OPT Agronomist Jobs
Agronomist jobs on OPT are available across agricultural companies, research institutions, and government agencies. Most roles require a degree in agronomy, crop science, or soil science, and STEM OPT extension eligibility is common since these programs typically qualify. Your 12 to 36 months of work authorization can cover field research, crop management, and soil analysis roles.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Type:
Certified Teaching High School/CTE / Agricultural Education
Date Posted:
8/5/2026
Location:
Grantsville High School
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
CTE / Agricultural Education Teacher – Emphasis Animal Science, Floriculture
Position Purpose:
Under the general supervision of the School Principal and CTE Director, follows USBE and Tooele County School District standards and objectives to prepare students for agricultural life, and careers in agricultural sciences by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and vocational preparation.
Essential Functions:
- Prepares students for college and career readiness.
- Develops and administers agricultural education curriculum consistent with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Tooele County School District (TCSD) goals and objectives.
- Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
- Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
- Teaches knowledge and skills following the pathways in Agricultural Education: Ag. Systems Technology, Horticulture Science, Natural Resources, Production/Processing Animal Science, Production/Processing Plant and Soil Science and Production/Processing science.
- Provides instruction on the use, safety, and development of skills in the use of appropriate machinery, equipment and tools particularly in the area of all welding equipment, animal care, agricultural business and various aspects of plant science.
- Promotes Future Farmers of America (FFA) and summer agricultural opportunities for students.
- Prepares appropriate instructional aids and display materials to enhance learning.
- Instructs students in use, care, and safe operation with the intent of industrial certification of appropriate machinery, appliances, equipment and tools including all welding type equipment.
- Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
- Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
- Uses appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records and maintains a clean and safe shop environment.
- Full participation in Summer Ag program.
Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment:
Use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Use and proficiency of all types of welding equipment and shop supplies.
Travel Requirements:
Travels to school district buildings, student competition, FFA activities and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of agricultural sciences education curriculum and concepts with emphasis in Ag Systems and all welding equipment.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Work Environment:
Work in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:
Applicants must have a current Utah teaching license or have the ability to obtain a current Utah teaching license as outlined by the guidelines of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
- USBE License Level: Associates or Professional or an APPEL License
- USBE License Area: Secondary Education (6-12)
- USBE Endorsements: Agricultural Education (CTE/General)
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
- Preference will be given to individuals with concurrent enrollment teaching qualification for welding.
Note for Teachers licensed outside of Utah:
Reciprocity with other states regarding licensure is not guaranteed and is contingent on fulfilling minimum license and endorsement requirements for Utah. For more information about obtaining a Utah license go to Utah State Board of Education/ Licensing.
Education:
- Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
- Masters Degree preferred.
Experience:
Successful prior teaching experience or student teaching experience for the appropriate content area and grade level preferred.
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Contract:
Full time.
Certified Salary Schedule.
Benefit eligible at a full-time certified rate.
8 Days Sick Leave and 4 Days Personal Leave.
Position Type:
Certified Teaching High School/CTE / Agricultural Education
Date Posted:
8/5/2026
Location:
Grantsville High School
Closing Date:
Open Until Filled
CTE / Agricultural Education Teacher – Emphasis Animal Science, Floriculture
Position Purpose:
Under the general supervision of the School Principal and CTE Director, follows USBE and Tooele County School District standards and objectives to prepare students for agricultural life, and careers in agricultural sciences by providing opportunities to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors needed through character development, creative and critical thinking, interpersonal communication, practical knowledge and vocational preparation.
Essential Functions:
- Prepares students for college and career readiness.
- Develops and administers agricultural education curriculum consistent with the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) and Tooele County School District (TCSD) goals and objectives.
- Promotes a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to individualized and small group instruction, and student learning.
- Develops lesson plans and instructional materials and translates lesson plans into learning experiences so as to best utilize the available time for instruction.
- Teaches knowledge and skills following the pathways in Agricultural Education: Ag. Systems Technology, Horticulture Science, Natural Resources, Production/Processing Animal Science, Production/Processing Plant and Soil Science and Production/Processing science.
- Provides instruction on the use, safety, and development of skills in the use of appropriate machinery, equipment and tools particularly in the area of all welding equipment, animal care, agricultural business and various aspects of plant science.
- Promotes Future Farmers of America (FFA) and summer agricultural opportunities for students.
- Prepares appropriate instructional aids and display materials to enhance learning.
- Instructs students in use, care, and safe operation with the intent of industrial certification of appropriate machinery, appliances, equipment and tools including all welding type equipment.
- Conducts ongoing assessment of student learning, and modifies instructional methods to fit individual student's needs, including students with special needs.
- Continues to acquire professional knowledge and learn of current developments in the educational field by attending seminars, workshops or professional meetings, or by conducting research, and by maintaining professional relationships with members of the business community.
- Organizes and maintains a system for accurate and complete record-keeping, grading, and reporting for all student activities, achievement and attendance as required by district procedures and applicable laws.
