OPT Safety Specialist Jobs
Safety Specialist roles on OPT are consistently sponsored by manufacturing, construction, and energy companies that rely on dedicated EHS professionals to meet OSHA compliance requirements. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions under environmental health and engineering-related CIP codes, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) offers career-training programs in numerous technical, industrial, and medical fields at a reasonable cost, going so far as to even waive tuition for certain eligible students. Located in Richlands, Virginia, Southwest offers associate’s degrees in such fields as business, education, general studies, liberal arts, and science. These degrees are primarily intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university. Southwest also has associate degrees that feature programs intended to lead directly to a career in fields such as Nursing, Radiography, and Administration of Justice.
Southwest Virginia Community College invites applications for a full-time Skilled-Trades Instructor & Safety Coordinator. This position delivers high-demand workforce training while serving as the institutional coordinator for classroom and laboratory safety across Workforce & Continuing Education and Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology programs. The successful candidate will provide industry-recognized training, coordinate safety initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead the implementation of the Classroom & Laboratory Safety Workgroup (CLSW).
ROLE TITLE 10 Month Instructor Grant Fund
ROLE CODE T1033-SW
FLSA Exempt
PAY BAND 00
POSITION NUMBER 294G0010
AGENCY Southwest Virginia Community College
AGENCY/DIVISION Southwest Virginia Community College (Div)
WORK LOCATION Tazewell - 185
HIRING RANGE Minimum of $58,784 to commensurate with experience and qualifications
EMERGENCY/ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL No
EEO CATEGORY I-Faculty
FULL TIME OR PART TIME Full Time
DOES THIS POSITION HAVE TELEWORK OPTIONS? - Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- No
DOES THIS POSITION HAVE A BILINGUAL OR MULTILINGUAL SKILL REQUIREMENT OR PREFERENCE? No
WORK SCHEDULE Varies according to teaching schedule. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
SENSITIVE POSITION No
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instruction & Workforce Training
- Deliver workforce and credential-based training in:
- NCCER Core
- OSHA 10 (Construction & General Industry)
- First Aid / CPR / AED
- Basic Work Zone Flagger
- Solar Installation Technician
- DPOR Contractor License preparation
- MSHA Surface and Underground Training
- Basic Electricity and Electrical Safety
- Customize training for regional employers and grant-funded initiatives
- Maintain alignment with credentialing bodies and regulatory standards
Safety Coordination & CLSW Implementation
- Serve as lead coordinator for the Classroom & Laboratory Safety Workgroup (CLSW)
- Implement semester-start laboratory safety checklists aligned to VCCS Best Practices
- Coordinate crane and lift inspection programs for diesel and automotive labs
- Support the update and implementation of the Laboratory Safety Policy
- Maintain training records, inspection documentation, and compliance dashboards
- Coordinate OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR/AED training for faculty and staff
- Support hazardous waste management policies and inspections
- Track incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions
Collaboration & Governance
- Work collaboratively with faculty, workforce staff, facilities, and administration
- Participate in monthly CLSW meetings and quarterly safety reviews
- Provide safety guidance and technical assistance to instructional programs
This is a restricted position. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon funding availability and the needs of the College. Position is not eligible for severance benefits under state policy. Grant term is three (3) years.
Position is located on main campus but may also be teaching and visiting off-campus sites.
A one-year probationary period is required for both new hires and transfers.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree or higher in a skilled trades, industrial technology, safety, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and industry experience)
- Demonstrated experience in workforce or technical training
- Knowledge of OSHA standards and industrial safety practices
- Ability to obtain instructor authorization for required credentials
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Industry certifications (OSHA, NCCER, MSHA, electrical, solar, safety-related)
- Experience teaching adult learners or workforce programs
- Experience with lab/shop environments (diesel, automotive, welding, electrical, industrial)
- Knowledge of VCCS or community college workforce systems
- Experience with safety inspections, audits, or compliance tracking
OPERATION OF A STATE VEHICLE Yes
SUPERVISES EMPLOYEES No
REQUIRED TRAVEL Travel is required.
