OPT Civil Drafter Jobs
Civil Drafter jobs on OPT typically fall under STEM-designated engineering programs, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers use AutoCAD and Civil 3D daily, so hands-on proficiency matters. Most roles sit within engineering or construction firms that regularly hire international graduates.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Life Time Property Development, Construction, is the innovative and vertically integrated in-house Construction Division. We construct new buildings and remodel existing facilities to deliver luxury health and fitness destinations across the continental United States and in various parts of Canada. Projects are mainly large scale and complex, varying in size, scope, and value including, health and fitness clubs, co-working spaces, multi-family housing, and mixed-use developments. Combine your passion for construction management and healthy living under one roof while building the career of a Life Time.
Position Summary
Life Time is a chain of upscale athletic country clubs that also offers premium coworking spaces.
LT Millwork is the in-house millwork production facility located in Chaska, MN, and we are responsible for the design and production of all millwork for new clubs and remodel projects for the Life Time corporation.
As a Millwork AutoCAD Drafter, you will support the Millwork team to ensure that the goals of quality, schedule, and cost are met.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Read, interpret, and understand architectural drawings and specification documents.
- Quickly and accurately complete shop drawings in AutoCad with minimum supervision and guidance.
- Have a general understanding of estimating and production as they relate to shop drawings, material yield, and labor.
- Produce well-written and effective email communication.
- AutoCad Drafter will identify possible problems with designs and construction and communicate with necessary departments.
- Be familiar with cabinet construction and drawing requirements to adhere to the internal standards of LT Millwork.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must maintain a positive attitude even in difficult circumstances.
- Must be a self-starter with excellent problem solving skills.
- Communicating with Management, Supervisors, peers, using proper chain of command.
- Willingness to contribute above daily tasks to help company to meet tight deadlines.
- Must produce top quality work.
- Must interact appropriately with internal and external employees.
- Ability to analyze problems and develop solutions.
- Willingness to collaborate with other team members to identify problems and solutions.
Education:
An Associate’s degree in Architectural Drafting or equivalent experience is necessary.
Years of Experience:
1+ Years experience required in AutoCAD. You must be fluent with this software.
Licenses / Certifications / Registrations:
n/a
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in millwork or a related field.
- Knowledge of MS Office, specifically excel and outlook.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Pay
This is an hourly position with wages starting at $23.50 and pays up to $31.75, based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:
- A fully subsidized membership.
- Discounts on Life Time products and services.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older).
- Training and professional development.
- Paid sick leave where required by law.
Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
- Short term and long term disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans.
- Parental leave and adoption assistance.
- Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave.
- Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold.
Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.
INTRODUCTION
Life Time Property Development, Construction, is the innovative and vertically integrated in-house Construction Division. We construct new buildings and remodel existing facilities to deliver luxury health and fitness destinations across the continental United States and in various parts of Canada. Projects are mainly large scale and complex, varying in size, scope, and value including, health and fitness clubs, co-working spaces, multi-family housing, and mixed-use developments. Combine your passion for construction management and healthy living under one roof while building the career of a Life Time.
Position Summary
Life Time is a chain of upscale athletic country clubs that also offers premium coworking spaces.
LT Millwork is the in-house millwork production facility located in Chaska, MN, and we are responsible for the design and production of all millwork for new clubs and remodel projects for the Life Time corporation.
As a Millwork AutoCAD Drafter, you will support the Millwork team to ensure that the goals of quality, schedule, and cost are met.
Job Duties/Responsibilities
- Read, interpret, and understand architectural drawings and specification documents.
- Quickly and accurately complete shop drawings in AutoCad with minimum supervision and guidance.
- Have a general understanding of estimating and production as they relate to shop drawings, material yield, and labor.
- Produce well-written and effective email communication.
- AutoCad Drafter will identify possible problems with designs and construction and communicate with necessary departments.
- Be familiar with cabinet construction and drawing requirements to adhere to the internal standards of LT Millwork.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Must maintain a positive attitude even in difficult circumstances.
- Must be a self-starter with excellent problem solving skills.
- Communicating with Management, Supervisors, peers, using proper chain of command.
- Willingness to contribute above daily tasks to help company to meet tight deadlines.
- Must produce top quality work.
- Must interact appropriately with internal and external employees.
