Environmental Scientist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Environmental scientists in the U.S. typically qualify for H-1B, O-1, 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 JobsAdvertisement Closes 3/16/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
Position Environmental Scientist I
Pay Grade 13
Salary $3,551.88 - $4,940.60 Monthly
Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Hiring Agency Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department for Natural Resources
Location 300 Sower Boulevard Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. The mission of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians by protecting our land, air, and water resources by utilizing our natural resources in an environmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that together bring economic benefit to the commonwealth. If you are looking for a positive work environment and a career where you can make a difference in the environment we live in, then EEC is the cabinet for you.
By joining the Division of Oil and Gas as an Environmental Scientist I in Franklin County, you will have the opportunity to provide entry-level technical assistance to the Division. You will assist with reviewing scopes of work and assist with overseeing the plugging and reclamation efforts for the Kentucky Abandoned Storage Tanks & Orphan Well (KASTOW program.)
Holders of the Environmental Scientist I position will complete tasks such as:
- Perform entry-level interpretation of statutes, regulations, policies, procedures, and federal guidelines relating to Oil, Gas, and Underground Injection Control well plugging programs.
- Conduct assessments of well records and/or EPA records, to determine well plugging eligibility.
- Conduct technical review of Gathering Line Applications.
- Identify and compile compliance deficiencies.
- Assist with collecting and analyzing scientific data to compile data and reports.
- Use GIS and Other Mapping Tools Proficiently.
Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
- ArcGIS experience.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Self-motivated.
- Analytical thinking.
- Teamwork skills.
- Organizational skills.
- Ability to multi-task with excellent time management skills.
EEC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/. EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skill set as you build your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Minimum Requirements
Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural, biological or physical science OR Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering or a related area will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in an office setting. Incumbents in this class may perform work in the field with frequent travel on a statewide basis. An incumbent in this position may be subject to adverse weather conditions, exposure to snakes and insects, water-borne pathogens, broken glass, rusty metal in streams, and hazards common to operation of electro-fishing equipment, which require the following of safety procedures.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Gina Cavender at Gina.Cavender@Ky.Gov or 502-782-6915.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
Advertisement Closes 3/16/2026 (8:00 PM EDT)
Position Environmental Scientist I
Pay Grade 13
Salary $3,551.88 - $4,940.60 Monthly
Employment Type EXECUTIVE BRANCH | FULL TIME | ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY | 18A | 37.5 HR/WK
Hiring Agency Energy & Environment Cabinet | Department for Natural Resources
Location 300 Sower Boulevard Frankfort, KY 40601 USA
Description
The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify the telecommuting arrangement at any time. The mission of the Kentucky Energy & Environment Cabinet (EEC) is to improve the quality of life for all Kentuckians by protecting our land, air, and water resources by utilizing our natural resources in an environmentally conscientious manner. We do this by helping families connect with nature and preserving the Commonwealth’s natural heritage; and by supporting innovative, resilient, and sustainable energy solutions that together bring economic benefit to the commonwealth. If you are looking for a positive work environment and a career where you can make a difference in the environment we live in, then EEC is the cabinet for you.
By joining the Division of Oil and Gas as an Environmental Scientist I in Franklin County, you will have the opportunity to provide entry-level technical assistance to the Division. You will assist with reviewing scopes of work and assist with overseeing the plugging and reclamation efforts for the Kentucky Abandoned Storage Tanks & Orphan Well (KASTOW program.)
Holders of the Environmental Scientist I position will complete tasks such as:
- Perform entry-level interpretation of statutes, regulations, policies, procedures, and federal guidelines relating to Oil, Gas, and Underground Injection Control well plugging programs.
- Conduct assessments of well records and/or EPA records, to determine well plugging eligibility.
- Conduct technical review of Gathering Line Applications.
- Identify and compile compliance deficiencies.
- Assist with collecting and analyzing scientific data to compile data and reports.
- Use GIS and Other Mapping Tools Proficiently.
Desired candidates possess the following requisite skills or experience applicable to the position:
- ArcGIS experience.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Self-motivated.
- Analytical thinking.
- Teamwork skills.
- Organizational skills.
- Ability to multi-task with excellent time management skills.
EEC participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. EEC will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that EEC has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/. EEC provides opportunities for development and upward movement. There is room to grow your skill set as you build your career. Come join our team and make an impact in the future of Kentucky. We look forward to reviewing your application.
Minimum Requirements
Education: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural, biological or physical science OR Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree including or supplemented by 20 semester hours in a natural, biological or physical science.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE: NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION: Experience in natural resources, environmental control, engineering or a related area will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): NONE
Working Conditions
Work is typically performed in an office setting. Incumbents in this class may perform work in the field with frequent travel on a statewide basis. An incumbent in this position may be subject to adverse weather conditions, exposure to snakes and insects, water-borne pathogens, broken glass, rusty metal in streams, and hazards common to operation of electro-fishing equipment, which require the following of safety procedures.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Gina Cavender at Gina.Cavender@Ky.Gov or 502-782-6915.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D
How to Get 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
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.
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