J-1 Visa Field Specialist Jobs
Field Specialist roles in the United States are accessible to exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship, most commonly under the Specialist or Trainee program category. Designated sponsors issue your DS-2019, while the U.S. employer hosts your placement. No lottery or annual cap applies, making this a direct path for qualified field professionals.
Find J-1 Visa Field Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 27+ Field Specialist jobs
See all Field Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Field Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State Extension is seeking applicants for the part-time job position of Field and Forage Crops Intern. This position will be based in Wayne County, with travel in Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties.
Job duties to include:
- Crop scouting
- Field data collection
- Research trial support
- Farm visits and client support
Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:
- Agricultural science background
- Access to a motor vehicle
- Standard background check
- Motor vehicle screening
Schedule:
- Part-time, 30 hours per week for a short-term period
- Hours flexible to applicant's needs
Compensation:
The starting rate for this job is $17.75 per hour, plus travel.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State Extension is seeking applicants for the part-time job position of Field and Forage Crops Intern. This position will be based in Wayne County, with travel in Lackawanna, Pike, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties.
Job duties to include:
- Crop scouting
- Field data collection
- Research trial support
- Farm visits and client support
Requirements, qualifications, and/or competencies:
- Agricultural science background
- Access to a motor vehicle
- Standard background check
- Motor vehicle screening
Schedule:
- Part-time, 30 hours per week for a short-term period
- Hours flexible to applicant's needs
Compensation:
The starting rate for this job is $17.75 per hour, plus travel.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to standard background checks.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
See all J-1 Visa Field Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Field Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Field Specialist
Document your field specialization precisely
Your DS-2019 application requires a detailed training plan matching your field specialization to the host employer's work. Gather role-specific credentials, certifications, and project records before approaching any designated sponsor or host employer.
Distinguish Specialist from Trainee category eligibility
The Specialist category requires demonstrated expertise in a specialized field not readily available in the U.S. The Trainee category fits early-career professionals seeking structured on-the-job development. Applying under the wrong category triggers DS-2019 rejections, so confirm your eligibility with your designated sponsor first.
Search for J-1 host employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Field Specialist roles posted by U.S. employers that align with J-1 visa exchange visitor programs. Targeting employers already familiar with hosting exchange visitors shortens your path to a confirmed placement and a completed training plan.
Verify wage compliance before accepting an offer
Your host employer must pay you comparably to U.S. workers in the same role and location. Cross-reference the offered wage against the OFLC Wage Search and O*NET occupation data for Field Specialist roles before you sign any agreement with the employer.
Confirm the 2-year home residency requirement early
Some J-1 participants in specialized fields funded by their home government or subject to skills-shortage lists must return home for two years after their program ends. Confirm whether this requirement applies to you before accepting a placement, as it affects future U.S. visa options.
Get the training plan signed before your start date
Your designated sponsor cannot issue the DS-2019 until the host employer co-signs a detailed training or internship plan. Finalize this document with your host employer's HR or operations contact well ahead of your intended start date to avoid delays.
Field Specialist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Field Specialist role?
Most Field Specialist positions fall under the J-1 Specialist category, which is designed for people with expertise in a field that is not widely available in the United States. Early-career professionals still building hands-on experience may qualify under the Trainee category instead. Your designated sponsor reviews your background and determines the appropriate category before issuing a DS-2019.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Field Specialist position?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or IIE, not your direct employer. The employer acts as the host and provides the work placement. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form, monitors program compliance, and serves as your primary point of contact for visa administration throughout your exchange period.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host J-1 Field Specialists?
Migrate Mate lets you search Field Specialist roles with filters for J-1 program compatibility, so you can target employers already open to hosting exchange visitors. Approaching employers who understand the host responsibilities and training plan requirements significantly reduces the back-and-forth that slows down most J-1 placements.
Can a Field Specialist on a J-1 visa change host employers mid-program?
Changing host employers during your J-1 program requires your designated sponsor to approve a program amendment and issue an updated DS-2019 reflecting the new host site and revised training plan. You cannot simply start working for a different employer without that updated documentation. Unauthorized changes put your J-1 status at risk and can trigger early program termination.
Does the J-1 visa for Field Specialists have an annual cap or lottery?
No. Unlike the H-1B visa, the J-1 visa has no annual numerical cap and no lottery selection process. Placements are available year-round, subject only to designated sponsor program availability and host employer readiness. This makes the J-1 a more predictable path for Field Specialists who have secured a qualifying host employer and meet the category requirements.