OPT Building Engineer Jobs
Building Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, electrical, civil, or facilities engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in commercial real estate, healthcare, and property management regularly hire and sponsor international candidates.
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Position Purpose
The Information Access and Building Operations Assistant plays a key role in the Libraries’ vision to be the intellectual home of open and collaborative inquiry. This predominantly frontline position is administrative and operational, with emphasis on providing exceptional customer service that is personable and approachable, fostering a welcoming and accessible environment for all. Based at the iconic Baker-Berry Library, at the heart of Dartmouth’s campus, they will join colleagues dedicated to the discovery and access of our world-class collections, diverse spaces, and research expertise, contributing to Dartmouth’s rich academic and cultural life.
Reporting to the Head of Facilities, Access and Delivery Services, the Information Access and Building Operations Assistant also assists with the day-to-day operations of some of our facilities. This includes scheduling and facilitating maintenance of our buildings, spaces, and grounds to sustain a high level of facility functionality and cleanliness. They’ll apply excellent administration, communication, and relationship-building skills to ensure our community positively experiences the Libraries.
This is an onsite-only work location position.
Description
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp
Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Bachelor’s degree plus 3 plus year(s) of position relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Strong service orientation and excellent communication skills when working with the community, including faculty, students, staff, the public, and facilities-related contractors
- Demonstrated ability to organize work efficiently and set and modify work priorities as needed
- Work collaboratively in a team-based environment
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
- Computer proficiency, including essential Microsoft software applications
Preferred Qualifications
- 2 plus years of experience in building operations, facilities maintenance, custodial work, or the equivalent
- 2 plus years of experience providing customer service in a library environment
Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries
Dave Sturges
Department Contact Phone Number
603-646-9294
Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title
David Sturges, Head of Facilities, Access and Delivery Services
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job?
Not an essential function
Special Instructions to Applicants
SCHEDULE: 9:30-6 Sunday – Thursday. AVAILABLE TO DARTMOUTH COLLEGE LIBRARY WORKERS UNION MEMBERS ONLY DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF POSTING. AFTER ONE WEEK IT IS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DARTMOUTH COMMUNITY.
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy.
Additional Instructions
AVAILABLE TO DARTMOUTH COLLEGE LIBRARY WORKERS UNION MEMBERS ONLY DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF POSTING. AFTER ONE WEEK IT IS OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DARTMOUTH COMMUNITY.
Key Accountabilities
Description
Staffs public service desks at Baker-Berry Library, providing frontline customer service. Responds to information requests, refers questions as appropriate, and guides student workers as needed. May serve as the lead staff member responsible for Baker-Berry Library on assigned weekends, intersessions, and holidays.
Percentage Of Time
50%
Description
Assists with scheduling and facilitating maintenance of some Dartmouth Libraries’ buildings, spaces, and grounds. Assists with coordination of custodial services to help maintain a high level of facility cleanliness. Maintains communication with Baker-Berry Library evening staff regarding any late-night facilities and custodial issues.
Percentage Of Time
30%
Description
In the absence of the Head of Facilities Access and Delivery Services, triages questions from campus partners and contractors regarding work conducted in the Libraries’ spaces.
Percentage Of Time
15%
Description
Participates on relevant Dartmouth Libraries committees and task forces representing Access Services. Actively engages in ongoing professional development.
Percentage Of Time
5%
- Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Building Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Building Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering. Verify your program CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your work authorization window.
Target employers with facilities management operations
Large commercial property owners, hospital systems, and university facilities departments hire Building Engineers year-round and are more accustomed to OPT paperwork. Smaller landlords often lack HR infrastructure to handle work authorization documentation efficiently.
Lead with your technical certifications
Certifications like EPA 608, OSHA 30, or LEED Green Associate signal job-readiness to employers who may be uncertain about OPT timelines. Credentials reduce perceived hiring risk and make your application competitive against locally authorized candidates.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Building Engineer roles often have 30-to-60-day onboarding timelines for background checks and access credentialing. Apply at least two months before your OPT authorization begins to avoid gaps between your start date and the employer's readiness.
Clarify OPT authorization confidently in interviews
Many facilities employers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship. Prepare a clear one-minute explanation that OPT is your existing work authorization, requires no employer petition, and costs the employer nothing to initiate during your authorized period.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Browse Building Engineer listings on Migrate Mate to identify employers who have previously hired OPT students. Focusing your applications on these companies significantly improves your chances of finding a role before your OPT window closes.
Building Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Building Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Building Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or civil engineering. Your DSO can confirm eligibility by checking your program's CIP code against the official STEM designation list. If you qualify, you can work up to 36 months total on OPT, which gives employers a meaningful runway before any H-1B sponsorship decision is necessary.
Do employers need to do anything to hire me on OPT as a Building Engineer?
During initial OPT, your employer does not file any petition or pay any government fees. You provide your EAD card as proof of work authorization, and the employer records it on your I-9. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan with your DSO. This is a straightforward administrative step that most property management companies and building operators can complete without legal counsel.
What types of employers hire Building Engineers on OPT?
Commercial real estate firms, hospital systems, university facilities departments, hotel operators, and large property management companies are the most active hirers. These organizations maintain engineering staff year-round and have established HR processes for work authorization documentation. You can find employers actively open to OPT candidates by browsing Building Engineer listings on Migrate Mate, which focuses specifically on roles accessible to international students.
Can I work on-site at a client building as an OPT Building Engineer?
Yes, OPT authorizes you to work at your employer's client sites as long as your employer of record remains the company on your EAD and your I-9. Third-party placement arrangements where a staffing agency places you with an end client can create compliance complications, so confirm the employment structure before accepting an offer. Your DSO can review any unusual arrangements to ensure your OPT authorization remains valid.
How much time do I realistically have to find sponsorship as a Building Engineer on OPT?
If you qualify for the STEM extension, you have up to 36 months of OPT work authorization, which typically covers two to three H-1B lottery cycles. Building Engineer roles in commercial real estate and facilities management are sponsored under the H-1B regularly, as the job requires a specific engineering degree. Starting conversations about long-term sponsorship with your employer around the 18-month mark gives both sides enough time to plan without pressure.