POSTING DETAIL INFORMATION
POSTING NUMBER FAC_1988P
RECRUITMENT TYPE General Public - G
NUMBER OF VACANCIES 1
JOB OPEN DATE 06/23/2026
JOB CLOSE DATE 07/07/2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED No
CONTACT NAME Human Resources
EMAIL human.resources@sw.edu
PHONE NUMBER 276.964.7339
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
To be considered for this position, you must complete the full state application.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT DISCLAIMER
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO STATEMENT
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA STATEMENT
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-VERIFY STATEMENT
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
INTRODUCTION
Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC) offers career-training programs in numerous technical, industrial, and medical fields at a reasonable cost, going so far as to even waive tuition for certain eligible students. Located in Richlands, Virginia, Southwest offers associate’s degrees in such fields as business, education, general studies, liberal arts, and science. These degrees are primarily intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year university. Southwest also has associate degrees that feature programs intended to lead directly to a career in fields such as Nursing, Radiography, and Administration of Justice.
Southwest Virginia Community College invites applications for a full-time Skilled-Trades Instructor & Safety Coordinator. This position delivers high-demand workforce training while serving as the institutional coordinator for classroom and laboratory safety across Workforce & Continuing Education and Business, Engineering, and Industrial Technology programs. The successful candidate will provide industry-recognized training, coordinate safety initiatives, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead the implementation of the Classroom & Laboratory Safety Workgroup (CLSW).
ROLE TITLE 10 Month Instructor Grant Fund
ROLE CODE T1033-SW
FLSA Exempt
PAY BAND 00
POSITION NUMBER 294G0010
AGENCY Southwest Virginia Community College
AGENCY/DIVISION Southwest Virginia Community College (Div)
WORK LOCATION Tazewell - 185
HIRING RANGE Minimum of $58,784 to commensurate with experience and qualifications
EMERGENCY/ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL No
EEO CATEGORY I-Faculty
FULL TIME OR PART TIME Full Time
DOES THIS POSITION HAVE TELEWORK OPTIONS? - Telework options are subject to change based on business needs- No
DOES THIS POSITION HAVE A BILINGUAL OR MULTILINGUAL SKILL REQUIREMENT OR PREFERENCE? No
WORK SCHEDULE Varies according to teaching schedule. Some evenings and weekends may be required.
SENSITIVE POSITION No
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Instruction & Workforce Training
- Deliver workforce and credential-based training in:
- NCCER Core
- OSHA 10 (Construction & General Industry)
- First Aid / CPR / AED
- Basic Work Zone Flagger
- Solar Installation Technician
- DPOR Contractor License preparation
- MSHA Surface and Underground Training
- Basic Electricity and Electrical Safety
- Customize training for regional employers and grant-funded initiatives
- Maintain alignment with credentialing bodies and regulatory standards
Safety Coordination & CLSW Implementation
- Serve as lead coordinator for the Classroom & Laboratory Safety Workgroup (CLSW)
- Implement semester-start laboratory safety checklists aligned to VCCS Best Practices
- Coordinate crane and lift inspection programs for diesel and automotive labs
- Support the update and implementation of the Laboratory Safety Policy
- Maintain training records, inspection documentation, and compliance dashboards
- Coordinate OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR/AED training for faculty and staff
- Support hazardous waste management policies and inspections
- Track incidents, near-misses, and corrective actions
Collaboration & Governance
- Work collaboratively with faculty, workforce staff, facilities, and administration
- Participate in monthly CLSW meetings and quarterly safety reviews
- Provide safety guidance and technical assistance to instructional programs
This is a restricted position. Continued employment in this role is contingent upon funding availability and the needs of the College. Position is not eligible for severance benefits under state policy. Grant term is three (3) years.
Position is located on main campus but may also be teaching and visiting off-campus sites.
A one-year probationary period is required for both new hires and transfers.
SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS
May be required to perform other duties as assigned. May be required to assist the agency or state government generally in the event of an emergency declaration by the Governor.
KSA's/REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate degree or higher in a skilled trades, industrial technology, safety, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and industry experience)
- Demonstrated experience in workforce or technical training
- Knowledge of OSHA standards and industrial safety practices
- Ability to obtain instructor authorization for required credentials
- Strong organizational and documentation skills
- Effective communication and collaboration skills
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS
- Industry certifications (OSHA, NCCER, MSHA, electrical, solar, safety-related)
- Experience teaching adult learners or workforce programs
- Experience with lab/shop environments (diesel, automotive, welding, electrical, industrial)
- Knowledge of VCCS or community college workforce systems
- Experience with safety inspections, audits, or compliance tracking
OPERATION OF A STATE VEHICLE Yes
SUPERVISES EMPLOYEES No
REQUIRED TRAVEL Travel is required.