- Ability to analyze problems and develop solutions.
- Willingness to collaborate with other team members to identify problems and solutions.
Education:
An Associate’s degree in Architectural Drafting or equivalent experience is necessary.
Years of Experience:
1+ Years experience required in AutoCAD. You must be fluent with this software.
Licenses / Certifications / Registrations:
n/a
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in millwork or a related field.
- Knowledge of MS Office, specifically excel and outlook.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Pay
This is an hourly position with wages starting at $23.50 and pays up to $31.75, based on experience and qualifications.
Benefits
All team members receive the following benefits while working for Life Time:
- A fully subsidized membership.
- Discounts on Life Time products and services.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with company discretionary match (21 years of age and older).
- Training and professional development.
- Paid sick leave where required by law.
Full-time Team Members are eligible for additional benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
- Short term and long term disability insurance.
- Life insurance.
- Pre-tax flexible spending and dependent care plans.
- Parental leave and adoption assistance.
- Paid time off, including 5 to 20 vacation days per calendar year (based on tenure) and paid sick leave.
- Deferred compensation plan, if the team member meets the required income threshold.
Life Time is a place for everyone. As an organization, we are committed to an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace that respects and celebrates the unique contributions of each individual while ensuring we remain an equal opportunity employer that recruits, hires, trains and promotes based on merit and qualifications.
See all 37+ OPT Civil Drafter Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Civil Drafter Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Civil Drafter
Confirm your CIP code supports STEM OPT
Civil drafting often falls under civil engineering technology or related STEM programs. Verify your degree's CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension before applying, so you can honestly tell employers you have 36 months of authorization.
Lead with AutoCAD and Civil 3D proficiency
Most civil drafting roles require daily use of AutoCAD and Civil 3D. Highlight specific projects where you produced construction drawings, grading plans, or utility layouts. Software proficiency reduces employer hesitation about OPT paperwork by demonstrating immediate productivity.
Target civil and structural engineering firms
Mid-size civil and structural engineering firms hire drafters regularly and often have experience with OPT employees. Firms working on infrastructure, land development, or municipal projects tend to have longer project timelines that make multi-year work authorization genuinely attractive.
Address OPT timing proactively in applications
Employers sometimes assume OPT expires quickly. In your cover letter, state your authorization period clearly, mention STEM extension eligibility, and note that H-1B visa sponsorship would only be needed after several years. Removing ambiguity early keeps your application moving forward.
Build a digital portfolio of drafted plans
A portfolio showing real construction documents, site plans, or utility drawings makes your application concrete. Include project type, software used, and your specific contribution. Hiring managers in civil drafting respond to evidence of technical output, not just a list of courses.
Pursue EIT certification while on OPT
Passing the Engineer in Training exam signals professional commitment and long-term career intent in the U.S. Employers weighing whether to invest in visa sponsorship later view EIT certification as a strong indicator that you plan to stay and grow within the firm.
Civil Drafter OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Civil Drafter roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They often do, but it depends on your degree's CIP code rather than your job title. Degrees in civil engineering technology, engineering design, or related STEM fields typically qualify. Confirm with your Designated School Official before applying, since STEM extension eligibility is tied to your program, not the position itself.
How do I find Civil Drafter employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists civil drafting roles from employers who have a documented history of sponsoring or hiring international graduates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering visa concerns late in the process. Browse Migrate Mate to find roles matched to your authorization status.
What work authorization documents will a Civil Drafter employer typically ask for?
Employers complete Form I-9 and will need to see your passport, F-1 visa, current EAD card, and valid I-20 with your DSO's OPT authorization signature. Some employers also request your SEVIS ID. Having all documents organized before an offer speeds up onboarding and avoids last-minute delays.
Can I work as a Civil Drafter at a small firm or sole proprietorship on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows employment with any legitimate U.S. employer, including small firms and sole proprietorships, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. The firm must be a real business entity capable of completing I-9 verification. Self-employment is not permitted on standard OPT.
How does civil drafting work relate to the degree requirement for OPT authorization?
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your degree field. Civil drafting work, which involves producing technical drawings for infrastructure, grading, and site development, clearly aligns with civil engineering, engineering technology, and architecture programs. Keep documentation of this connection in case your employer or DSO needs to verify it.