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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The Bureau of Survey and Certification (BOSC) is responsible for conducting survey inspections to ensure health care providers and clinical laboratories are compliant with state and federal requirements. As a surveyor, your impact reaches beyond each resident into connected lives of caregivers, friends, and families. The lives you touch may be countless and your work will count! Watch the video below for a closer look at "life on the job" presented by ODH survey team members.
What You'll Do:
Receive instruction and on-the-job training on survey tasks and protocols applicable to long-term care (LTC) and acute and continuing care (ACC), ODH procedures, and rules/regulations pertinent to the surveyor role, through extensive reading, program briefings and supervised participation in field activities:
- Attend mandated state and federal surveyor training.
- Travel to health care facilities to participate in (and/or conduct under supervision) onsite inspections of providers to determine compliance.
- Participate, under supervision, in discussion with facility officials regarding survey findings.
- Attend (as part of survey team) exit interview meetings with facility staff.
- Learn to review plans of correction for deficiencies.
- Complete survey reports and deficiency statements in accordance with the Principles of Documentation.
- Provide consultation to newer surveyors.
Learn to research special problems and evaluate data:
- Receive training in gathering evidence, for cases which may require legal action.
- Participate (as member of survey team) in hearing preparations and hearings.
- Testify before judicial bodies as assigned.
- Analyze data collected during survey process and prepare specialized reports as assigned.
- Assist in drafting responses to problems/questions regarding survey process.
- Assist supervisor in preparing speeches to community groups, providers, or other agencies; draft and deliver speeches as assigned.
Operate laptop computer using state-provided software in order to learn documentation and reporting of survey findings, as well as review of survey reports:
- Carry laptop, portable scanner, reference materials and forms (weighing up to 25 lbs.) to/from worksite.
- Learn to use computer-assisted process in conducting and documenting surveys.
- Learn to use applicable data sets (e.g., MDS, OASIS) and quality indicator reports to monitor and evaluate quality indicators.
- Learn to develop other reports/materials required by Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Maintain administrative records and/or library of current reference literature, as needed.
- Complete and submit all travel documents (e.g., travel logs, travel authorizations), records, expense reports and all computerized survey forms.
- Notify supervisor of problems that jeopardize meeting timeframes.
Important Facts To Consider:
- Travel: Surveyors travel constantly, whether down the road or across the state. Expect overnight stays and evening/weekend work when a situation calls for it.
- Emergencies: Routine annual surveys can be planned; complaint responses cannot. We go where we are needed, when we are needed.
- Documentation: Effective technical writing is essential (grammar usage and basic composition).
- Work Life Balance: Vacations are approved based upon a seniority office canvass.
Unusual Working Conditions:
- Requires travel twelve (12) months per year, including some overnight travel, regardless of weather conditions.
- Possible exposure to infectious waste during observation of care.
- Must climb, bend and reach in order to inspect facilities’ service areas, attics, basements and other locations.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Certification, licensure, or registration commensurate with assigned discipline (i.e., registered nurse, or licensed dietician, or licensed social worker, or registered environmental health specialist, or licensed nursing home administrator, or licensed pharmacist, or licensed physical/occupational/speech therapist) AND 24 mos. exp. in a health care setting (i.e., long term care, acute care, non-long term care facility, ICF/IID, hospice care, home health setting, dialysis center, ambulatory surgical center, or in community health protection) AND 12 mos. trg. or exp. in utilizing a personal computer and software to access and record data AND valid driver’s license.
Additional Qualifications:
Applications of those who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated against the following criteria:
- Bachelors or advanced degree in assigned discipline
- Experience conducting surveys/inspections of long term care and non-long term care facilities, (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, ICF/IID, home health, ESRD, ambulatory surgical centers, rehabilitation agencies, hospice)
- Has passed SMQT Surveyor Minimum Qualification Test
- Experience working in a nursing home or ICF/IID as a licensed health care Professional
- Experience and/or education in technical or report writing
- Experience in preparing and presenting technical presentations
- Experience working with computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience working in critical care, hospital, urgent care or emergency department as a licensed health care professional
- Experience in providing training and orientation to new employees or cross training to established employees
All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, and active work record.
Note: The job posting & official position description on file with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) will reflect, in the minimum acceptable characteristics, the required licensure, certification, registration, or other professional credential & the specialized body of knowledge necessary to perform the assigned duties of the position. Required licensure per 1199 contract language.
Training and development required to remain in the classification after employment: Renewal of licensure/certification/registration pertinent to assigned discipline as mandated by Ohio Revised Code.
