OPT Instructor Jobs
Instructor roles are a natural fit for F-1 OPT students with expertise in education, training, or a specialized field. Your OPT work authorization must align with your degree, so positions in curriculum development, corporate training, or academic instruction are your strongest targets. STEM OPT extensions apply if your degree qualifies.
Find OPT Instructor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 5,717+ Instructor jobs
See all 5,717+ Instructor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Instructor roles.
Get Access To All JobsPOSTING DETAILS
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
The New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office consists of four Bureaus, Fire Service Support, Code Enforcement, Fire Investigations, and the Firefighters Training Academy.
This posting is to fill multiple vacancies.
The Academy is dedicated to meeting the needs of a complex and dynamic fire service by providing programs of the highest quality. The New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy's objectives and goals are:
-
to provide training programs designed to develop the basic and advanced skills necessary for students to be more effective members of the fire service
-
to provide the best instruction and training possible in all areas of the fire service
-
to serve the public at large by providing education services, training, and counseling
-
to provide a means allowing firefighters to demonstrate their ability to meet professional qualification standards.
WHY DOES THE JOB EXIST?
The Instructor/Coordinator will coordinate and instruct fire service-related programs for emergency responders from entry level to advanced officer level. This position implements course design, curriculum development, thorough understanding and compliance with relevant NFPA standards and administering certification testing in accordance with IFSAC and Pro Board criteria.
HOW DOES IT GET DONE?
Must possess knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, standards, guidelines and safety issues that apply to fire training. In-depth knowledge of NFPA standards that apply to course assignments. Knowledge of acceptable planning, training methods, and day-to-day operations of programs/assigned courses and academy policies when coordinating courses. Must assess training needs, sources of information, and instructional material, when developing and conducting a training course. Skill in operating audio/visual equipment, and other technology related to the job. Coordinate assigned training programs/courses utilizing Fire Academy policies, procedures, NFPA Standards, and IFSAC/Pro Board guidelines. Knowledge of applicable fire service equipment, materials and methods used in the training program and maintenance and repair of fire equipment and tools in this area of specialization. Must prepare and complete required forms and reports within established timeliness. Developing and conducting complex or specialized fire service-related training programs.
WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS?
The Academy is dedicated to meeting the needs of a complex and dynamic fire service by providing programs of the highest quality. The New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy's objectives and goals are:
-
to provide training programs designed to develop the basic and advanced skills necessary for students to be more effective members of the fire service
-
to provide the best instruction and training possible in all areas of the fire service
-
to serve the public at large by providing education services, training, and counseling
-
to provide a means allowing firefighters to demonstrate their ability to meet professional qualification standards.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Academy is dedicated to meeting the needs of a complex and dynamic fire service by providing programs of the highest quality. The New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy's objectives and goals are:
-
to provide training programs designed to develop the basic and advanced skills necessary for students to be more effective members of the fire service
-
to provide the best instruction and training possible in all areas of the fire service
-
to serve the public at large by providing education services, training, and counseling
-
to provide a means allowing firefighters to demonstrate their ability to meet professional qualification standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
Associate degree and six (6) years of experience in fire department operations, fire service training, two (2) years full-time fire service teaching experience may substitute for the Associate degree. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must hold a current Fire Service Instructor I and Firefighter II certification from ProBoard or IFSAC or must complete certification within (12) months of hire. Conditions of employment for individual positions in this classification will vary based on each agency's utilization, essential functions and the recruitment needs at the time a vacancy is posted.
Employment is subject to background check and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License with no limitations or restrictions. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in classroom and outdoor settings. Extensive travel is required. May be exposed to physical and mental stress, hazardous materials, controlled substances; may be required to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends and in inclement weather. May be exposed to loud noises and dangers inherent during the instruction of courses that instruct on Firefighting, with hazardous materials, Vehicle Extrication, and other Fire Service-related classes.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Federico Hernandez, (505) 623-1333, Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
BARGAINING UNIT POSITION
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
POSTING DETAILS
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
The New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office consists of four Bureaus, Fire Service Support, Code Enforcement, Fire Investigations, and the Firefighters Training Academy.
This posting is to fill multiple vacancies.
The Academy is dedicated to meeting the needs of a complex and dynamic fire service by providing programs of the highest quality. The New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy's objectives and goals are:
-
to provide training programs designed to develop the basic and advanced skills necessary for students to be more effective members of the fire service
-
to provide the best instruction and training possible in all areas of the fire service
-
to serve the public at large by providing education services, training, and counseling
-
to provide a means allowing firefighters to demonstrate their ability to meet professional qualification standards.
WHY DOES THE JOB EXIST?
The Instructor/Coordinator will coordinate and instruct fire service-related programs for emergency responders from entry level to advanced officer level. This position implements course design, curriculum development, thorough understanding and compliance with relevant NFPA standards and administering certification testing in accordance with IFSAC and Pro Board criteria.
HOW DOES IT GET DONE?
