OPT Surveyor Jobs
Surveyor jobs on OPT sit within specialty occupation territory, which matters for students planning an H-1B visa transition. Most roles require a degree in surveying, geomatics, or civil engineering, and many employers will file a Labor Condition Application to sponsor your status. STEM OPT extensions apply if your program qualifies.
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Overview:
Henkels & McCoy, Inc. (H&M) is a leading utility construction firm providing critical infrastructure for the power, oil & gas pipeline, telecommunications, and gas distribution markets throughout North America. Founded in 1923, the firm adapts a century of experience to the dynamic infrastructure needs of today. H&M leverages the collective strength of its diverse disciplines to create seamless integrations between projects, clients, team members, and communities. The company has been recognized with an E. I. DuPont Safety Excellence Award.
H&M is a purpose-driven company. Our core values guide our strategy, performance, and culture. We believe in maintaining an environment where team members can make an impact, grow, and thrive. A place where they find meaning and purpose in doing the important work of ensuring communities have the vital energy, light, and communications to prosper. Our culture is inclusive and welcoming. Our teams are empowered with abundant training, tools, and opportunities to follow their curiosity and ambitions. Everyone has an equal chance to advance. Everyone is supported, respected, and challenged to be their best. We’re always looking for talented and dedicated people to join us and love where they work.
Henkels & McCoy is a proud subsidiary of MasTec (NYSE: MTZ), a Fortune 500 Company ranked by Engineering News-Record as one of the leading contractors in the country. H&M is part of the MasTec Power Delivery segment. We are certified as a minority-controlled company by the National Minority Suppliers Development Council (NMSDC). Our rich diversity of people and ideas makes us a stronger, more innovative organization.
Henkels & McCoy is seeking an Entry-Level Surveyor to support surveying projects across PA and NJ. This role is ideal for recent graduates or individuals early in their surveying career who are looking to gain hands-on experience in the utility and power delivery industry. You will work closely with experienced surveyors and field crews while developing technical and professional skills.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA/NSPS surveys, and construction staking
- Support field crews with data collection, measurements, and equipment setup
- Perform basic research of survey data, legal descriptions, and land records under supervision
- Assist in preparing survey maps, plats, and reports using AutoCAD and related software
- Learn and follow project requirements, safety procedures, and quality standards
- Communicate with internal team members to support project timelines and deliverables
QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Surveying, Civil Engineering, Geomatics, or a related field (or currently pursuing)
- 0–2 years of surveying experience, including internships or co-op experience (preferred, not required)
- Basic familiarity with AutoCAD and surveying equipment is a plus
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and travel to job sites as needed
H& M Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Surveyor
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Surveying and geomatics programs often carry a STEM designation, giving you a 24-month OPT extension. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this directly affects how long employers can hire you.
Target firms that file Labor Condition Applications
Engineering and land surveying firms that regularly sponsor H-1B visas are your strongest long-term bet. Check OFLC disclosure data for firms with a track record of filing LCAs for surveyor and geospatial roles specifically.
Get your professional licensure process started early
Most states require a Professional Land Surveyor license for full practice. Starting your LSIT exam during OPT signals commitment to employers and strengthens your H-1B specialty occupation case when the time comes.
Frame fieldwork and software skills together
Employers hiring on OPT want to see both field competency and proficiency in tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D or Trimble software. Listing both reduces hesitation about sponsoring someone who needs ramp-up time on the job.
Address OPT timelines proactively with employers
Bring up your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility in early conversations. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume the process is harder than it is, so a clear timeline removes uncertainty from their decision.
Target government contractors and infrastructure firms
Federal and state infrastructure projects regularly employ surveyors through large engineering contractors. These firms have established immigration processes, making them more likely to support your OPT and eventual H-1B sponsorship than smaller local shops.
Surveyor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do surveyor jobs qualify as specialty occupations for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes. Surveying roles that require a bachelor's degree in surveying, geomatics, civil engineering, or a closely related field generally meet the specialty occupation standard. The key is that the job posting must specify a degree requirement in a specific field, not just any bachelor's degree. Your DSO and a future employer's immigration attorney can confirm whether a specific role qualifies.
Can I work as a surveyor on OPT without a Professional Land Surveyor license?
Yes, with limitations. Most states allow graduates to work under the supervision of a licensed Professional Land Surveyor while accumulating the experience hours needed to sit for the PLS exam. OPT authorization is tied to your degree field and job duties, not your licensure status. Unlicensed survey technician and GIS analyst roles are common entry points for OPT students.
Does a surveying or geomatics degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many surveying and geomatics programs do qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but it depends on your program's specific CIP code. Programs classified under geography, civil engineering technology, or geospatial intelligence often carry STEM designation. Check with your DSO to confirm your program's code before accepting a role, since STEM eligibility significantly changes how employers assess your long-term hire value.
What types of employers are most likely to sponsor surveyors on OPT?
Large civil engineering and infrastructure firms, federal government contractors, utility companies, and state transportation agencies are the most consistent OPT sponsors for surveying roles. Smaller local surveying firms may lack the administrative infrastructure to navigate work authorization. Migrate Mate lets you filter for OPT-friendly employers in the surveying and geospatial space so you can focus applications where they're most likely to convert.
How should I handle the gap between my OPT end date and a potential H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year, or until USCIS makes a decision if later. This means a seamless transition is possible if the timeline lines up. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific situation qualifies for cap-gap coverage and what documentation your employer will need.