J-1 Visa Operations Intern Jobs
Operations Intern positions in the U.S. are structured exchange programs that qualify under the J-1 visa Intern category, which requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 and provide sponsorship. You must be currently enrolled in or have graduated from a post-secondary institution within the past 12 months to qualify.
Find J-1 Visa Operations Intern JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 245+ Operations Intern jobs
See all 245+ Operations Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Operations Intern roles.
Get Access To All JobsTitle: Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern
Executive Area: Administration and Finance
College/School/MBU: Facilities & Campus Services
Department: Facilities & Campus Services
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
The Energy Systems Integration Intern will support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. This role provides hands-on experience with advanced building energy systems, including OSIsoft PI data historian and Johnson Controls Metasys building management systems. The intern will assist in developing tools, dashboards, and analytics that improve system performance, reliability, and visualization.
Essential Functions
-
Assist in setting up and maintaining dig safe logs and documentation of findings.
-
Correct and update AutoCAD utility mapping with guidance.
-
Support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. Investigate the OSI Pi Vision software.
-
Support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns.
-
Help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems.
-
Participate in potable water distribution flushing.
-
Work alongside the backflow technician during testing and inspections.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum junior year standing in Facilities Management or Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (or related field).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; database or programming experience preferred.
Coursework or experience in thermodynamics, energy systems, or controls desirable.
Familiarity with data visualization tools a plus.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Additional Details
You may also be asked to support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns, help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems, and participate in potable water distribution flushing.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Salary Information
Hourly Rate: 20
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
Title: Departmental Assistant - Utility Operations Intern
Executive Area: Administration and Finance
College/School/MBU: Facilities & Campus Services
Department: Facilities & Campus Services
Work Location: Amherst
Schedule: Full Time
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Job Summary
The Energy Systems Integration Intern will support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. This role provides hands-on experience with advanced building energy systems, including OSIsoft PI data historian and Johnson Controls Metasys building management systems. The intern will assist in developing tools, dashboards, and analytics that improve system performance, reliability, and visualization.
Essential Functions
-
Assist in setting up and maintaining dig safe logs and documentation of findings.
-
Correct and update AutoCAD utility mapping with guidance.
-
Support the integration of the North Energy Exchange Center (NEEC) into the UMass Amherst Energy Command Center. Investigate the OSI Pi Vision software.
-
Support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns.
-
Help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems.
-
Participate in potable water distribution flushing.
-
Work alongside the backflow technician during testing and inspections.
Other Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum junior year standing in Facilities Management or Mechanical, Electrical, or Computer Engineering (or related field).
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; database or programming experience preferred.
Coursework or experience in thermodynamics, energy systems, or controls desirable.
Familiarity with data visualization tools a plus.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Additional Details
You may also be asked to support crew members during steam distribution system startups and shutdowns, help with the installation and maintenance of steam distribution systems, and participate in potable water distribution flushing.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in indoor and/or outdoor environments, and requires frequent lifting, bending, tool use or equipment use. May involve work in confined spaces or at heights.
Work Schedule and Work Arrangement
Monday - Friday 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Salary Information
Hourly Rate: 20
Special Instructions for Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
This position will remain open for the time period required by any applicable collective bargaining agreement and will continue until a suitable candidate pool is identified. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.
See all 245+ J-1 Visa Operations Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Operations Intern Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Operations Intern
Align your training plan with operations coursework
Your DS-2019 application requires a detailed training plan showing how the internship connects to your academic program. Map specific operations coursework to job duties like supply chain coordination, process improvement, or logistics analytics before approaching any host employer.
Confirm the 12-month graduation window early
The J-1 Intern category closes exactly 12 months after your graduation date. If you graduated more than a year ago, you qualify under Trainee instead, which carries different eligibility criteria and requires 12 months of prior work experience in operations or a related field.
Target host employers with formal internship programs
Operations internships at companies with structured rotational programs are far easier to get J-1 sponsored because the host can document clear training objectives. Search on Migrate Mate to find U.S. employers whose operations roles have supported international interns before.
Check subject to home residency requirement status
Some J-1 interns are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, which affects your ability to switch to an H-1B visa or other work visa afterward. Your sponsor will note this on your DS-2019, so ask about it before accepting a placement.
Verify prevailing wage compliance with your sponsor
Unlike the H-1B, the J-1 has no formal DOL wage certification step, but your designated sponsor must confirm the offered compensation meets program requirements. Cross-check the role's wage against the OFLC Wage Search to flag any gaps before your training plan is submitted.
Prepare your academic transcripts in advance
Designated sponsors like CIEE or Cultural Vistas require official transcripts to verify your enrollment status or recent graduation when processing your DS-2019. Unofficial or unofficial-format exports from student portals are routinely rejected, delaying your program start date.
Operations Intern J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 category applies to operations intern positions?
Operations internship roles fall under the J-1 Intern category if you are currently enrolled in a degree program or graduated within the past 12 months. If you graduated more than a year ago but have at least 12 months of paid work experience in operations or a related field, you may qualify under the J-1 Trainee category instead. Your designated sponsor organization confirms which category applies based on your background.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for an operations internship?
Your J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. The hiring company is your host organization. The designated sponsor, such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or AIPT, issues your DS-2019 form, monitors program compliance, and serves as your legal contact with the State Department throughout the internship. Your host employer cannot issue a DS-2019 on its own.
Can I use Migrate Mate to find operations intern roles open to J-1 participants?
Yes. Migrate Mate lets you filter employer listings to surface U.S. companies whose operations roles align with J-1 intern sponsorship pathways. Because not every internship posting makes J-1 compatibility explicit, using a platform built around visa-aware job searching saves significant time compared to screening generic job boards manually.
What is the two-year home residency requirement and does it apply to operations interns?
Some J-1 participants are required to return to their home country for two years after their program ends before changing to an H-1B, L-1 visa, or immigrant visa. This requirement applies when your exchange is funded by your home government or a U.S. government agency, or when you are a national from a country on the State Department skills list. Your designated sponsor will note whether it applies on your DS-2019 before your program begins.
How long can an operations internship last on a J-1 visa?
J-1 Intern programs can last up to 12 months total. Extensions beyond 12 months are not permitted under the Intern category. If your host employer wants to continue the relationship, you would need to qualify under a different J-1 category or transition to another visa status altogether. Your designated sponsor must approve any change to your program end date before it takes effect.