OPT IT Systems Specialist Jobs
IT Systems Specialist jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech, with consistent demand from mid-size companies and enterprises that regularly sponsor H-1B visas. Your F-1 OPT authorization covers full-time systems administration, infrastructure support, and IT operations work across virtually every industry sector.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Description
Departmental Information Systems Specialist
$5,020 - $6,856 per Month
Final Filing Date: May 22, 2026
Exam #26/43J04/05MT
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The County of Monterey Health Department, Clinic Services Bureau is seeking an individual for the position of Departmental Information Systems Specialist (DISS). The DISS acts as a resource for users of specialized automated systems (i.e. EPIC Electronic Medical Record) providing support, training, and system troubleshooting related to the use of computer applications to staff. This position will be the first point of contact for system-related issues, collaborates with vendors, Health Department IT, and County of Monterey IT to identify and resolves technical issues, and makes recommendations for process improvements based on system functionality and operational knowledge.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis. This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion.
Examples of Duties
- Troubleshoots existing hardware and software problems
- Receives and responds to user problems with microcomputers, local area networks, and telecommunications by initiating work orders for Information Technology
- Trains and assists Bureau staff in the use of hardware and software systems
- Communicates with vendors regarding problems and user questions
- Assists in preparing technical documentation for department user technology manuals
- Compiles, prepares, and distributes reports and statistics
- Performs other related duties as required
- Coordinates with Information Technology and may assist in the configuration and installation of microcomputers and peripherals, including the assembly and testing of new systems
- Initiates repair of microcomputer equipment via a Contractor or IT
- Coordinates/implements department policies and procedures specific to computer technology
- May perform installation and upgrade of microcomputer software upon coordination with IT
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date inventories of microcomputer hardware and software
- Assists in selection and procurement of microcomputer equipment
- Acts as the department’s anti-virus coordinator and is a member of the Technology Team
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working Knowledge of:
- Microcomputer hardware and peripherals
- Operating systems used on department PCs
- Microcomputer software
- Basic concepts and terminology of local area networks
Some Knowledge of:
- Internet operation and use, including browsers and file transfer protocol
- Bureau services, functions, and terminology
- Customer service techniques
Skills and Ability to:
- Assist in installation and troubleshoot PCs and peripheral equipment
- Troubleshoot hardware and software problems
- Interact effectively with staff and the public
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Communicate technical information clearly orally and in writing to a variety of computer users
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education, and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
- High school graduation or equivalent and two (2) years of experience working with microcomputer systems in a relevant environment; or
- An Associate of Science degree in computer science, computer information systems or a closely related field, and minimum one (1) year of experience working with computer systems, preferably in a similar environment
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURES
Apply on-line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty by the final filing date of Wednesday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST)
or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Monterey County Health Department
Attn: Human Resources Division
1270 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906.
Phone: (831) 755-4519
Fax: (831) 796-8682
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
- A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
- Responses to the Supplemental Questions
Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES:
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing date of Wednesday, May 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST) to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Melanie Takaoka, Human Resources Analyst II, at (831) 755–4550 or takaokaml@countyofmonterey.gov.
Position Description
Departmental Information Systems Specialist
$5,020 - $6,856 per Month
Final Filing Date: May 22, 2026
Exam #26/43J04/05MT
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
The County of Monterey Health Department, Clinic Services Bureau is seeking an individual for the position of Departmental Information Systems Specialist (DISS). The DISS acts as a resource for users of specialized automated systems (i.e. EPIC Electronic Medical Record) providing support, training, and system troubleshooting related to the use of computer applications to staff. This position will be the first point of contact for system-related issues, collaborates with vendors, Health Department IT, and County of Monterey IT to identify and resolves technical issues, and makes recommendations for process improvements based on system functionality and operational knowledge.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis. This classification is part of a flexible series. Incumbents appointed at the lower level of the career series may be promoted up to the higher level of the career series subject to their meeting the employment standards for the higher class and a recommendation for their promotion.