Unusual working conditions: Requires extensive travel 12 mos. per year throughout the state, regardless of weather conditions, including some overnight stays; possible exposure to infectious waste during observation of care; required to climb, bend, and reach to inspect service areas, attics, basements & other locations in facility being surveyed; the entry level surveyor classification requires a 365 day probationary period. This provision applies to promotions, lateral transfers and demotions, as well as to external hires.
Job Skills: Regulatory Compliance
Technical: Interviewing, Investigation, Inspection Principles, Medical Records, Regulatory Compliance
Professional: Attention to Detail, Building Trust, Confidentiality, Written Communication, Listening
Educational Transcript Requirements: Official educational transcripts are required for all post-high school educational accomplishments, coursework or degrees claimed on the application. Applicants will be required to submit an official transcript prior to receiving a formal offer of employment. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) working days of being requested will cause the applicant to be eliminated from further consideration.
Please note that a transcript is considered "official" only if it is an original copy from the educational institution and includes an institutional watermark, ink stamp or embossed stamp. Transcripts printed from the institution's website will not be accepted. ODH reserves the right to assess the academic credibility of an educational entity's award of a putative degree.
Supplemental Information
ALL ANSWERS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY THE WORK EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION PROVIDED ON YOUR CIVIL SERVICE APPLICATION.
Unless required by legislation, the selected candidate will begin at Pay Grade 12, Step 1 of the union (1199) Pay Range Schedule ($32.69 per hour), with an opportunity for a pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance. You will move to the second level (Pay Grade 13), that of an independent surveyor, once you have successfully completed the 365 day probationary period as an entry level surveyor, passed the test for all relevant state and CMS trainings, and met the applicable minimum qualifications for independent surveyor.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All applicants must submit a completed Ohio Civil Service Application using the TALEO System. Paper applications will not be considered. Applicants must clearly indicate how they meet the minimum qualifications and/or position specific minimum qualifications. Applicants are also encouraged to document any experience, education and/or training related to the job duties above. An assessment of these criteria may be conducted to determine the applicants who are interviewed.
STATUS OF POSTED POSITION: You can check the status of your application online by signing into your profile. Jobs you applied for will be listed. The application status is shown to the right of the position title and application submission details.
BACKGROUND CHECK NOTICE: The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
All final applicants tentatively selected for this class will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
About us:
The Bureau of Survey and Certification (BOSC) is responsible for conducting survey inspections to ensure health care providers and clinical laboratories are compliant with state and federal requirements. As a surveyor, your impact reaches beyond each resident into connected lives of caregivers, friends, and families. The lives you touch may be countless and your work will count! Watch the video below for a closer look at "life on the job" presented by ODH survey team members.
What You'll Do:
Receive instruction and on-the-job training on survey tasks and protocols applicable to long-term care (LTC) and acute and continuing care (ACC), ODH procedures, and rules/regulations pertinent to the surveyor role, through extensive reading, program briefings and supervised participation in field activities:
- Attend mandated state and federal surveyor training.
- Travel to health care facilities to participate in (and/or conduct under supervision) onsite inspections of providers to determine compliance.
- Participate, under supervision, in discussion with facility officials regarding survey findings.
- Attend (as part of survey team) exit interview meetings with facility staff.
- Learn to review plans of correction for deficiencies.
- Complete survey reports and deficiency statements in accordance with the Principles of Documentation.
- Provide consultation to newer surveyors.
Learn to research special problems and evaluate data:
- Receive training in gathering evidence, for cases which may require legal action.
- Participate (as member of survey team) in hearing preparations and hearings.
- Testify before judicial bodies as assigned.
- Analyze data collected during survey process and prepare specialized reports as assigned.
- Assist in drafting responses to problems/questions regarding survey process.
- Assist supervisor in preparing speeches to community groups, providers, or other agencies; draft and deliver speeches as assigned.
Operate laptop computer using state-provided software in order to learn documentation and reporting of survey findings, as well as review of survey reports:
- Carry laptop, portable scanner, reference materials and forms (weighing up to 25 lbs.) to/from worksite.
- Learn to use computer-assisted process in conducting and documenting surveys.
- Learn to use applicable data sets (e.g., MDS, OASIS) and quality indicator reports to monitor and evaluate quality indicators.
- Learn to develop other reports/materials required by Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
- Maintain administrative records and/or library of current reference literature, as needed.
- Complete and submit all travel documents (e.g., travel logs, travel authorizations), records, expense reports and all computerized survey forms.
- Notify supervisor of problems that jeopardize meeting timeframes.
Important Facts To Consider:
- Travel: Surveyors travel constantly, whether down the road or across the state. Expect overnight stays and evening/weekend work when a situation calls for it.
