OPT Contract Specialist Jobs
Contract Specialist jobs are consistently filled by employers who sponsor OPT work authorization, particularly in government contracting, defense, and procurement-heavy industries. Your F-1 OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree is in a qualifying field like business analytics or supply chain management.
See All OPT Contract Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 312+ Contract Specialist jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 312+ Contract Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Contract Specialist roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition: Contract Specialist
We are looking for a qualified candidate for the Contract Specialist position for one of our clients to support the Central Survey Group (CSG). The candidate will work collocated at the public agency’s office responsible for collecting and providing crucial data for the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects (airports, ports, roads, bridges). The group is also responsible for maintaining engineering standards, land surveys, LIDAR surveys, general field survey and monitoring agencies’ assets. The candidate should have experience in data management, construction contract administration and financial coordination to support ongoing infrastructure and construction-related projects. The candidate who is proficient in the use of software applications, project management software including but not limited to SAP, EIMS, AVM, B2Gnow and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint and MS Teams) will be preferred.
Location: Metro Area New York
Duties – The Contract Specialist will be responsible for the administration of all Consultant Agreements for the Central Survey Group (CSG). Primarily performing Contract Specialist duties of a diverse nature requiring some independent analysis, exercise of judgment in task execution, and detailed knowledge of company procedures related to the work performed. Work may consist of a variety of duties in support of CSG projects.
Reporting – Selected candidate will report to the Supervisor of the Central Survey Group (CSG) or their designee.
Job Requirements
– While supporting CSG, the Contract Specialist will be required to have full knowledge and familiarity with contract documents, preparing and/or reviewing payment applications, reviewing change orders, reviewing desk audits of contractor billings, ensuring proper documentation is received from contractors for all aspects of the contract, reviewing monthly reports, monitoring contracts, preparing meeting minutes, preparing general correspondence, scheduling meetings, updating financial logs; checking that contractor reporting for MWBE and Daily Narratives are completed, maintaining databases, records and filing systems; making follow up calls and appointments; communicating by phone, email, and coordinating processes.
- Managing Agreements and Purchase Order budgets. Managing the purchase orders in
- Communicating with Consultant firms regarding approved rates, start dates, termination dates and related issues. Assist with processes pertaining to renewal of all Survey Consultant Agreements.
- Review and process payments for all Consultant firms working with Surveys within one week of receipt from the firms. Work with various Consultant firms to ensure payments are accurate and up to date as well as provide resolutions to any discrepancies that may arise within five (5) business days.
- Preparation of purchase orders and adding funds to existing purchase orders for Contractual Agreements, as needed. Assist with production meetings with outside consultant firms. Prepare and maintain monthly accruals for the Comptroller’s office.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of progressive experience in Contract Administration for construction projects.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize as required.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrate ability in reconciling financial information. Proficiency in understanding contract documents and specifications, and the ability to interact with internal staff and external professionals at all levels.
- Proficient in the use of software applications, project management software including but not limited to SAP, EIMS, AVM, B2Gnow and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint and MS Teams).
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments with multiple supervisors.
- Ability to pass an Aviation security (SWAC) background check at a high level.
- Prior Construction Management/Administration experience.
- Associate’s degree in business, engineering or other technical field or equivalent from an accredited college or university.
- OSHA 10 is required.
Pay: $65.00 - $75.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
Position: Contract Specialist
We are looking for a qualified candidate for the Contract Specialist position for one of our clients to support the Central Survey Group (CSG). The candidate will work collocated at the public agency’s office responsible for collecting and providing crucial data for the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects (airports, ports, roads, bridges). The group is also responsible for maintaining engineering standards, land surveys, LIDAR surveys, general field survey and monitoring agencies’ assets. The candidate should have experience in data management, construction contract administration and financial coordination to support ongoing infrastructure and construction-related projects. The candidate who is proficient in the use of software applications, project management software including but not limited to SAP, EIMS, AVM, B2Gnow and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint and MS Teams) will be preferred.
Location: Metro Area New York
Duties – The Contract Specialist will be responsible for the administration of all Consultant Agreements for the Central Survey Group (CSG). Primarily performing Contract Specialist duties of a diverse nature requiring some independent analysis, exercise of judgment in task execution, and detailed knowledge of company procedures related to the work performed. Work may consist of a variety of duties in support of CSG projects.
Reporting – Selected candidate will report to the Supervisor of the Central Survey Group (CSG) or their designee.
