OPT Nutritionist Jobs
Nutritionist jobs on OPT are available across hospitals, outpatient clinics, corporate wellness programs, and public health agencies. Most roles require a bachelor's or master's degree in nutrition or dietetics, and many employers will sponsor H-1B visa after your OPT period. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your specific degree classification.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
INTERVIEWS ARE ANTICIPATED TO BE CONDUCTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF CLOSING DATE.
The New Mexico WIC Program, Department of Health Food and Nutrition bureau safeguards the health of nutritionally at-risk low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, children and seniors by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition information for healthy eating, health counseling, breastfeeding support, nutrition classes, cooking classes, and referrals to health care providers and social services.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To screen applicants to determine eligibility by assessing income, residency, and nutritional risk at the Edgewood WIC Office. Prescribes food packages, provides group and one-on-one nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the identified needs/interests of each participant. Identifies the need for individual care plans and implements them for low-risk participants. Refers participants to other health and social services and provides appropriate follow-up to referrals.
Maintain effective and efficient Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program operations in the Region by assessing and documenting a participants nutrition risks; prescribes food packages for each participant certified; determine eligibility and provide one-on-one and/or group nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support. Assess participants needs for use of a breast pump and/or any other breastfeeding education. Obtain and assess hemoglobin and anthropometrics on each participant. Provide quality client services using constructs of Participant Centered Education (PCE) as required by United States Department of Agriculture. Assist families in developing healthy eating goals and provide ongoing nutrition education. Refers participants to other health and social services. Perform clerical duties such as filing, typing, data entry, word processing, and other computer software applications; operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; and prepare mailings, answer phones, answer questions, deliver messages, and make appointments; electronic card inventory, archiving, vendor monitoring, supply and pharmacy orders. Achieves and maintains quality and customer service satisfaction and maintains and protects the participants and WIC agency confidentiality. Assist Nutrition Supervisor to increase community awareness and positive perception of the Public Health Division and NM WIC Program by providing outreach in the community and interacting with other Public Health programs including participating in health fairs and developing nutrition education bulletin boards with approved messages. Demonstrates support of WIC's mission, vision and philosophy in delivery of all services and the ability to communicate and work with a wide variety of culturally diverse people.
CUSTOMERS
Qualified Pregnant, Breastfeeding and Post-partum women, infants and children - up to the age of five (5) years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in a social, community, health, education, or nutritional field and two (2) years of experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. 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 education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
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 within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Extended periods of driving and the ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds may be required. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and moderate office noise, heat, cold, and smells. Incumbent may be required to respond to Public Health emergencies during non-traditional work hours. Some travel with occasional overnight stay may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Marissa Polkovitz (505) 383-6008 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
INTRODUCTION
INTERVIEWS ARE ANTICIPATED TO BE CONDUCTED WITHIN TWO WEEKS OF CLOSING DATE.
The New Mexico WIC Program, Department of Health Food and Nutrition bureau safeguards the health of nutritionally at-risk low-income pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, children and seniors by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, nutrition information for healthy eating, health counseling, breastfeeding support, nutrition classes, cooking classes, and referrals to health care providers and social services.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To screen applicants to determine eligibility by assessing income, residency, and nutritional risk at the Edgewood WIC Office. Prescribes food packages, provides group and one-on-one nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support that is responsive to the identified needs/interests of each participant. Identifies the need for individual care plans and implements them for low-risk participants. Refers participants to other health and social services and provides appropriate follow-up to referrals.
Maintain effective and efficient Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program operations in the Region by assessing and documenting a participants nutrition risks; prescribes food packages for each participant certified; determine eligibility and provide one-on-one and/or group nutrition education, including breastfeeding promotion and support. Assess participants needs for use of a breast pump and/or any other breastfeeding education. Obtain and assess hemoglobin and anthropometrics on each participant. Provide quality client services using constructs of Participant Centered Education (PCE) as required by United States Department of Agriculture. Assist families in developing healthy eating goals and provide ongoing nutrition education. Refers participants to other health and social services. Perform clerical duties such as filing, typing, data entry, word processing, and other computer software applications; operate photocopiers, fax machines, and other office equipment; and prepare mailings, answer phones, answer questions, deliver messages, and make appointments; electronic card inventory, archiving, vendor monitoring, supply and pharmacy orders. Achieves and maintains quality and customer service satisfaction and maintains and protects the participants and WIC agency confidentiality. Assist Nutrition Supervisor to increase community awareness and positive perception of the Public Health Division and NM WIC Program by providing outreach in the community and interacting with other Public Health programs including participating in health fairs and developing nutrition education bulletin boards with approved messages. Demonstrates support of WIC's mission, vision and philosophy in delivery of all services and the ability to communicate and work with a wide variety of culturally diverse people.
