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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Title: Construction Engineering Administrator
Experience: 2-5 Years
Reports to: CA Department Manager
Location: Flanders, NJ
Salary: $25 - $40/hr, based on experience and qualifications
Brief Description:
In general, the Construction Engineering Administrator will be responsible for performing construction administration activities and reviewing an array of construction documents while also ensuring their accuracy, quality, and integrity. Assisting SCE’s multi-disciplined construction administration and observation team adhere to record retention policies, safeguard information, and retrieve data more effectively. Must effectively and proactively communicate to Project Managers and SCE’s cross-functional construction administration and observation team on a regular frequency. Must have the ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods.
Examples of work/duties:
- Performs construction administration activities including the review of project documentation such as Submittals, RFIs, Field Changes, Change Orders, Meeting Minutes, Daily Reports, Payment Applications, etc.
- Proactively utilize SCE’s digital bidding document platform (QuestCDN) for creating projects, managing bidder Q&As, coordinating addendums, creating bid logs in advance of bid opening, and assisting with bid opening reviews and contractor awards recommendations.
- Support scheduling efforts and collaborate with project teams to maintain timelines and milestones. Track Client meeting dates and payment deadlines to coordinate appropriate review time with SCE’s Project Administrator.
- Assist with standard specification development, identify/gather potential areas for improvement for Specification Committee review, research items, and perform updates to existing templates as needed.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to facilitate effective communication and project coordination.
- Contribute to construction project management by coordinating activities, communicating with stakeholders, and ensuring smooth workflow.
- Consistently review projects from start to finish for compliant project documentation.
- Strong communication skills necessary for interacting with and providing representation as required with public, Clients and/or contractors.
- Acquires general knowledge of principles and practices of related fields, and ability to function on multidisciplinary teams.
- Knowledge of and strict adherence to all site safety requirements.
- Routine coordination with Project Manager(s) as required.
- Perform all other duties as assigned by the Senior Project Manager.
Note: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. The responsibilities listed above are representative of the role but are not intended to be all-inclusive. Duties may vary based on project needs and operational requirements.
Requirements
- Possess a valid driver’s license.
- 2-5 years of related experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering Technology, Construction Management Technology or related field.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing project requirements.
- Eagerness to learn and contribute to the success of construction projects within the Water / Wastewater discipline.
Knowledgeable in one or more of the following is advantageous:
- Utility infrastructure improvement projects
- Watermain replacement projects
- Water and wastewater infrastructure processes, equipment, and construction
- Collection system replacement and rehabilitation projects, including CIPP lining
- Facility improvements including booster pump stations, lift stations, treatment plant work
- Sanitary sewer collection and treatment systems
- Storm sewer systems construction
- Municipal Engineering projects
- The ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- OSHA 10 and/or OSHA 30 or ability to obtain.
SCE offers excellent compensation and benefits packages including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays for this position.
Candidates submitted via recruiter for this role will not be considered.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $25.00 - $40.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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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.