Job Requirements
– While supporting CSG, the Contract Specialist will be required to have full knowledge and familiarity with contract documents, preparing and/or reviewing payment applications, reviewing change orders, reviewing desk audits of contractor billings, ensuring proper documentation is received from contractors for all aspects of the contract, reviewing monthly reports, monitoring contracts, preparing meeting minutes, preparing general correspondence, scheduling meetings, updating financial logs; checking that contractor reporting for MWBE and Daily Narratives are completed, maintaining databases, records and filing systems; making follow up calls and appointments; communicating by phone, email, and coordinating processes.
- Managing Agreements and Purchase Order budgets. Managing the purchase orders in
- Communicating with Consultant firms regarding approved rates, start dates, termination dates and related issues. Assist with processes pertaining to renewal of all Survey Consultant Agreements.
- Review and process payments for all Consultant firms working with Surveys within one week of receipt from the firms. Work with various Consultant firms to ensure payments are accurate and up to date as well as provide resolutions to any discrepancies that may arise within five (5) business days.
- Preparation of purchase orders and adding funds to existing purchase orders for Contractual Agreements, as needed. Assist with production meetings with outside consultant firms. Prepare and maintain monthly accruals for the Comptroller’s office.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of progressive experience in Contract Administration for construction projects.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work independently and prioritize as required.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrate ability in reconciling financial information. Proficiency in understanding contract documents and specifications, and the ability to interact with internal staff and external professionals at all levels.
- Proficient in the use of software applications, project management software including but not limited to SAP, EIMS, AVM, B2Gnow and MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, SharePoint and MS Teams).
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments with multiple supervisors.
- Ability to pass an Aviation security (SWAC) background check at a high level.
- Prior Construction Management/Administration experience.
- Associate’s degree in business, engineering or other technical field or equivalent from an accredited college or university.
- OSHA 10 is required.
Pay: $65.00 - $75.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
See all 312+ OPT Contract Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Contract Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Contract Specialist
Target federal contractors and defense firms first
Government contractors like prime defense and aerospace firms hire Contract Specialists regularly and are accustomed to sponsoring work visas. These employers often have dedicated HR processes for OPT and H-1B visa transitions, making them more receptive than smaller private companies.
Highlight your FAR and contract lifecycle knowledge
Employers screening Contract Specialist candidates look for familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and end-to-end contract management. Demonstrating this knowledge in your resume and interviews signals you can contribute immediately, which reduces hesitation around OPT work authorization timelines.
Get a Certified Federal Contracts Manager designation
The CFCM credential from NCMA is widely recognized in government contracting and demonstrates serious professional commitment. Candidates with certifications are viewed as long-term investments, which directly improves an employer's willingness to sponsor OPT and eventually H-1B status.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Many Contract Specialist roles require immediate availability. Starting your job search three to four months before your OPT begins gives employers time to complete onboarding paperwork and ensures your authorization is active before your official start date.
Address sponsorship directly in your cover letter
Don't leave employers guessing about your work authorization status. A brief, confident sentence clarifying that you're authorized under OPT and eligible for H-1B sponsorship removes uncertainty early and prevents your application from being filtered out during initial screening.
Emphasize procurement software proficiency
Employers hiring Contract Specialists expect hands-on experience with tools like SAP Ariba, Coupa, or similar contract management platforms. Listing specific systems on your resume demonstrates technical readiness and makes your application competitive regardless of your OPT authorization status.
Contract Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Contract Specialist on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Contract Specialist roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. Business, finance, supply chain, and public administration degrees are the most common qualifying backgrounds. You have 12 months of authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code.
Do Contract Specialist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Government contractors and large procurement organizations sponsor H-1B visas with regularity because Contract Specialists are in sustained demand and turnover is costly. Smaller commercial firms are less predictable. When browsing roles on Migrate Mate, you can filter specifically for employers with a documented history of sponsoring work visas, which saves significant time in your search.
Does a Contract Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Contract Specialist positions generally qualify as specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree in a specific field like business administration, finance, or supply chain management. Roles that accept any degree regardless of field can face USCIS scrutiny. When evaluating an offer, review the job description carefully to confirm the degree requirement is field-specific, not general.
What degree fields support OPT eligibility for Contract Specialist jobs?
Business administration, supply chain management, finance, public administration, and contract management degrees are the most commonly accepted fields. Some employers also accept degrees in economics or legal studies. Your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree, so the connection between your field of study and the role's core responsibilities should be clear and documentable.
How competitive is the job market for Contract Specialists on OPT?
Demand is strong, particularly in federal contracting hubs like the Washington D.C. metro area, San Antonio, and Huntsville. Competition increases at large defense contractors during peak hiring cycles. OPT candidates with procurement certifications or prior internship experience in government contracting tend to move through hiring processes faster than those without specialized credentials.