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 JobsJob Title: Agriculture Research Specialist Sr
Requisition Number: RE55348
Department Name: 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 46
Salary Range: $53,061-87,526/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MS
Required Related Experience: 3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation including lifting 50lb seed and fertilizer bags.
Shift: Primarily days (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm).
Job Summary
Advance Forage Research That Supports Kentucky Agriculture
The University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Research Specialist Sr to lead the university’s forage variety testing program and support research that helps producers make informed crop management decisions.
This role combines field research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and program coordination to evaluate forage crop performance across Kentucky. Working closely with faculty, Extension personnel, industry partners, and agricultural producers, the successful candidate will play a key role in generating research-based recommendations that support the state’s agricultural industry.
What You’ll Do
- Coordinate and manage forage variety trials across multiple research locations
- Plan and oversee land preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and data collection activities
- Analyze research data and prepare annual variety test reports and other publications
- Collaborate with seed companies to identify and evaluate forage varieties suited to Kentucky growing conditions
- Communicate trial results to industry partners, producers, Extension personnel, and other stakeholders
- Maintain and oversee research equipment, including harvesters, planters, sprayers, and related machinery
- Assist with field days, tours, workshops, presentations, and outreach activities
- Supervise temporary employees and graduate students while supporting collaborative research efforts
What You’ll Bring
- Experience conducting agricultural field trials or applied research programs
- Knowledge of forage production, pasture management, and crop evaluation methods
- Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills
- Experience working with agricultural equipment and field operations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects across locations and growing seasons
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree
- 3 years of related experience
What’s In It for You
- Meaningful impact: Support research that directly benefits agricultural producers across Kentucky
- Field-based work: Combine hands-on research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement
- Professional growth: Develop expertise in forage systems, crop evaluation, and agricultural research
- Industry connections: Work closely with seed companies, Extension personnel, researchers, and producers
- Collaborative environment: Partner with faculty and research teams across the state
- UK’s Exceptional Benefits
Why Now?
Selecting the right forage varieties has a direct impact on farm productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. As producers face changing environmental conditions and an expanding selection of forage products, reliable research data is more important than ever.
In this role, you’ll help generate the information producers rely on to make sound management decisions while contributing to research, outreach, and education efforts that strengthen Kentucky agriculture for years to come.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply: 08/27/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco \& Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Agriculture Research Specialist Sr
Requisition Number: RE55348
Department Name: 81060:PLANT AND SOIL SCIENCES
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Grade Level: 46
Salary Range: $53,061-87,526/year
Type of Position: Staff
Position Time Status: Full-Time
Required Education: MS
Required Related Experience: 3 yrs
Required License/Registration/Certification: None
Physical Requirements: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation including lifting 50lb seed and fertilizer bags.
Shift: Primarily days (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm).
Job Summary
Advance Forage Research That Supports Kentucky Agriculture
The University of Kentucky is seeking an Agriculture Research Specialist Sr to lead the university’s forage variety testing program and support research that helps producers make informed crop management decisions.
This role combines field research, data analysis, stakeholder engagement, and program coordination to evaluate forage crop performance across Kentucky. Working closely with faculty, Extension personnel, industry partners, and agricultural producers, the successful candidate will play a key role in generating research-based recommendations that support the state’s agricultural industry.
What You’ll Do
- Coordinate and manage forage variety trials across multiple research locations
- Plan and oversee land preparation, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and data collection activities
- Analyze research data and prepare annual variety test reports and other publications
- Collaborate with seed companies to identify and evaluate forage varieties suited to Kentucky growing conditions
- Communicate trial results to industry partners, producers, Extension personnel, and other stakeholders
- Maintain and oversee research equipment, including harvesters, planters, sprayers, and related machinery
- Assist with field days, tours, workshops, presentations, and outreach activities
- Supervise temporary employees and graduate students while supporting collaborative research efforts
What You’ll Bring
- Experience conducting agricultural field trials or applied research programs
- Knowledge of forage production, pasture management, and crop evaluation methods
- Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills
- Experience working with agricultural equipment and field operations
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple projects across locations and growing seasons
Minimum Requirements
- Master’s degree
- 3 years of related experience
What’s In It for You
- Meaningful impact: Support research that directly benefits agricultural producers across Kentucky
- Field-based work: Combine hands-on research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement
- Professional growth: Develop expertise in forage systems, crop evaluation, and agricultural research
- Industry connections: Work closely with seed companies, Extension personnel, researchers, and producers
- Collaborative environment: Partner with faculty and research teams across the state
- UK’s Exceptional Benefits
Why Now?
Selecting the right forage varieties has a direct impact on farm productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability. As producers face changing environmental conditions and an expanding selection of forage products, reliable research data is more important than ever.
In this role, you’ll help generate the information producers rely on to make sound management decisions while contributing to research, outreach, and education efforts that strengthen Kentucky agriculture for years to come.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply: 08/27/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco \& Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
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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.