OPT Operations Technician Jobs
Operations Technician roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving F-1 students access to a 24-month STEM extension on top of the standard 12 months. Most employers in manufacturing, utilities, and logistics hire technicians under direct employment, which satisfies OPT's full-time work authorization requirement.
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Mission
The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiners and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.
Vision
To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.
The Serology / DNA Operations Technician is an entry-level position that performs serological examination of physical evidence and DNA operations casework, including DNA extraction, quantification, amplification, and data analysis. The Sero/Ops Technician may be called to provide expert testimony in court. This position will provide serological examination primarily for aggravated assault / robbery and property crime cases.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Examines, documents, characterizes, and tests biological evidence submitted for criminal and medicolegal death investigations; operates and maintains laboratory instruments for forensic serology and DNA analysis
- Prepares documents that support the resulting analytical findings and provides expert witness testimony in legal proceedings
- Maintains at least a minimum level of productivity as determined by Forensic Genetics management
- Provides routine maintenance, calibration, quality control, and laboratory housekeeping tasks as needed / assigned.
- Follows all safety, quality assurance / quality control, and standard operating procedures, and assist with ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with ANAB accreditation requirements and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing
- Successfully completes training, competency testing, and proficiency testing program requirements while maintaining American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification, and meeting ANAB, TFSC, and FBI Quality Assurance Standards requirements by attending continuing education / training courses, workshops, seminars, and/or professional meetings
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or related field
Required coursework, in addition to a 3-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course, must comply with the DNA Analyst coursework requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule 651.207
Certifications/Licenses:
Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure required within 1 year of employment
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification required within 2 years of employment
Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Additional Requirements:
Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)
Must provide a personal DNA sample to be maintained by the Department’s Forensic Genetics Division for quality assurance purposes
As a public servant, this employee is expected to adequately prepare for court testimony in accordance with Department policies and procedures. Subpoenas and court orders related to cases worked by the employee shall be followed, even post-employment. The duty to adequately communicate with attorneys and prepare for testimony, which includes a review of the applicable case records, is still expected post-employment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Visual acuity sufficient to perceive minute differences and details and to withstand the strain of continued close work; and manual dexterity sufficient to conduct laboratory tasks as needed
- Strong written and oral communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience:
Experience in a scientific laboratory
General Information
Work Location:
Forensic Genetics Laboratory - 2450 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77021
Work Schedule:
- Full time
- 40 hours per week
- Monday – Friday, in office
- Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
- Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if needed
Work Environment:
Office / laboratory setting
Potential Exposures:
- Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
- May come in contact with blood and/or blood borne pathogens
Physical Demands:
Requires physical strength to lift up to 40 pounds in the routine performance of duties
Reporting Relationships:
Reports To: Serology Team Supervisor, Training Manager, DNA Operations Supervisor, or Validation/R&D Manager
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule
- METRO RideSponsor Program
Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: www.benefitsathctx.com
Position Description
Mission
The Mission of the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is to provide medical examiners and crime laboratory services of the highest quality in an unbiased manner with uncompromised integrity.
Vision
To provide consistent, quality death investigation and laboratory analysis for the benefit of the entire community.
To create a technological strongpoint for legal agencies to facilitate justice in criminal and civil proceedings.
To establish an academic environment for training in the field of Forensic Science.
The Serology / DNA Operations Technician is an entry-level position that performs serological examination of physical evidence and DNA operations casework, including DNA extraction, quantification, amplification, and data analysis. The Sero/Ops Technician may be called to provide expert testimony in court. This position will provide serological examination primarily for aggravated assault / robbery and property crime cases.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Examines, documents, characterizes, and tests biological evidence submitted for criminal and medicolegal death investigations; operates and maintains laboratory instruments for forensic serology and DNA analysis
- Prepares documents that support the resulting analytical findings and provides expert witness testimony in legal proceedings
- Maintains at least a minimum level of productivity as determined by Forensic Genetics management
- Provides routine maintenance, calibration, quality control, and laboratory housekeeping tasks as needed / assigned.
