OPT Crew Leader Jobs
Crew Leader jobs on OPT are available across landscaping, construction, agriculture, and facilities management. Most roles require hands-on team supervision, so your degree field matters for DSO approval. Standard OPT grants 12 months of work authorization, with a 24-month STEM extension available for qualifying majors like environmental science or civil engineering.
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Crew Leader, Landscape
Division: Maintenance
Reports To: Foreman or Production/Operations Manager
Location: Bradenton, Florida
Note: May be a driver for organization
Sunrise Landscape, an established commercial landscape organization for more than 40 years, is excited by our vision to deliver excellent customer service in the areas of landscape design, installation and maintenance to our clients with the help of our 1,000+ employees. We are proud to have achieved the Lawn & Landscape Top 100 honor and are continuing to build a great place to work with a commitment to landscape and service excellence.
Position Summary
The Crew Leader, Landscape leads a team of landscape crew members to deliver high-quality maintenance services on Sunrise Landscape's commercial client properties. This is a working leader role—responsible for completing hands-on landscape tasks when needed while overseeing crew performance, safety, and efficiency. The Crew Leader may also be required to drive the company vehicle, transporting the crew, tools, and materials safely to and from job sites. Crew Leaders are key to Sunrise's success in the field, ensuring every property is maintained with professionalism, consistency, and pride.
Key Responsibilities
Crew Leadership & Planning
- Lead and direct daily activities of assigned crew members to complete scheduled maintenance routes on time and to company standards.
- Conduct pre-shift briefings to review safety, work assignments, and expectations.
- Ensure all work is performed to Sunrise Landscape's quality, safety, and client service standards.
- Provide on-the-job training, feedback, and accountability for crew performance.
- Communicate effectively with the Operations management regarding progress, issues, or client needs.
Aspire System & Administrative Responsibilities
- Accurately clock in and out of each job in Aspire, ensuring correct job costing and time tracking.
- Assign and verify crew hours and job codes daily in Aspire.
- Track job progress, completion, and notes within Aspire, including photos, service details, and materials used.
- Ensure all Aspire data is entered and closed out accurately each day.
- Partner with branch administration and management to address any Aspire discrepancies or issues.
Driving & Equipment Management
- If a driver, safely drive company vehicles with crew members, tools, and materials to and from client properties.
- Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and report any issues immediately.
- Load, secure, and unload equipment and materials safely at each site.
- Operate landscaping equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, and edgers efficiently and safely.
- Ensure all tools and equipment are cleaned, maintained, and stored properly after use.
Landscape Maintenance
- As needed, perform hands-on landscape maintenance tasks including mowing, trimming, edging, pruning, and debris removal.
- Monitor property conditions and report irrigation issues, turf health concerns, or safety hazards.
- Maintain a high standard of workmanship and ensure properties are left clean and professional after each visit.
Safety & Team Conduct
- Enforce and model all safety rules and protocols, including proper PPE use and safe equipment handling.
- Promote a culture of respect, teamwork, and accountability among crew members.
- Report and document accidents, property damage, or near misses immediately.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 2–3 years of landscape maintenance experience, with at least 1 year in a crew lead or senior crew role preferred.
- At least 18 years of age and legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Valid driver's license (minimum 3 years) with a clean driving record.
- Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions, including Florida heat.
- Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
- Comfortable using technology (mobile device or tablet) for Aspire time and job tracking.
- Must pass a background check and drug screen.
To qualify as a driver, you must:
- Possess a valid driver's license (minimum 3 years) and a clean driving record.
- Pass a drug screen.
Core Competencies
- Supervisory – Guides and motivates crew members through example, direction, and accountability.
- Safety & Compliance – Prioritizes safety and adherence to company policies in all work.
- Operational Excellence – Ensures accuracy in Aspire data and efficiency in field operations.
- Accountability – Owns outcomes for crew performance, quality, and client satisfaction.
- Teamwork – Builds trust and collaboration within the team.
- Customer Focus – Takes pride in delivering work that exceeds client expectations.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Crew Leader
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
DSOs require your Crew Leader position to relate directly to your major. Environmental science, civil engineering, agriculture, and construction management degrees are the clearest fits. Document the connection in writing before your employer submits paperwork.
Start your OPT application 90 days early
USCIS takes up to 90 days to process EAD cards. Crew Leader hiring often moves fast with seasonal demand, so apply for OPT as early as your DSO allows to avoid gaps between your start date and work authorization.
Ask about STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in civil engineering, environmental science, or a related STEM field, ask employers early whether they are enrolled in E-Verify. STEM OPT extension requires an E-Verify employer, and not all field operations companies participate.
Track your 90-day unemployment limit carefully
OPT authorizes up to 90 days of unemployment, reduced to 60 after a STEM extension. Seasonal gaps between Crew Leader contracts count toward this limit, so document your employment periods and transition quickly between roles.
Get your job offer in writing before your program end date
Your OPT application requires a job offer or evidence of active job searching. Securing a written Crew Leader offer before your program ends strengthens your DSO's recommendation and reduces processing risk with USCIS.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Not every Crew Leader employer understands OPT work authorization. Migrate Mate filters for roles posted by employers familiar with F-1 OPT requirements, saving you time and reducing the chance of offer rescissions over authorization confusion.
Crew Leader OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Crew Leader on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. A Crew Leader position in landscaping, construction, or facilities management can qualify under majors like environmental science, civil engineering, or construction management. Your DSO must confirm the connection before you begin work, so prepare a written explanation of how the role relates to your coursework.
Do Crew Leader employers need to sponsor my OPT?
No. OPT is authorized by USCIS through your school, not your employer. Your employer does not file any petition or pay any fees to hire you on OPT. They do need to enroll in E-Verify if you plan to apply for a STEM OPT extension later, so it's worth confirming their E-Verify status before accepting an offer.
How do I find Crew Leader jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for F-1 OPT students looking for Crew Leader roles. It surfaces positions from employers who understand OPT work authorization, so you spend less time explaining your status and more time moving through the hiring process. Filter by your field of study to confirm the role supports your degree connection requirement.
Does a Crew Leader job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM field such as civil engineering, environmental science, construction science, or agricultural engineering, and the Crew Leader role is directly related to that field, you may qualify. Your employer also must be enrolled in E-Verify. Consult your DSO to confirm eligibility before counting on the extension.
What happens to my OPT if my Crew Leader contract ends between seasons?
Seasonal gaps between contracts count as unemployment under OPT rules. You have 90 days total of unemployment on standard OPT, or 60 days on a STEM extension. If a seasonal Crew Leader role ends and your next position is not lined up, those days start accumulating immediately. Keep detailed records of your employment periods and work with your DSO if a gap extends beyond a few weeks.