OPT Construction Administrator Jobs
Construction Administrator jobs on OPT require employers to support your work authorization throughout the project lifecycle. Most roles sit within architecture, engineering, or general contracting firms, which regularly hire on STEM-adjacent or standard OPT. Your 12-month window is enough to complete a full construction phase at many firms.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout the Role:
Oversees and participates in receipt of receiving, as well as evaluating construction related due diligence items and equity verification during commercial real estate loan underwriting operations, and coordinates loan closings; summarizes findings in credit recommendation for Construction Loan Administration (CLA).
- Engages and monitors third party consultants related to cost and constructability reports, and monthly monitoring of draws, payment applications and site visits.
- Initiates, performs and/or reviews construction loan disbursements.
- Interacts with real estate clients, their personnel, contractors and consultants daily, both individually and in conjunction with the relationship manager (Regional Manager, loan officer) and other Columbia associates.
- Analyzes, reviews and comments on Construction Loan Agreements and related legal documents for CLA requirements, dissemination of progress payments, and consistency with credit approval, budget and schedule.
- Review credit recommendations/applications as it relates to the construction aspects, for completeness and consistency with CLA requirements, policies and procedures.
- Develop CLA credit document, the Credit Risk Certification (CRC) for each assigned construction loan, and review with RM prior to submittal to Credit Quality for approval.
- Identify equity requirements, verification, and closing documentation, and coordinate with Loan Administration and Loan Support Services. Identify deficiencies and ensure corrections prior to recommendations and granting final acceptance.
- Monitor Due Diligence requirements for each assigned construction loan including analysis of contractors, review of “Plans & Specs”, verification of construction budgets, endorsement of design professionals and construction contracts, etc. During construction, monitor the monthly draw requests inputting necessary information into the CLA tracking systems.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
- Bachelor's Degree in architecture, civil or structural engineering, construction management or similar (preferred).
- 4-6 years of relevant construction, construction lending, credit analysis, and/or appraisal experience. (Required)
- Ability to be flexible with an ever-changing body of work; manage multiple projects and inquiries at the same time; learn quickly, knowing own learning style; recognize and support efficiency opportunities.
- Ability to read, review and comment on complex loan documents, construction documents and specifications from all disciplines, construction contracts, and consulting agreements.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills including wide-ranging and in-depth knowledge of real estate and construction industry practices.
- Proven written and verbal communication skills, including verbalizing concerns, conflict resolution and proofing/editing others’ documents.
- Intermediate proficiency with personal computers and related software packages such as Microsoft Office products, especially Outlook, Word and Excel. Knowledge of Microsoft Project or other scheduling software desired, but not required.
- Knowledge of loan documents, construction documents and specifications from all disciplines, construction contracts, and consulting agreements; construction and real estate industry standards (AIA and AGC documents, appraisals, surveys, title reports, insurance requirements, etc.) and direct field experience desired.
- Proficient at working effectively and collaboratively with individuals, groups and departments across the company to manage internal and external customer relationships.
- Ability to train and present to small and large audiences, or has the interest in learning to train and present.
Travel Requirements
Occasional
Compensation
- The pay range for this role is $70,000.00 - $105,000.00.
- The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
24120 Van Ry Boulevard 1st Floor Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
About the Role:
Oversees and participates in receipt of receiving, as well as evaluating construction related due diligence items and equity verification during commercial real estate loan underwriting operations, and coordinates loan closings; summarizes findings in credit recommendation for Construction Loan Administration (CLA).
- Engages and monitors third party consultants related to cost and constructability reports, and monthly monitoring of draws, payment applications and site visits.
- Initiates, performs and/or reviews construction loan disbursements.
- Interacts with real estate clients, their personnel, contractors and consultants daily, both individually and in conjunction with the relationship manager (Regional Manager, loan officer) and other Columbia associates.
- Analyzes, reviews and comments on Construction Loan Agreements and related legal documents for CLA requirements, dissemination of progress payments, and consistency with credit approval, budget and schedule.
- Review credit recommendations/applications as it relates to the construction aspects, for completeness and consistency with CLA requirements, policies and procedures.
- Develop CLA credit document, the Credit Risk Certification (CRC) for each assigned construction loan, and review with RM prior to submittal to Credit Quality for approval.
- Identify equity requirements, verification, and closing documentation, and coordinate with Loan Administration and Loan Support Services. Identify deficiencies and ensure corrections prior to recommendations and granting final acceptance.
