State of Washington OPT Eligible Jobs USA
The State of Washington hires OPT students across environmental science, public policy, data analysis, and engineering roles. As a large state government employer, it offers structured pathways from OPT into long-term sponsorship, making it a practical target for F-1 graduates entering public sector careers.
See All State of Washington JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 116+ State of Washington OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 116+ State of Washington OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new State of Washington OPT Eligible Jobs USA.
Get Access To All JobsDescription
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
Position and Salary
The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for three permanent full-time Paralegal 1 positions in the Regional Services Division. These positions are located in Kennewick, Washington. With the exception of a few, most of the positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Paralegal 1 (Range 51) salary range: $55,836 – $75,108 /annually.
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
The following stipends may apply based on position requirements:
- Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.
Excellent Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.
With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.
About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:
- Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
- Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
- Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
- And much more!
Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.
About the Regional Services Division in Kennewick
The seven offices of the Regional Services Division are the "face of the AGO" in communities across the state. These offices provide a wide variety of legal services for a number of different client agencies, such as the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Employment Security Department and Department of Licensing. The offices also represent education institutions, including Western Washington University, as well as local community and technical colleges: Peninsula, Whatcom, Bellingham Technical, Skagit Valley, Everett, Edmonds, Clark, Lower Columbia, Walla Walla, Columbia Basin, Yakima Valley and Wenatchee Valley. The Regional Services Division also represents and advises the Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss, the School for the Blind, and several Educational Service Districts. The professional staff members and AAGs in Regional Services operate in a highly independent environment (we are our own "General Services") while also working as an integrated part of the AGO.
The seven offices that make up the RSD share this vision:
The Regional Services Division (RSD) is committed to the mission, vision, and values of the Attorney General's Office (AGO). To maintain high quality legal services throughout the state:
- RSD is the "face" of the AGO in the communities we serve. Every day, our actions display effective work by the government.
- We will capitalize on our similarities, adopting practices based on the successes of other RSD Sections to give efficient legal services, and still respect the places where we have thoughtfully decided to take different approaches around the Division.
- RSD will persistently tell the story of the contributions we make to the office and to our communities to the larger office, and relentlessly consider our own effectiveness to maximize the expertise and skill that we offer as a resource to each other and to the rest of the AGO.
Paralegal 1 Position Description and Job Duties
Our Paralegal 1 staff provide critical support for Assistant Attorneys General in litigation of state matters, preparing for trial, and applying knowledge of court rules related to legal practice, subject matter, and court filing procedures in civil and appellate matters.
As a Paralegal 1, you may be entrusted to perform some of the following duties: analyze facts, compose documents and pleadings, schedule and/or interview witnesses, research legal issues and evaluate the facts of cases, coordinate the preparation for litigation, track status of cases from summons to trial, and draft legal notices.
If you are interested in a dynamic career that protects the interests of the people of Washington, please apply and become part of our team.
This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.
Required Qualifications
Combination of three years of experience* through:
- Paralegal certification
- Two-year paralegal degree
- Paralegal plus (or nine-month paralegal, post BA) certification,
- and/or
- Paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney
- You may have gained applicable paraprofessional experience through previous Paralegal or Legal Assistant work.
Preferred Qualifications
The most competitive candidates will possess the following skills and abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in:
- Experience in local court processes and procedures
- Proficiency in e-filing
- Reasonable understanding of state and federal regulations pertaining to HIPAA
- Knowledge of Paralegal processes and procedures
- Experience in all components of trial preparation
- Experience in state and federal courts filing procedures
- Utilization of court systems, i.e., Odyssey, JIS/JABS
- Understand the components of electronic discovery processes
Demonstrated Ability to:
- Demonstrate accuracy and efficiency in daily work assignments
- Calendaring and reviewing data for upcoming tasks or assignments for various deadlines determined by local court rules
- Effectively communicate in both written and verbal forms
- Ability to problem solve and implement decision-making skills in the daily performance of work assignments
- Multi-task and/or shift priorities to conduct necessary business
- Work independently
- Research and comply with state and agency policies and procedures
- Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite applications, case management systems, and databases
- Willingness to work as a team, demonstrating cooperation and compromise
Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
- A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
- A current resume detailing experience and education.
Read the following information completely:
- You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
- The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov.
- A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
- Please be sure to remove private information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, etc.
- All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
- The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency. It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.
Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests
Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO. The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Talent Acquisition Team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Description
Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the recruitment team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
Position and Salary
The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting for three permanent full-time Paralegal 1 positions in the Regional Services Division. These positions are located in Kennewick, Washington. With the exception of a few, most of the positions are represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).
Paralegal 1 (Range 51) salary range: $55,836 – $75,108 /annually.
The base pay offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the preferred candidate’s job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
The following stipends may apply based on position requirements:
- Incumbents assigned to a position designated as requiring dual language skills will receive a 5% Dual Language Requirement Pay stipend.