Examples of Duties
- Troubleshoots existing hardware and software problems
- Receives and responds to user problems with microcomputers, local area networks, and telecommunications by initiating work orders for Information Technology
- Trains and assists Bureau staff in the use of hardware and software systems
- Communicates with vendors regarding problems and user questions
- Assists in preparing technical documentation for department user technology manuals
- Compiles, prepares, and distributes reports and statistics
- Performs other related duties as required
- Coordinates with Information Technology and may assist in the configuration and installation of microcomputers and peripherals, including the assembly and testing of new systems
- Initiates repair of microcomputer equipment via a Contractor or IT
- Coordinates/implements department policies and procedures specific to computer technology
- May perform installation and upgrade of microcomputer software upon coordination with IT
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date inventories of microcomputer hardware and software
- Assists in selection and procurement of microcomputer equipment
- Acts as the department’s anti-virus coordinator and is a member of the Technology Team
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working Knowledge of:
- Microcomputer hardware and peripherals
- Operating systems used on department PCs
- Microcomputer software
- Basic concepts and terminology of local area networks
Some Knowledge of:
- Internet operation and use, including browsers and file transfer protocol
- Bureau services, functions, and terminology
- Customer service techniques
Skills and Ability to:
- Assist in installation and troubleshoot PCs and peripheral equipment
- Troubleshoot hardware and software problems
- Interact effectively with staff and the public
- Understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Communicate technical information clearly orally and in writing to a variety of computer users
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education, and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
- High school graduation or equivalent and two (2) years of experience working with microcomputer systems in a relevant environment; or
- An Associate of Science degree in computer science, computer information systems or a closely related field, and minimum one (1) year of experience working with computer systems, preferably in a similar environment
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
- Successfully complete a background check to include fingerprinting.
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency.
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Bargaining Unit J Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURES
Apply on-line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty by the final filing date of Wednesday, May 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST)
or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Monterey County Health Department
Attn: Human Resources Division
1270 Natividad Road
Salinas, CA 93906.
Phone: (831) 755-4519
Fax: (831) 796-8682
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
- A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
- Responses to the Supplemental Questions
Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES:
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing date of Wednesday, May 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM (PST) to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Melanie Takaoka, Human Resources Analyst II, at (831) 755–4550 or takaokaml@countyofmonterey.gov.
See all 257+ OPT IT Systems Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT IT Systems Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an IT Systems Specialist
Target companies with active IT infrastructure teams
Mid-size companies with 200 to 2,000 employees often have lean IT teams and real hiring urgency. They are more likely to sponsor OPT and H-1B than large enterprises with rigid HR processes or small firms without legal budgets.
Align your degree to the systems specialist role
USCIS requires a direct connection between your degree field and the job duties. A computer science, information systems, or IT management degree maps cleanly to this role. Highlight coursework in networking, systems administration, or infrastructure in your application materials.
Certifications close the gap when your degree is adjacent
CompTIA A+, Network+, or Microsoft certifications signal hands-on competence to hiring managers. If your degree is in a related but not identical field, certifications strengthen the specialty occupation argument for your H-1B transition.
Communicate your OPT timeline proactively and clearly
Many hiring managers are unfamiliar with STEM OPT extensions. Tell them upfront that your authorization lasts up to three years if the role qualifies, reducing the urgency and cost of immediate H-1B sponsorship from their perspective.
Focus your applications on industries with dense IT hiring
Healthcare systems, financial services, higher education, and managed service providers hire IT Systems Specialists in high volume. These sectors also have established immigration sponsorship infrastructure, making the transition from OPT to H-1B more predictable.
Document your technical scope to support future sponsorship
Keep records of the systems you manage, tools you use, and problems you solve. Specific technical documentation strengthens specialty occupation evidence when your employer files your H-1B petition, especially for roles where job duties can appear generalist.
IT Systems Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an IT Systems Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree such as computer science, information technology, or information systems, and the role involves substantive technical work, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must also be E-Verify enrolled. Roles that are primarily administrative with light technical duties may face scrutiny, so make sure your offer letter reflects genuine IT responsibilities.
How do I find IT Systems Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you are not sorting through roles that exclude visa holders. IT Systems Specialist positions on Migrate Mate are posted by companies with a documented history of sponsoring F-1 workers, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and hitting dead ends after the interview stage.
Can my IT Systems Specialist job duties affect my H-1B eligibility later?
Yes, directly. USCIS evaluates whether an IT Systems Specialist position qualifies as a specialty occupation when your employer files an H-1B petition. Roles requiring a specific bachelor's degree in a technical field are more defensible than generalist IT support positions. Ask your employer to describe the role in terms of technical complexity, required expertise, and degree requirements when drafting your job description.
What happens if I lose my IT Systems Specialist job while on OPT?
F-1 OPT students have a 90-day unemployment buffer in total during their OPT period, or 150 days if approved for a STEM extension. If you lose your position, you need to report the change to your DSO promptly and begin searching immediately. Time spent unemployed counts toward that cap regardless of the reason for separation.
Does part-time IT systems work count toward my OPT authorization?
Post-completion OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week to remain in valid status. A part-time IT Systems Specialist role at 20 or more hours qualifies, but anything below that puts your status at risk. Contract, freelance, and W-2 employment all count, provided the work is directly related to your degree field and you report it correctly to your DSO.