OPT Equipment Operator Jobs
Equipment Operator jobs on OPT are available across construction, mining, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors. Most roles require hands-on machinery experience, and employers in these industries have a longer history of hiring international workers. Your OPT period gives you 12 months of authorized work, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your program qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsHeavy Equipment Operator
Location: Columbus, MS
Burns Group is a family-owned business, established in 1977 serving the civil construction and aggregates industry in the Southeast. Our portfolio includes heavy civil, logistics, and recycling divisions. Our core values and dedication to our people guide every aspect of our company. We invite you to contact us and see what it means to be #burnsbuilt.
Ideal Candidate
Requires at least two years experience of the following responsibilities:
- Experience operating in a wide variety of motorized heavy equipment and vehicles used in earthwork and civil construction, including but not limited to:
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Motorgraders / Rollers
- Prepares heavy equipment by conducting inspections; performing preventive maintenance checks.
- Prepares work by studying and clarifying plans, calculating requirements and gathering supplies.
- Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures and complying with legal regulations.
Preferred Qualifications / Skills:
- Experience with Trimble GPS or other machine control systems is preferred but not required
- Ability to read labels, safety warnings, and guidelines
- Attention to detail and alert at all times to ensure safety
- Able to receive and follow instructions
- Communicates well with co-workers
- Ability to safely operate various vehicles and equipment
- Previous experience, especially in the construction industry, preferred
All candidates must be able to pass the following:
- Drug Screen (fee paid by Burns)
- Background Screening
- MVR Screening
At Burns Dirt, we believe in a skills-first approach to recruitment and employment. We are committed to removing barriers, enhancing opportunities, and empowering individuals based on merit and potential.
Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility will be required if selected for hire.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Burns Dirt is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Location: Columbus, MS
Burns Group is a family-owned business, established in 1977 serving the civil construction and aggregates industry in the Southeast. Our portfolio includes heavy civil, logistics, and recycling divisions. Our core values and dedication to our people guide every aspect of our company. We invite you to contact us and see what it means to be #burnsbuilt.
Ideal Candidate
Requires at least two years experience of the following responsibilities:
- Experience operating in a wide variety of motorized heavy equipment and vehicles used in earthwork and civil construction, including but not limited to:
- Bulldozers
- Excavators
- Motorgraders / Rollers
- Prepares heavy equipment by conducting inspections; performing preventive maintenance checks.
- Prepares work by studying and clarifying plans, calculating requirements and gathering supplies.
- Maintains safe, secure, and healthy work environment by following standards and procedures and complying with legal regulations.
Preferred Qualifications / Skills:
- Experience with Trimble GPS or other machine control systems is preferred but not required
- Ability to read labels, safety warnings, and guidelines
- Attention to detail and alert at all times to ensure safety
- Able to receive and follow instructions
- Communicates well with co-workers
- Ability to safely operate various vehicles and equipment
- Previous experience, especially in the construction industry, preferred
All candidates must be able to pass the following:
- Drug Screen (fee paid by Burns)
- Background Screening
- MVR Screening
At Burns Dirt, we believe in a skills-first approach to recruitment and employment. We are committed to removing barriers, enhancing opportunities, and empowering individuals based on merit and potential.
Employment Eligibility:
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Proof of eligibility will be required if selected for hire.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Burns Dirt is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Equipment Operator
Confirm your program qualifies for STEM OPT
Some Equipment Operator roles sit under engineering or technology-adjacent programs that qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can honestly tell employers you have up to three years of work authorization.
Target industries with established international hiring
Construction, mining, and heavy manufacturing have the longest track records of hiring foreign nationals. These sectors file Labor Condition Applications regularly and are more familiar with OPT paperwork than employers in industries without that hiring history.
Get your machinery certifications before applying
OSHA 10 or 30, forklift certification, and equipment-specific licenses signal job readiness and reduce employer hesitation. Certified candidates are easier to onboard, which matters when an employer is already navigating unfamiliar work authorization requirements.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline early
Tell hiring managers your authorization end date and STEM extension eligibility in your first conversation. Employers in skilled trades respect directness, and clarity about your timeline prevents last-minute surprises that can derail an offer.
Highlight union membership or eligibility where relevant
Many Equipment Operator roles are unionized through operating engineers locals. If you hold or are eligible for union membership, mention it. Unions often handle workforce paperwork centrally, which can simplify the process for employers less familiar with OPT compliance.
Apply to companies with existing H-2B or H-1B filing history
Employers who have previously filed for temporary or skilled foreign workers already understand work authorization logistics. This familiarity makes OPT transitions smoother and increases the likelihood they will consider sponsoring you after your OPT period ends.
Equipment Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Equipment Operator on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. Equipment Operator positions can qualify under civil engineering, construction management, or related technical programs. Your DSO must confirm the connection between the job and your degree before you begin work on OPT authorization.
Do Equipment Operator employers typically sponsor visas after OPT ends?
It depends on the employer's size and hiring history. Large construction firms, mining companies, and infrastructure contractors with established HR departments are more likely to sponsor H-1B visa or other visas. Smaller operators may not have the resources. Browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate to find companies with an active track record of supporting international workers in this field.
Does an Equipment Operator role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, depending on your degree program's CIP code. If your degree is in civil engineering, construction engineering technology, or a related STEM field, and the role falls within that field, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm with your DSO, who will verify the CIP code and sign off on your STEM OPT application through your school's SEVIS record.
What happens to my OPT if I switch Equipment Operator employers?
You can change employers on OPT without filing new paperwork, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days. Your new employer must also be listed in your SEVP portal. Make sure the new role still qualifies as related to your degree, since working in an unrelated position can jeopardize your F-1 status.
Are there restrictions on working for multiple Equipment Operator employers at once?
OPT allows multiple concurrent employers as long as each job is related to your field of study and you are working at least 20 hours per week in total across all positions. Each employer must be reported to your DSO. Self-employment or contract work through your own business entity is also permitted, provided the work remains within your authorized field.