- Monitor Due Diligence requirements for each assigned construction loan including analysis of contractors, review of “Plans & Specs”, verification of construction budgets, endorsement of design professionals and construction contracts, etc. During construction, monitor the monthly draw requests inputting necessary information into the CLA tracking systems.
- Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.
- Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.
- Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.
- May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
- Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
- Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.
- Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
- May perform other duties as assigned.
About You:
- Bachelor's Degree in architecture, civil or structural engineering, construction management or similar (preferred).
- 4-6 years of relevant construction, construction lending, credit analysis, and/or appraisal experience. (Required)
- Ability to be flexible with an ever-changing body of work; manage multiple projects and inquiries at the same time; learn quickly, knowing own learning style; recognize and support efficiency opportunities.
- Ability to read, review and comment on complex loan documents, construction documents and specifications from all disciplines, construction contracts, and consulting agreements.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills including wide-ranging and in-depth knowledge of real estate and construction industry practices.
- Proven written and verbal communication skills, including verbalizing concerns, conflict resolution and proofing/editing others’ documents.
- Intermediate proficiency with personal computers and related software packages such as Microsoft Office products, especially Outlook, Word and Excel. Knowledge of Microsoft Project or other scheduling software desired, but not required.
- Knowledge of loan documents, construction documents and specifications from all disciplines, construction contracts, and consulting agreements; construction and real estate industry standards (AIA and AGC documents, appraisals, surveys, title reports, insurance requirements, etc.) and direct field experience desired.
- Proficient at working effectively and collaboratively with individuals, groups and departments across the company to manage internal and external customer relationships.
- Ability to train and present to small and large audiences, or has the interest in learning to train and present.
Travel Requirements
Occasional
Compensation
- The pay range for this role is $70,000.00 - $105,000.00.
- The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.
Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).
24120 Van Ry Boulevard 1st Floor Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
Our Benefits:
We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.
We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: careers@columbiabank.com.
To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:
Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.
See all OPT Construction Administrator Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Construction Administrator
Target architecture and engineering firms first
Large AEC firms like AECOM, Jacobs, and Gensler have established HR processes for OPT hires. They sponsor more frequently than small contractors and often have dedicated immigration support staff who understand your authorization timeline.
Clarify your OPT type before applying
Construction management degrees from ABET-accredited programs typically qualify for STEM OPT extension, giving you 36 months total. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since STEM eligibility affects how employers weigh sponsorship risk.
Emphasize project continuity in your cover letter
Employers worry about losing a CA mid-project. Frame your OPT timeline around typical construction phases. If your authorization covers a full design-build cycle, say so directly. It removes the most common objection before the interview even starts.
Get familiar with submittal and RFI workflows before interviewing
Construction Administrators live in Procore, Bluebeam, and similar platforms. Demonstrating hands-on fluency with these tools signals you can contribute immediately, which makes the overhead of OPT paperwork easier for employers to justify.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship intentions during the offer stage
Construction management roles qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa. Raise the sponsorship question before accepting an offer, not after starting. Firms that have previously sponsored H-1B visas are far more likely to do so again for a strong candidate.
Consider public sector and institutional employers
Government agencies, university facilities teams, and hospital systems often manage large capital programs in-house. These employers tend to have stable HR infrastructure, longer project timelines, and less anxiety about OPT work authorization compared to smaller private firms.
Construction Administrator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Construction Administrator role qualify for STEM OPT?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated from a construction management, civil engineering, or architecture program with a qualifying STEM CIP code, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming eligibility, since not all construction-related programs qualify.
How do I find Construction Administrator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters construction roles by sponsorship willingness, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't hire on OPT. General job boards don't surface this information reliably. Searching Migrate Mate saves significant time during a period when your authorization clock is already running.
Can I work as a Construction Administrator at an independent contractor firm on OPT?
Yes, as long as the firm employs you directly as a W-2 employee. OPT prohibits self-employment and independent contracting arrangements where you'd receive a 1099. Some smaller CA firms operate on a consulting basis, so confirm your employment structure before accepting. Your DSO and the firm's HR team can verify the arrangement complies with your I-20 authorization.
What happens to my OPT status if my construction project ends early?
If your position is eliminated or the project wraps early, you enter a 60-day grace period to find new authorized employment. OPT allows up to 90 days of unemployment across your authorization period, but that total resets only if you transition to a STEM extension. Keep your DSO informed immediately when employment ends so your SEVIS record stays accurate.
Do Construction Administrator roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Construction Administrator positions generally qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when a bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management is a standard requirement for the role. Roles requiring only a general degree or extensive non-specialized training are harder to support. Employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for similar titles in the past are your strongest targets for eventual H-1B sponsorship.