POSTING DETAIL INFORMATION
POSTING NUMBER FAC_1988P
RECRUITMENT TYPE General Public - G
NUMBER OF VACANCIES 1
JOB OPEN DATE 06/23/2026
JOB CLOSE DATE 07/07/2026
OPEN UNTIL FILLED No
CONTACT NAME Human Resources
EMAIL human.resources@sw.edu
PHONE NUMBER 276.964.7339
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
To be considered for this position, you must complete the full state application.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT DISCLAIMER
The selected candidate’s offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background investigation, which may include: fingerprint checks, local agency checks, employment verification, verification of education, credit checks (relevant to employment). Additionally, selected candidates may be required to complete the Commonwealth’s Statement of Economic Interest. For more information, please follow this link: http://ethics.dls.virginia.gov/
EEO STATEMENT
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, political affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or other non-merit factors.
ADA STATEMENT
The Virginia Community College System (VCCS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts (ADA and ADAAA), to provide, reasonable accommodation to applicants in need of access to the application, interviewing, and selection processes when requested.
E-VERIFY STATEMENT
VCCS uses E-Verify to check employee eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to complete an I-9 form and provide documentation of your identity for employment purposes.
See all 718+ OPT Safety Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Safety Specialist
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Safety Specialist roles frequently qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in occupational health, environmental science, or engineering. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorization window.
Target industries with mandatory EHS compliance teams
Manufacturing, oil and gas, construction, and chemical processing companies are required by law to maintain safety staff. These employers hire consistently and are far more experienced with OPT work authorization than employers in less regulated industries.
Highlight OSHA certifications prominently
OSHA 30-hour certification, First Aid, and any industry-specific safety credentials signal immediate on-the-job readiness. Employers weighing OPT paperwork are more likely to proceed when a candidate reduces their onboarding risk from day one.
Address your OPT timeline directly in applications
Large industrial employers often have HR teams familiar with EAD cards and OPT reporting requirements. Mentioning your authorization window and STEM extension eligibility upfront removes ambiguity and prevents your application from being filtered out prematurely.
Pursue government contractors and large multinationals
Federal contractors and Fortune 500 companies in sectors like defense, utilities, and aerospace maintain structured EHS departments with established visa sponsorship processes. They're more likely to retain strong Safety Specialist candidates through H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT ends.
Connect your academic research to real compliance outcomes
If your graduate work involved risk assessment, incident analysis, or industrial hygiene, frame it in terms of regulatory outcomes and injury reduction metrics. Employers evaluate Safety Specialists on practical compliance impact, not just academic credentials.
Safety Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Safety Specialist jobs commonly sponsor OPT students?
Yes, particularly in manufacturing, construction, energy, and chemical industries where OSHA compliance staffing is a legal requirement. Employers in these sectors hire Safety Specialists regularly and tend to have established processes for onboarding OPT workers. Migrate Mate lists Safety Specialist roles filtered specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you can focus your search on companies already open to sponsoring international candidates.
Does a Safety Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in occupational safety, environmental health, industrial engineering, or environmental science typically carry STEM-designated CIP codes that qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer, and verify that your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for STEM OPT authorization.
What does an employer need to do to hire me on OPT as a Safety Specialist?
For standard OPT, your employer simply needs to provide a job offer and complete the employer section of your reporting requirement through your school's system. There's no government petition or fee involved. For STEM OPT, the employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign a formal training plan. Most mid-to-large industrial employers already meet these requirements.
Which industries hire the most Safety Specialist OPT workers?
Manufacturing, oil and gas, construction, utilities, and aerospace are the highest-volume employers of Safety Specialists with OPT authorization. These industries face OSHA recordkeeping mandates and incident-rate benchmarks that require dedicated EHS staff year-round. Companies like large general contractors, chemical processors, and energy firms hire across experience levels and are accustomed to international candidates on work authorization.
Can I transition from OPT to H-1B sponsorship as a Safety Specialist?
Yes. Safety Specialist roles generally qualify as H-1B specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as occupational health, environmental science, or engineering. Employers in regulated industries with established EHS departments are among the more consistent H-1B sponsors. Securing a role before your OPT expires and demonstrating compliance value gives you the strongest position to request sponsorship for the H-1B lottery.