- Encourages parental involvement in students' education and ensures effective communication with students and parents.
- Ensures that student conduct conforms with the school's standards and school district policies, and establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the classroom.
- Coordinates with other professional staff members, especially within grade level, and participates in faculty meetings and committees.
- Uses appropriate books, instructional aids and other supplies and equipment and maintains inventory records and maintains a clean and safe shop environment.
- Full participation in Summer Ag program.
Additional Duties:
Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
Equipment:
Use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.
Use and proficiency of all types of welding equipment and shop supplies.
Travel Requirements:
Travels to school district buildings, student competition, FFA activities and professional meetings as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of current teaching methods and educational pedagogy, as well as differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of agricultural sciences education curriculum and concepts with emphasis in Ag Systems and all welding equipment.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Work Environment:
Work in standard office and school building environments.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:
Applicants must have a current Utah teaching license or have the ability to obtain a current Utah teaching license as outlined by the guidelines of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE).
- USBE License Level: Associates or Professional or an APPEL License
- USBE License Area: Secondary Education (6-12)
- USBE Endorsements: Agricultural Education (CTE/General)
- Motor Vehicle Operator's License or ability to provide own transportation.
- Preference will be given to individuals with concurrent enrollment teaching qualification for welding.
Note for Teachers licensed outside of Utah:
Reciprocity with other states regarding licensure is not guaranteed and is contingent on fulfilling minimum license and endorsement requirements for Utah. For more information about obtaining a Utah license go to Utah State Board of Education/ Licensing.
Education:
- Bachelor's from an accredited college or university in education discipline applicable to teaching assignment.
- Masters Degree preferred.
Experience:
Successful prior teaching experience or student teaching experience for the appropriate content area and grade level preferred.
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Contract:
Full time.
Certified Salary Schedule.
Benefit eligible at a full-time certified rate.
8 Days Sick Leave and 4 Days Personal Leave.
See all 34+ OPT Agronomist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Agronomist
Highlight your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Agronomy, crop science, and soil science degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Mention this in your cover letter so employers know they get up to 36 months of work authorization before any visa sponsorship decision is required.
Target employers with existing OPT infrastructure
Large agricultural companies, land-grant universities, and USDA research stations regularly hire OPT students and understand E-Verify requirements. Smaller family operations often lack HR processes for OPT authorization, so prioritize employers with established international hiring history.
Connect your coursework to field-specific outcomes
Employers hiring agronomists want to see applied knowledge, not just academic credentials. Frame your experience around yield improvement, soil health outcomes, or crop protection results. Quantify wherever possible, even if the data comes from thesis or internship work.
Get your OPT EAD card timeline right
Your OPT application must be filed 90 days before your program end date and no more than 60 days after it. Agronomist roles often have seasonal hiring cycles in late winter and spring, so confirm your EAD arrival date aligns with a realistic start date before accepting offers.
Emphasize hands-on field and lab experience
Agronomist roles frequently require practical skills like soil sampling, crop scouting, and GIS mapping. Listing certifications such as Certified Crop Adviser, or fluency with precision agriculture software, signals job-ready competency and reduces the perceived risk of hiring an OPT candidate.
Understand the 90-day unemployment rule
OPT permits a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during your authorization period. If a seasonal contract ends or a role falls through, document your active job search carefully. Gaps between agricultural contracts can accumulate quickly, so have a backup application pipeline ready.
Agronomist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do agronomist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most agronomist roles do qualify, provided your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as agronomy, crop science, soil science, or agricultural engineering. You can verify your program's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If your degree qualifies, you're eligible for an additional 24 months of work authorization beyond your initial 12-month OPT period, giving you up to 36 months total.
Can I work for a farm or small agricultural operation on OPT?
Yes, but the employer must be a legitimate business enrolled in E-Verify, which is a federal requirement for all OPT employers. Many small farms and family operations are not E-Verify enrolled and cannot legally employ OPT students. Before accepting any offer, confirm the employer's E-Verify status. Land-grant universities, agricultural research stations, and established ag companies are more reliably compliant.
How do I find agronomist employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility, so you can identify agronomist roles where employers already understand OPT requirements. Searching through general job platforms means manually screening employers for E-Verify enrollment and OPT familiarity, which is time-consuming when your authorization clock is running.
What counts as a valid job for an agronomist on OPT?
Your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree field and average at least 20 hours per week. For agronomy graduates, qualifying roles include crop consulting, soil fertility analysis, precision agriculture management, seed research, and extension services. Internships and contract positions count if they meet the hour threshold. Completely unrelated work, such as general farm labor with no technical component, would not satisfy OPT requirements.
Can I switch agronomist employers during my OPT period?
Yes. OPT is tied to your degree field, not a specific employer, so you can change jobs as long as each role is related to your agronomy or crop science degree and your new employer is E-Verify enrolled. Report every employer change to your DSO within 10 days so your SEVIS record stays current. Gaps between jobs count toward your 90-day unemployment limit, so minimize time between roles.