- Follows all safety, quality assurance / quality control, and standard operating procedures, and assist with ensuring the laboratory remains in compliance with ANAB accreditation requirements and the FBI Quality Assurance Standards for Forensic DNA Testing
- Successfully completes training, competency testing, and proficiency testing program requirements while maintaining American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification, and meeting ANAB, TFSC, and FBI Quality Assurance Standards requirements by attending continuing education / training courses, workshops, seminars, and/or professional meetings
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
Requirements
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Forensic Science, or related field
Required coursework, in addition to a 3-semester credit hour (or equivalent) college-level statistics course, must comply with the DNA Analyst coursework requirements outlined in the Texas Administrative Code, Title 37, Part 15, Chapter 651, Subchapter C, Rule 651.207
Certifications/Licenses:
Texas Forensic Science Commission licensure required within 1 year of employment
American Board of Criminalistics (ABC) certification required within 2 years of employment
Maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License and maintain ability to safely operate a motor vehicle
Additional Requirements:
Must pass criminal background check and drug / alcohol screening (prior to and randomly during employment)
Must provide a personal DNA sample to be maintained by the Department’s Forensic Genetics Division for quality assurance purposes
As a public servant, this employee is expected to adequately prepare for court testimony in accordance with Department policies and procedures. Subpoenas and court orders related to cases worked by the employee shall be followed, even post-employment. The duty to adequately communicate with attorneys and prepare for testimony, which includes a review of the applicable case records, is still expected post-employment
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Visual acuity sufficient to perceive minute differences and details and to withstand the strain of continued close work; and manual dexterity sufficient to conduct laboratory tasks as needed
- Strong written and oral communication skills with effective organization and time management skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, prioritizing and handling multiple tasks simultaneously
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Office
NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
Preferences
Experience:
Experience in a scientific laboratory
General Information
Work Location:
Forensic Genetics Laboratory - 2450 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77021
Work Schedule:
- Full time
- 40 hours per week
- Monday – Friday, in office
- Weekends and evening shifts may be necessary
- Must be available to work during severe weather events or other emergencies if needed
Work Environment:
Office / laboratory setting
Potential Exposures:
- Possible exposure to dangerous chemicals
- May come in contact with blood and/or blood borne pathogens
Physical Demands:
Requires physical strength to lift up to 40 pounds in the routine performance of duties
Reporting Relationships:
Reports To: Serology Team Supervisor, Training Manager, DNA Operations Supervisor, or Validation/R&D Manager
Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.
Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits
- Medical Coverage
- Dental Coverage
- Vision Coverage
- Wellness Plan
- Life Insurance
- Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
- Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
- Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
- One (1) floating holiday per year
- Paid Parental Leave
- Sick Leave
Retirement Savings Benefit
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:
- Professional learning & development opportunities
- Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
- Flexible work schedule
- METRO RideSponsor Program
Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website: www.benefitsathctx.com
See all 3,578+ OPT Operations Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Operations Technician
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM
Operations Technician positions typically fall under CIP codes tied to engineering technology or applied sciences. Verify your employer's listed SOC code matches a STEM-designated field before accepting an offer to protect your STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Start your OPT application 90 days early
USCIS can take up to 90 days to issue your EAD card. Submit your OPT application as early as your DSO allows so your work authorization is active before your start date, avoiding gaps that could put your status at risk.
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large manufacturers, energy companies, and infrastructure firms regularly hire OPT students as operations technicians. These employers understand EAD-based authorization and are far less likely to confuse OPT with visa sponsorship during the hiring process.
Address work authorization directly and early
When recruiters ask about authorization, explain clearly that you have an EAD card and do not require employer sponsorship for OPT. Many hiring managers conflate the two. Clarifying upfront prevents unnecessary rejections late in the process.
Align your job duties with your degree program
OPT requires employment directly related to your major area of study. For a STEM extension, this connection must be well-documented. Roles in process control, equipment maintenance, or quality systems typically satisfy this for engineering and applied science graduates.
Track your 90-day unemployment limit carefully
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 days of unemployment during the standard OPT period. Once a STEM extension is approved, you get 60 additional days. Do not let job searching drift past these limits without an active offer in hand.
Operations Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Operations Technician on OPT without employer visa sponsorship?
Yes. OPT work authorization comes from USCIS through your DSO, not from the employer. You present your EAD card as proof of authorization, so the employer does not need to sponsor a visa or file any petition on your behalf. Most operations technician roles at manufacturing and utilities companies accept EAD holders without issue.
Does an Operations Technician role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree and the employer's listed SOC code. Operations technician positions rooted in engineering technology, industrial systems, or applied sciences frequently qualify. Your degree must be on the STEM OPT designated degree list, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm the SOC code with your DSO before signing an offer.
Where can I find Operations Technician jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists operations technician roles specifically filtered for OPT and visa-sponsored candidates, so you are not wasting applications on employers who do not hire international students. Browsing Migrate Mate by role type lets you identify employers already familiar with EAD-based work authorization, which significantly reduces screening friction.
What happens to my OPT status if my Operations Technician role ends before my EAD expires?
Your EAD remains valid, but the 90-day unemployment clock starts immediately. You have 90 days to secure a new qualifying position during standard OPT, and 60 additional days if you are on a STEM extension. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly. Extended gaps beyond these limits can result in loss of F-1 status.
Does my degree need to match the Operations Technician job description for OPT to be valid?
Yes. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. For an operations technician role, degrees in mechanical engineering technology, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, or applied sciences typically satisfy this requirement. Your DSO must confirm the connection is documented in SEVIS before your OPT application is submitted.