Must possess knowledge of state and federal laws, regulations, standards, guidelines and safety issues that apply to fire training. In-depth knowledge of NFPA standards that apply to course assignments. Knowledge of acceptable planning, training methods, and day-to-day operations of programs/assigned courses and academy policies when coordinating courses. Must assess training needs, sources of information, and instructional material, when developing and conducting a training course. Skill in operating audio/visual equipment, and other technology related to the job. Coordinate assigned training programs/courses utilizing Fire Academy policies, procedures, NFPA Standards, and IFSAC/Pro Board guidelines. Knowledge of applicable fire service equipment, materials and methods used in the training program and maintenance and repair of fire equipment and tools in this area of specialization. Must prepare and complete required forms and reports within established timeliness. Developing and conducting complex or specialized fire service-related training programs.
WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS?
The Academy is dedicated to meeting the needs of a complex and dynamic fire service by providing programs of the highest quality. The New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy's objectives and goals are:
-
to provide training programs designed to develop the basic and advanced skills necessary for students to be more effective members of the fire service
-
to provide the best instruction and training possible in all areas of the fire service
-
to serve the public at large by providing education services, training, and counseling
-
to provide a means allowing firefighters to demonstrate their ability to meet professional qualification standards.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The Academy is dedicated to meeting the needs of a complex and dynamic fire service by providing programs of the highest quality. The New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy's objectives and goals are:
-
to provide training programs designed to develop the basic and advanced skills necessary for students to be more effective members of the fire service
-
to provide the best instruction and training possible in all areas of the fire service
-
to serve the public at large by providing education services, training, and counseling
-
to provide a means allowing firefighters to demonstrate their ability to meet professional qualification standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
Associate degree and six (6) years of experience in fire department operations, fire service training, two (2) years full-time fire service teaching experience may substitute for the Associate degree. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must hold a current Fire Service Instructor I and Firefighter II certification from ProBoard or IFSAC or must complete certification within (12) months of hire. Conditions of employment for individual positions in this classification will vary based on each agency's utilization, essential functions and the recruitment needs at the time a vacancy is posted.
Employment is subject to background check and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License with no limitations or restrictions. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in classroom and outdoor settings. Extensive travel is required. May be exposed to physical and mental stress, hazardous materials, controlled substances; may be required to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends and in inclement weather. May be exposed to loud noises and dangers inherent during the instruction of courses that instruct on Firefighting, with hazardous materials, Vehicle Extrication, and other Fire Service-related classes.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Federico Hernandez, (505) 623-1333, Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
BARGAINING UNIT POSITION
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 5,717+ OPT Instructor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Instructor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Instructor
Align your subject area with your degree field
OPT requires a direct connection between your job and your degree. An Instructor role teaching data science, engineering, or business is defensible. A role outside your field of study risks your OPT authorization and should be avoided.
Target employers who regularly hire international educators
Community colleges, EdTech companies, corporate training firms, and coding bootcamps hire Instructors with international backgrounds regularly. These organizations understand work authorization timelines and are more likely to support H-1B visa sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
Document the specialty occupation connection clearly
When applying, frame your Instructor role as requiring specialized knowledge, not just general teaching ability. Emphasize curriculum design, subject-matter expertise, and degree requirements. This framing matters when USCIS evaluates future H-1B petitions for Instructor positions.
Apply early if you need STEM OPT extension
STEM OPT applications must be submitted at least 90 days before your current OPT expires. Instructor roles at STEM-focused organizations may qualify. Confirm your employer has an E-Verify account, which is required for any STEM OPT extension approval.
Ask about sponsorship intentions before accepting an offer
Some academic and training employers assume OPT students will leave when authorization expires. Raise H-1B sponsorship directly during negotiations. Employers willing to commit early give you far more runway to plan your long-term career in the United States.
Use Migrate Mate to find Instructor roles open to OPT
Most general job boards don't filter for OPT-friendly employers. Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. Browse Instructor listings from employers who already understand work authorization, saving you time and avoiding positions that won't support your visa status.
Instructor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Instructor on OPT?
Yes, as long as the Instructor role is directly related to your degree field. A computer science graduate teaching coding, or an education graduate leading classroom instruction, meets the OPT connection requirement. Roles that teach subject matter unrelated to your degree create authorization risk and should be avoided.
Do Instructor jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Some do. If your degree is in a STEM field and the Instructor role is at an organization with an active E-Verify account, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Roles at EdTech companies, coding bootcamps, or STEM-focused training programs are the most common qualifying scenarios. Confirm your employer's E-Verify status before applying.
How do I find Instructor jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. It surfaces Instructor roles from employers who are familiar with OPT and international hiring. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization issues late in the process.
Is an Instructor role considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can be, but it requires careful framing. USCIS looks at whether a specific degree in a related field is normally required for the position. Instructors teaching highly specialized subjects, such as engineering, finance, or computer science, have stronger cases than those in general education roles where degree requirements are broad or flexible.
What happens if my Instructor job is part-time or contract-based?
OPT allows part-time work of at least 20 hours per week during post-completion OPT, so part-time Instructor roles can qualify. However, contract or freelance arrangements need careful documentation to demonstrate the work is consistent and degree-related. Multiple concurrent part-time Instructor positions can be combined to meet the 20-hour minimum threshold.