in their branch. The incumbent works to coordinate management level interaction with local and regional agencies, federal and state resource agencies, elected officials, project stakeholders and the general public on matters pertaining to project development and compliance with environmental laws, regulations and policies. The incumbent functions as a supervisor to staff, and is responsible for providing feedback, guidance, counseling, and training to these team members.
Parf 04-27-0005 / JC-527024
This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job.
Apply today to join our team! We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool! The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
Position located at 111 Grand St, Oakland, Alameda County.
While at the base of operation, the incumbent will work in a climate-controlled office under artificial lighting in an office. Frequent travel and field work are required within the Region. Some fieldwork requires the ability to work in a variety of climatic and geographical conditions. The incumbent may be required to travel to offices and field locations, as well as occasional travel outside of the area. This position may be eligible for hybrid-telework. The number of telework days is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’ current telework policy. While Caltrans supports telework, in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksite with minimal notification if an urgent need arises.
Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment.
Position Details
Job Code #:
JC-527024
Position #(s):
904-131-0764-XXX
Working Title:
Senior Environmental Scientist - Branch Chief
Classification:
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)
$10,854.00 - $13,493.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
Alameda County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DEPARTMENT INFO: Copy and paste (non-hyperlinks must not be underlined)
Caltrans Mission: Improving lives and communities through transportation.
Caltrans Vision: A thriving and connected California.
The Caltrans workforce is made up of diverse and unique individuals who contribute to our organizational success.
Director’s EEO Policy Statement: https://dot.ca.gov/programs/equal-employment-opportunity
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/15/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Transportation
N/A
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
Certification Services MS-90
P O Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Transportation
Drop-Off Address
Caltrans DHR Contact
Classification and Hiring Unit - ECOS
1727 30th Street, MS 90
Sacramento, CA 95816
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Benefits
Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Human Resources Contact:
David Maxwell
(279) 234-2433
David.Maxwell@dot.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Leigh Anne Kuehnel
(510) 286-6009
leigh.anne.kuehnel@dot.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Caltrans EEO Office
(844) 368-3367
Ask.eeo@dot.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Important Application Instructions:
The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-527024), PARF# 04-27-0005 and title of the position (SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST (SUPERVISORY)) must be included on the STD. 678 form. Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged. Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.
NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
See all 579+ Environmental Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Environmental Scientist roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as an Environmental Scientist
Target federal contractors and consulting firms
Environmental consulting companies like AECOM, CH2M Hill, and Tetra Tech frequently sponsor visas since they need specialized expertise for government contracts and regulatory compliance projects.
Highlight specialized environmental expertise
Focus on niche areas like contaminated site remediation, environmental impact assessments, or air quality modeling. Specialized knowledge strengthens your H-1B specialty occupation case with USCIS.
Consider state and local government roles
Many state environmental agencies and municipalities sponsor H-1B visas for environmental scientists, especially those with experience in water quality, waste management, or environmental monitoring programs.
Emphasize advanced degrees and certifications
Master's degrees in environmental science or related fields, plus professional certifications like Certified Environmental Scientist (CES), significantly strengthen your visa petition and employer sponsorship case.
Research companies with EPA contracts
Organizations working on EPA Superfund sites, environmental assessments, or regulatory compliance often need international talent and have established visa sponsorship processes for qualified environmental professionals.
Network through professional organizations
Join the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP) or similar groups. Many members work at companies that sponsor visas and can provide insider knowledge about opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as an environmental scientist?
You need at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, environmental engineering, geology, chemistry, biology, or a closely related field. The degree must be directly related to the environmental scientist role you're applying for. USCIS considers environmental science a specialty occupation when the position requires specialized scientific knowledge and a relevant degree.
Do environmental scientists have good H-1B approval rates?
Yes, environmental scientists typically have strong H-1B visa approval rates because the role clearly qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring specialized scientific knowledge. The key is ensuring your specific position requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field, and that your employer can demonstrate the job's complexity and specialization requirements.
Can environmental consultants get visa sponsorship?
Yes, but it depends on the employment structure. If you're a direct employee of a consulting firm, they can sponsor your H-1B. However, if you're an independent contractor or work through a staffing agency, the sponsorship becomes more complex. The actual end client where you perform work may need to be involved in the petition process.
How to find Environmental Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Environmental Scientist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsored positions. Focus on consulting firms, government agencies, renewable energy companies, and environmental remediation organizations that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, and other work visas for environmental professionals with specialized expertise in sustainability, pollution control, or climate research.
What if my environmental science degree is from outside the U.S.?
Foreign environmental science degrees are generally acceptable for H-1B petitions, but you'll need a credential evaluation from an approved agency like WES or ECE. The evaluation must confirm your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree. Some countries' three-year degrees may require additional coursework or work experience to meet equivalency standards.
Do I need specific certifications for environmental scientist visa sponsorship?
Professional certifications aren't required for H-1B sponsorship, but they can strengthen your petition. Certifications like Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Environmental Scientist (CES), or specialized credentials in areas like hazardous materials or environmental auditing demonstrate additional expertise that supports the specialty occupation requirement and makes you more attractive to sponsoring employers.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Environmental Scientist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.