Excellent Benefits
Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation, including Medical/Dental/Vision for employees & dependent(s); Vacation, Sick, and Other Leave; 11 Paid Holidays per year; Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans; and Life Insurance. Beyond these traditional benefits, we offer Dependent Care Assistance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Tuition Waiver, Deferred Compensation, Employee Recognition Leave, and more.
With the goal of employee health and wellness, we also offer flexible schedules and telework options for most positions, a Wellness Program, the Employee Assistance Program, and numerous affinity groups to foster community and connection.
About the Washington State Office of the Attorney General
Join an agency whose work impacts the lives of every resident of Washington State.
The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) touches the lives of every resident in this state. We serve more than 230 state agencies, boards, commissions, colleges and universities, as well as the Legislature and the Governor. The Office is comprised of nearly 700 attorneys and 800 professional staff, all working together to deliver the highest quality professional legal services to Washington state officials, agencies, and entities. This includes:
- Economic justice and consumer protections (safeguarding consumers, protecting youth, seniors, and other vulnerable populations)
- Social justice and civil rights (addressing discrimination, environmental protection, and veteran and military resources)
- Criminal justice and public safety (investigative and prosecutorial support, financial crimes)
- And much more!
Our agency also has national reach, representing the State of Washington before the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals and trial courts in all cases that involve the state’s interest. If you want to make a difference, we may be the perfect fit for you! Learn more about the AGO here.
About the Regional Services Division in Kennewick
The seven offices of the Regional Services Division are the "face of the AGO" in communities across the state. These offices provide a wide variety of legal services for a number of different client agencies, such as the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), Employment Security Department and Department of Licensing. The offices also represent education institutions, including Western Washington University, as well as local community and technical colleges: Peninsula, Whatcom, Bellingham Technical, Skagit Valley, Everett, Edmonds, Clark, Lower Columbia, Walla Walla, Columbia Basin, Yakima Valley and Wenatchee Valley. The Regional Services Division also represents and advises the Center for Childhood Deafness and Hearing Loss, the School for the Blind, and several Educational Service Districts. The professional staff members and AAGs in Regional Services operate in a highly independent environment (we are our own "General Services") while also working as an integrated part of the AGO.
The seven offices that make up the RSD share this vision:
The Regional Services Division (RSD) is committed to the mission, vision, and values of the Attorney General's Office (AGO). To maintain high quality legal services throughout the state:
- RSD is the "face" of the AGO in the communities we serve. Every day, our actions display effective work by the government.
- We will capitalize on our similarities, adopting practices based on the successes of other RSD Sections to give efficient legal services, and still respect the places where we have thoughtfully decided to take different approaches around the Division.
- RSD will persistently tell the story of the contributions we make to the office and to our communities to the larger office, and relentlessly consider our own effectiveness to maximize the expertise and skill that we offer as a resource to each other and to the rest of the AGO.
Paralegal 1 Position Description and Job Duties
Our Paralegal 1 staff provide critical support for Assistant Attorneys General in litigation of state matters, preparing for trial, and applying knowledge of court rules related to legal practice, subject matter, and court filing procedures in civil and appellate matters.
As a Paralegal 1, you may be entrusted to perform some of the following duties: analyze facts, compose documents and pleadings, schedule and/or interview witnesses, research legal issues and evaluate the facts of cases, coordinate the preparation for litigation, track status of cases from summons to trial, and draft legal notices.
If you are interested in a dynamic career that protects the interests of the people of Washington, please apply and become part of our team.
This recruitment announcement may be used to fill multiple open positions for the same classification, in addition to the position(s) listed in this announcement.
Required Qualifications
Combination of three years of experience* through:
- Paralegal certification
- Two-year paralegal degree
- Paralegal plus (or nine-month paralegal, post BA) certification,
- and/or
- Paraprofessional experience in support of an attorney
- You may have gained applicable paraprofessional experience through previous Paralegal or Legal Assistant work.
Preferred Qualifications
The most competitive candidates will possess the following skills and abilities:
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in:
- Experience in local court processes and procedures
- Proficiency in e-filing
- Reasonable understanding of state and federal regulations pertaining to HIPAA
- Knowledge of Paralegal processes and procedures
- Experience in all components of trial preparation
- Experience in state and federal courts filing procedures
- Utilization of court systems, i.e., Odyssey, JIS/JABS
- Understand the components of electronic discovery processes
Demonstrated Ability to:
- Demonstrate accuracy and efficiency in daily work assignments
- Calendaring and reviewing data for upcoming tasks or assignments for various deadlines determined by local court rules
- Effectively communicate in both written and verbal forms
- Ability to problem solve and implement decision-making skills in the daily performance of work assignments
- Multi-task and/or shift priorities to conduct necessary business
- Work independently
- Research and comply with state and agency policies and procedures
- Effectively use Microsoft Office Suite applications, case management systems, and databases
- Willingness to work as a team, demonstrating cooperation and compromise
Application Instructions
In addition to completing the online application, applicants must attach the following documents to their profile in order to be considered for this position:
- A letter of interest, describing your specific qualifications for the position;
- A current resume detailing experience and education.
Read the following information completely:
- You may not reapply to this posting for 30 days.
