OPT Agriculture Jobs
Agriculture jobs on OPT span crop science, soil research, agronomy, food systems, and agricultural technology. STEM OPT extensions apply to roles in biological sciences and data-driven ag tech, giving eligible students up to three years of work authorization to build a career in U.S. food and farming sectors.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Agriculture Lab Assistant (Land Lab) supports hands-on instructional activities within the agriculture program by coordinating the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of the Land Lab. This role works closely with faculty and students to facilitate experiential learning in crop production and field management.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate and oversee planting, maintenance, and harvesting activities in the Land Lab with student participation.
- Prepare field and laboratory materials, equipment, and supplies for agriculture courses and activities.
- Monitor and maintain agricultural equipment, tools, and basic farm systems.
- Maintain records related to crop production, equipment usage, and safety procedures.
- Ensure proper storage, labeling, and disposal of agricultural materials in accordance with safety standards.
- Provide basic technical guidance and support to students working in lab and field environments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to work in outdoor field conditions as well as indoor lab environments.
- Ability to stand, bend, walk fields, and operate basic equipment as needed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position plays a vital role in supporting experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and agricultural technology. The Land Lab serves as a living classroom, and this role helps ensure its success as a teaching and production space.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Technology, or related field OR equivalent industry experience.
- Experience with crop production, fieldwork, or farm operations.
- Ability to maintain a safe and organized lab and field environment.
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with agricultural technologies such as precision agriculture tools, GPS/GIS systems, or farm data software.
- Experience with greenhouse operations, crop systems, or equipment maintenance.
- Knowledge of agricultural safety standards and best practices.
Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our part-time employees. These benefits include:
Health & Wellness
- Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses.
- Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources.
Financial & Retirement Benefits
- All employees can contribute pre-tax or post-tax dollars through payroll deduction to build retirement savings.
Educational Benefits
- Fee remission for employees, spouses, and legal dependents.
For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
INTRODUCTION
The Agriculture Lab Assistant (Land Lab) supports hands-on instructional activities within the agriculture program by coordinating the planting, maintenance, and harvesting of the Land Lab. This role works closely with faculty and students to facilitate experiential learning in crop production and field management.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Coordinate and oversee planting, maintenance, and harvesting activities in the Land Lab with student participation.
- Prepare field and laboratory materials, equipment, and supplies for agriculture courses and activities.
- Monitor and maintain agricultural equipment, tools, and basic farm systems.
- Maintain records related to crop production, equipment usage, and safety procedures.
- Ensure proper storage, labeling, and disposal of agricultural materials in accordance with safety standards.
- Provide basic technical guidance and support to students working in lab and field environments.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
- Ability to work in outdoor field conditions as well as indoor lab environments.
- Ability to stand, bend, walk fields, and operate basic equipment as needed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This position plays a vital role in supporting experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for careers in agriculture, agribusiness, and agricultural technology. The Land Lab serves as a living classroom, and this role helps ensure its success as a teaching and production space.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree in Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Technology, or related field OR equivalent industry experience.
- Experience with crop production, fieldwork, or farm operations.
- Ability to maintain a safe and organized lab and field environment.
- Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with agricultural technologies such as precision agriculture tools, GPS/GIS systems, or farm data software.
- Experience with greenhouse operations, crop systems, or equipment maintenance.
- Knowledge of agricultural safety standards and best practices.
Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our part-time employees. These benefits include:
Health & Wellness
- Access to a comprehensive vision care plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses.
- Employee Assistance Program offering no cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources.
Financial & Retirement Benefits
- All employees can contribute pre-tax or post-tax dollars through payroll deduction to build retirement savings.
Educational Benefits
- Fee remission for employees, spouses, and legal dependents.
For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Agriculture
Target research universities and land-grant institutions
Land-grant universities like Iowa State and UC Davis run large agricultural research programs that regularly hire OPT students. These institutions understand work authorization timelines and often have international student hiring experience built into their HR processes.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
Degrees in biological sciences, environmental science, and agricultural engineering typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can confidently communicate your full authorization timeline to employers.
Lead with your authorization window, not just the degree
Employers in agriculture often have seasonal hiring cycles. Telling them upfront that you have two or three years of work authorization helps them plan around crop seasons, research cycles, and project timelines rather than worrying about short-term gaps.
Target agribusiness companies with established international programs
Large agribusiness firms like Corteva, Bayer Crop Science, and Cargill have global workforces and structured international hiring processes. They're more likely to be familiar with OPT authorization requirements than smaller regional operations.
Align your role to your field of study precisely
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major. A soil science graduate working in agronomy research is clearly aligned. Document that connection explicitly in your job offer letter to avoid issues during any future visa status review.
Report employment to your DSO within 10 days of starting
Once you accept an agriculture role, you must update your employment details in SEVIS through your DSO within 10 days. Failing to report on time puts your OPT status at risk, even if the job itself is a strong match for your degree.
Agriculture OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in agriculture on OPT without a STEM degree?
Yes. Standard OPT provides 12 months of work authorization regardless of degree type, so students with degrees in agricultural science, horticulture, or food systems can work in relevant roles. The 24-month STEM extension is only available if your specific CIP code appears on the STEM designated degree program list maintained by ICE.
Does seasonal or contract agricultural work count for OPT?
It can, but with conditions. OPT employment must average at least 20 hours per week to remain valid. Short-term seasonal contracts that fall below that threshold, or unpaid positions without clear educational relevance, may not satisfy the OPT employment requirement. Consult your DSO before accepting contract-based or harvest-season roles to confirm they qualify.
How do I find agriculture employers who are familiar with OPT authorization?
Migrate Mate lists agriculture jobs from employers who have a track record of hiring international candidates, making it easier to identify roles where OPT authorization won't be a barrier. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization concerns late in the process.
What agricultural roles typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Roles in agricultural engineering, soil science, plant biology, food technology, environmental science, and data-driven precision agriculture frequently qualify when the underlying degree has a STEM-designated CIP code. Positions focused purely on manual labor, farm operations management, or non-technical administration generally do not qualify, even at an otherwise technical agribusiness company.
Can I work for a farm or small agricultural operation on OPT?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your field of study and meets the minimum 20-hour-per-week requirement. Small farms and family operations are eligible employers under OPT rules. The challenge is that smaller employers are often less familiar with OPT documentation requirements, so you may need to explain the process and provide your EAD card details proactively.