CUSTOMERS
Qualified Pregnant, Breastfeeding and Post-partum women, infants and children - up to the age of five (5) years.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in a social, community, health, education, or nutritional field and two (2) years of experience as it pertains to the essential duties and responsibilities of the classification. 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 education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
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 within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to visual/video display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Extended periods of driving and the ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds may be required. Potential exposure to communicable diseases and moderate office noise, heat, cold, and smells. Incumbent may be required to respond to Public Health emergencies during non-traditional work hours. Some travel with occasional overnight stay may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Marissa Polkovitz (505) 383-6008 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
See all 178+ OPT Nutritionist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Nutritionist
Target healthcare systems with established sponsorship track records
Large hospital networks and integrated health systems regularly sponsor nutritionists for H-1B visas. Focus your search on employers with 500 or more employees, as they have dedicated HR and immigration infrastructure to support work authorization transitions after OPT.
Clarify your RD credential status early in conversations
Employers often conflate Registered Dietitian licensure with nutritionist roles. If you hold or are pursuing RD credentials, communicate this clearly. Licensed clinical roles are easier to classify as specialty occupations, which strengthens both your OPT employment and future H-1B eligibility.
Check whether your degree qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
Some nutrition and dietetics programs carry STEM-designated CIP codes, which unlock a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer, as this significantly changes your employment timeline and sponsorship negotiation leverage.
Frame your role as a specialty occupation when discussing immigration
Nutritionist positions require a specific degree in a defined field, which meets the specialty occupation standard needed for H-1B sponsorship. Prepare a brief explanation of how your degree directly applies to your job duties to help HR teams understand the sponsorship case.
Pursue state licensure or RD credentialing during your OPT period
Many states require licensure to practice as a clinical nutritionist. Completing licensure during OPT demonstrates professional commitment and makes you a stronger H-1B candidate, since USCIS views licensed healthcare roles as inherently specialty occupations with clearer petition pathways.
Approach public health agencies and university nutrition programs
Government health departments and university wellness or research programs frequently hire OPT nutritionists and have experience with work authorization. These employers often offer structured sponsorship timelines, which reduces uncertainty around the H-1B filing window following your OPT authorization period.
Nutritionist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a nutritionist on OPT without being a Registered Dietitian?
Yes. OPT work authorization is tied to your degree field, not to professional licensure. You can work in nutrition-related roles that align with your degree without holding an RD credential. However, clinical positions in hospitals or outpatient settings often require state licensure or RD status, so verify the specific role requirements before applying.
Do nutritionist jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your program's CIP code. Some nutrition and dietetics degrees are classified under STEM-designated fields, which makes graduates eligible for the 24-month extension. Others are not. Check with your Designated School Official to confirm your program's CIP code before assuming STEM eligibility, as this significantly affects how long you can work on OPT.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor nutritionists for H-1B after OPT?
Large hospital systems, integrated health networks, corporate wellness companies, and public health agencies are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for nutritionists. These employers have legal and HR infrastructure built for immigration sponsorship. You can browse verified OPT-friendly nutritionist employers on Migrate Mate, which filters for companies with sponsorship experience.
How does a nutritionist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
A nutritionist position qualifies as a specialty occupation when it requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, such as nutrition, dietetics, or food science, as a minimum entry requirement. If the role requires that specific academic background, USCIS generally accepts it as a specialty occupation. Roles with vague degree requirements can complicate the petition, so job description language matters.
Can I do a supervised internship or clinical rotation on OPT as part of a dietetic internship program?
Yes, supervised practical experience that is directly related to your degree field is permitted under OPT. If you are completing a dietetic internship as part of your path to RD credentialing, it can qualify as OPT employment as long as it meets USCIS requirements for OPT work authorization. Confirm the arrangement with your DSO and ensure the internship program can verify the training is field-related.