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 JobsDepartment: Civil/Municipal
Location: North Canton, OH
Description
The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. (MSG) is a people focused, award-winning, full-service consulting firm that offers a wide array of services including civil and geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, planning, landscape architecture, agriculture, surveying and construction support. Our talented staff of more than 650+ professionals deliver integrated planning, design, engineering and construction solutions. Due to MSG's continued growth, a new opening is available for an Agriculture Project Engineer to assist with our projects in North Canton, OH!
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the design of agricultural facilities and infrastructure.
- Prepare engineering drawings using AutoCAD/Civil 3D.
- Support site layout, grading, drainage, and stormwater designs.
- Develop plans for agricultural operations and supporting systems.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams including civil, environmental, surveying, geotechnical, and construction professionals.
- Track project schedules and deliverables.
- Help prepare technical reports and project documentation.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Infrastructure, Civil Engineering, or related study.
- 0-2 years supporting Agriculture/Site development design.
- Strong experience working within Civil 3D.
- EIT preferred.
Benefits
The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location. Included benefits are as follows:
- 401(k) w/ company match
- Health insurance w/ HSA option, Vision, Dental, Life
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Catalytic Coaching - Employees draft a development plan aimed at improving contributions in their current job and increasing the potential for other opportunities. MSG is all about bringing out the best in people at work!
It is the policy of our company to follow equal employment opportunity procedures in compliance with federal, state and local criteria. We will provide all applicants for employment, and all employees, with equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, arrest record, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, and/or any other protected classes covered by any local, state and federal laws.
Department: Civil/Municipal
Location: North Canton, OH
Description
The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc. (MSG) is a people focused, award-winning, full-service consulting firm that offers a wide array of services including civil and geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, planning, landscape architecture, agriculture, surveying and construction support. Our talented staff of more than 650+ professionals deliver integrated planning, design, engineering and construction solutions. Due to MSG's continued growth, a new opening is available for an Agriculture Project Engineer to assist with our projects in North Canton, OH!
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the design of agricultural facilities and infrastructure.
- Prepare engineering drawings using AutoCAD/Civil 3D.
- Support site layout, grading, drainage, and stormwater designs.
- Develop plans for agricultural operations and supporting systems.
- Work with multidisciplinary teams including civil, environmental, surveying, geotechnical, and construction professionals.
- Track project schedules and deliverables.
- Help prepare technical reports and project documentation.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Agriculture Infrastructure, Civil Engineering, or related study.
- 0-2 years supporting Agriculture/Site development design.
- Strong experience working within Civil 3D.
- EIT preferred.
Benefits
The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company’s good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location. Included benefits are as follows:
- 401(k) w/ company match
- Health insurance w/ HSA option, Vision, Dental, Life
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Tuition reimbursement
- Catalytic Coaching - Employees draft a development plan aimed at improving contributions in their current job and increasing the potential for other opportunities. MSG is all about bringing out the best in people at work!
It is the policy of our company to follow equal employment opportunity procedures in compliance with federal, state and local criteria. We will provide all applicants for employment, and all employees, with equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, arrest record, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, and/or any other protected classes covered by any local, state and federal laws.
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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.