- The initial screening of applications will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "work experience" and "education" sections of your application in www.careers.wa.gov.
- A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.
- Please be sure to remove private information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, etc.
- All information may be verified and documentation may be required.
- The Washington State Office of the Attorney General does not use the E-Verify system; therefore, we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Commitment to Diversity
Diversity is critical to the success of the mission of the AGO and we are committed to building an anti-racist and equitable agency. It is our goal to identify, discuss, and challenge racial inequity in the workplace and the impact it has on our employees, and, within our authority, combat racism that impacts the people of the State of Washington. This means recognizing, respecting, and appreciating all cultures and backgrounds- and fostering the inclusion of differences between people. Appreciating, valuing and implementing principles of diversity permits AGO employees to achieve their fullest potential in a professional, inclusive, respectful environment.
Our commitment to employee wellness is reflected in earning the 2025 "Zo8 Washington Wellness Award".
Equal Employment Opportunity and Accommodations Requests
Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees and volunteers enjoy a respectful, safe and supportive working environment. Only by fostering the inclusion of people from all backgrounds, cultures and attributes, can AGO employees and volunteers achieve their fullest potential and best advance the goals and mission of the AGO. The AGO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation/gender identity, age, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, retaliation or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. Persons requiring reasonable accommodation in the application process or requiring information in an alternative format may contact the Talent Acquisition Team at HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. Those with a hearing impairment in need of accommodation are encouraged to contact the Washington Relay Service at 1-800-676-3777 or www.washingtonrelay.com.
For questions regarding this recruitment or assistance with the application process, please contact HREmployment@atg.wa.gov. If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at 855-524-5627 or support@neogov.com.
Job Roles at State of Washington
See all 116+ State of Washington Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new State of Washington roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding State of Washington OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target mission-aligned roles in environmental agencies
The State of Washington's largest hiring volume for OPT students sits in environmental science, data management, and policy analysis. Filter your search to the Department of Ecology and Department of Commerce, where degree-specific roles align directly with common OPT EAD fields of study.
Verify your employer's E-Verify enrollment before accepting
For STEM OPT, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can extend your work authorization by 24 months. State agencies vary in enrollment status, so confirm the specific hiring agency is listed in E-Verify before you sign an offer letter.
Frame your application around the state's equity and climate goals
Washington's public sector hiring panels weigh candidates against agency mission priorities. Connecting your academic background to the state's environmental justice or climate resilience initiatives signals fit during interviews and strengthens your case with hiring managers who influence sponsorship decisions down the line.
Ask HR directly about the H-1B transition timeline
State government employers follow different procurement and legal review timelines than private firms. Ask the HR contact specifically whether the agency has filed H-1B petitions for OPT employees before, and how far in advance they engage immigration counsel, since government timelines can run longer than the April 1 H-1B filing window.
Use Migrate Mate to find Washington agencies with H-1B filing history
State of Washington agencies that have sponsored H-1B visas are the safest targets for OPT-to-H-1B transitions. Migrate Mate surfaces DOL Labor Condition Application data by employer and role, so you can identify which specific departments have active sponsorship track records before you apply.
Benchmark your offer salary against the OFLC Wage Search
State government salaries are published and range-bound by classification. Before accepting an offer, cross-check your job title's wage level against the OFLC Wage Search to confirm the salary meets prevailing wage requirements, which matters when your employer later files an H-1B or EB-3 petition on your behalf.
State of Washington OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does State of Washington sponsor OPT visas?
State of Washington doesn't sponsor OPT directly. OPT is work authorization granted by USCIS to F-1 students, not a petition filed by employers. What State of Washington does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD. For STEM OPT extensions, the specific hiring agency must be enrolled in E-Verify to qualify as your employer.
Which departments at State of Washington typically hire OPT students?
The Department of Ecology, Department of Commerce, and Department of Transportation are among the most active state agencies for degree-required roles that align with common OPT fields. Environmental science, data analysis, civil engineering, and public policy positions are the most frequently posted roles that fit typical F-1 graduate profiles.
How do I navigate the OPT-to-H-1B transition at a state government employer?
State agencies typically work with outside immigration counsel rather than in-house legal teams, which can add lead time to H-1B visa preparation. Start conversations with HR about sponsorship intent during the offer stage, not after you're hired. Agencies with prior H-1B filing history are your strongest targets. Migrate Mate lets you filter state employers by LCA filing history so you apply where sponsorship has actually happened.
What is the timeline for STEM OPT approval when working at State of Washington?
You must file your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires and no earlier than 90 days before that date. Your DSO submits the updated I-20 first, then you file Form I-765 with USCIS. Government processing times vary, so file as early as the 90-day window opens to avoid gaps.
How do I confirm a State of Washington agency is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer?
E-Verify enrollment is searchable through the E-Verify employer search tool maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Look up the specific agency name, not just 'State of Washington,' since enrollment is entity-level. Confirm before your OPT EAD expires, because your STEM OPT extension is void if your employer isn't actively enrolled at the time of filing.
How does State of Washington hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. State of Washington can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check State of Washington's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.