OPT Grader Operator Jobs
Grader operator jobs involve precision grading and earthmoving work on construction and infrastructure projects. F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil engineering, construction management, or related fields can qualify. Your OPT work authorization must directly relate to your degree field for employment to count toward your authorized period.
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COMPANY DESCRIPTION
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Clinical Research Grader performs clinical grading and performs imaging and instrumentation analysis of study participants on clinical research trials.
- Participates in the conduct of clinical studies in compliance with protocols, SOPs, applicable regulations and GCPs.
- Performs clinical grading to assess a variety of skin assessments on panelists in a clinical setting.
- Collects and records clinical information.
- Reviews participant information to determine eligibility for participation in clinical studies.
- Works with bioinstrumentation and imaging systems used to measure skin attributes.
- Responds to queries from Quality Assurance and Statistics departments.
- Provides excellent customer service to clients and panelists and maintains a positive and respectful interaction with peers and leadership.
- Complies with and understands safety and Operational Integrity procedures and processes.
WORK SCHEDULE:
- Business hours are Monday through Friday, 6:00AM to 8:00PM
- Work requires willingness to work a flexible schedule.
- Longer hours, evenings and/or weekend work may be necessary occasionally as job duties demand.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- 3+ years of relevant experience in industrial or laboratory, or field services setting with experience following strict safety standards.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
If you are applying for a position within the United States and you have difficulty completing the on-line employment application because of a disability, please call 201-508-3149 for assistance and leave a message. You will receive a call back. Please note, this phone number is not for general employment information, but is only for individuals who are experiencing difficulty applying for a position due to a disability.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Grader Operator
Target infrastructure and construction firms with H-2B or H-1B histories
Companies that have previously sponsored work visas are more likely to understand OPT work authorization. Look for contractors with federal infrastructure projects, as these firms often have established HR processes for nonimmigrant workers and recurring equipment operator needs.
Emphasize your degree's direct connection to grading work
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your degree field. Frame your civil engineering or construction management coursework around grading, earthwork calculations, and site preparation to make the connection clear to employers reviewing your application.
Understand your OPT timeline before applying
Standard OPT lasts 12 months. If your STEM degree qualifies, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension. Knowing your remaining authorization period helps you have honest conversations with employers about how long you can work without additional sponsorship.
Address the STEM extension proactively with eligible employers
STEM OPT extensions require the employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and submit a training plan. Raising this early with construction or engineering firms signals you've done your homework and reduces the perceived administrative burden on their end.
Pursue equipment certifications to strengthen your candidacy
Holding certifications relevant to motor grader operation, such as OSHA safety credentials or manufacturer-specific training, demonstrates practical readiness. Employers sponsoring OPT workers want to minimize onboarding time, and certifications show you can contribute quickly on site.
Be transparent about your work authorization status from the start
Disclose your OPT status early in the process rather than waiting until an offer is made. Construction and infrastructure employers who understand work authorization timelines appreciate the honesty and can plan around your authorization window more effectively.
Grader Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as grader operators in the United States?
Yes, if your degree is directly related to the work. F-1 OPT authorization requires that your employment connect to your field of study. A civil engineering or construction management degree typically supports grader operator roles on infrastructure projects. Employment that cannot be tied to your degree field does not qualify under OPT rules.
Do grader operator employers typically sponsor OPT or H-1B visas?
It varies by employer size and project type. Larger construction and infrastructure contractors working on federal or state projects are more likely to have experience with OPT work authorization and the H-1B visa process. Smaller subcontractors may be less familiar. You can browse grader operator roles on Migrate Mate, which focuses specifically on employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT students.
Does a grader operator role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your underlying degree is in civil engineering, construction engineering, or another qualifying STEM field on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify and submit a Form I-983 training plan with your DSO.
What happens to my OPT status if a grader operator contract or project ends?
OPT permits up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during the standard 12-month period, and up to 150 days during a STEM OPT extension. If your project ends and you're between roles, that time counts toward your unemployment limit. Securing your next position before exceeding those thresholds is critical to maintaining valid F-1 status.
How should I explain OPT work authorization to a construction employer unfamiliar with it?
Keep it simple and practical. Explain that OPT is a federal work authorization program for F-1 students, that it does not require the employer to file any immigration petition upfront, and that you have an Employment Authorization Document they can use for I-9 verification. For STEM OPT, the employer does need to be enrolled in E-Verify and file a training plan with your school's DSO.