- Emergencies: Routine annual surveys can be planned; complaint responses cannot. We go where we are needed, when we are needed.
- Documentation: Effective technical writing is essential (grammar usage and basic composition).
- Work Life Balance: Vacations are approved based upon a seniority office canvass.
Unusual Working Conditions:
- Requires travel twelve (12) months per year, including some overnight travel, regardless of weather conditions.
- Possible exposure to infectious waste during observation of care.
- Must climb, bend and reach in order to inspect facilities’ service areas, attics, basements and other locations.
Why Work for the State of Ohio
At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website! Our benefits package includes:
- Medical Coverage
- Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
- Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
- Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
- Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
- Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS) & Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)
*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.
Minimum Qualifications:
Certification, licensure, or registration commensurate with assigned discipline (i.e., registered nurse, or licensed dietician, or licensed social worker, or registered environmental health specialist, or licensed nursing home administrator, or licensed pharmacist, or licensed physical/occupational/speech therapist) AND 24 mos. exp. in a health care setting (i.e., long term care, acute care, non-long term care facility, ICF/IID, hospice care, home health setting, dialysis center, ambulatory surgical center, or in community health protection) AND 12 mos. trg. or exp. in utilizing a personal computer and software to access and record data AND valid driver’s license.
Additional Qualifications:
Applications of those who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated against the following criteria:
- Bachelors or advanced degree in assigned discipline
- Experience conducting surveys/inspections of long term care and non-long term care facilities, (e.g., hospitals, nursing homes, ICF/IID, home health, ESRD, ambulatory surgical centers, rehabilitation agencies, hospice)
- Has passed SMQT Surveyor Minimum Qualification Test
- Experience working in a nursing home or ICF/IID as a licensed health care Professional
- Experience and/or education in technical or report writing
- Experience in preparing and presenting technical presentations
- Experience working with computer software (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience working in critical care, hospital, urgent care or emergency department as a licensed health care professional
- Experience in providing training and orientation to new employees or cross training to established employees
All eligible applications shall be reviewed considering the following criteria: qualifications, experience, education, and active work record.
Note: The job posting & official position description on file with the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) will reflect, in the minimum acceptable characteristics, the required licensure, certification, registration, or other professional credential & the specialized body of knowledge necessary to perform the assigned duties of the position. Required licensure per 1199 contract language.
Training and development required to remain in the classification after employment: Renewal of licensure/certification/registration pertinent to assigned discipline as mandated by Ohio Revised Code.
Unusual working conditions: Requires extensive travel 12 mos. per year throughout the state, regardless of weather conditions, including some overnight stays; possible exposure to infectious waste during observation of care; required to climb, bend, and reach to inspect service areas, attics, basements & other locations in facility being surveyed; the entry level surveyor classification requires a 365 day probationary period. This provision applies to promotions, lateral transfers and demotions, as well as to external hires.
Job Skills: Regulatory Compliance
Technical: Interviewing, Investigation, Inspection Principles, Medical Records, Regulatory Compliance
Professional: Attention to Detail, Building Trust, Confidentiality, Written Communication, Listening
Educational Transcript Requirements: Official educational transcripts are required for all post-high school educational accomplishments, coursework or degrees claimed on the application. Applicants will be required to submit an official transcript prior to receiving a formal offer of employment. Failure to provide transcripts within five (5) working days of being requested will cause the applicant to be eliminated from further consideration.
Please note that a transcript is considered "official" only if it is an original copy from the educational institution and includes an institutional watermark, ink stamp or embossed stamp. Transcripts printed from the institution's website will not be accepted. ODH reserves the right to assess the academic credibility of an educational entity's award of a putative degree.
Supplemental Information
ALL ANSWERS TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS MUST BE SUPPORTED BY THE WORK EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION PROVIDED ON YOUR CIVIL SERVICE APPLICATION.
Unless required by legislation, the selected candidate will begin at Pay Grade 12, Step 1 of the union (1199) Pay Range Schedule ($32.69 per hour), with an opportunity for a pay increase after six months of satisfactory performance. You will move to the second level (Pay Grade 13), that of an independent surveyor, once you have successfully completed the 365 day probationary period as an entry level surveyor, passed the test for all relevant state and CMS trainings, and met the applicable minimum qualifications for independent surveyor.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES: All applicants must submit a completed Ohio Civil Service Application using the TALEO System. Paper applications will not be considered. Applicants must clearly indicate how they meet the minimum qualifications and/or position specific minimum qualifications. Applicants are also encouraged to document any experience, education and/or training related to the job duties above. An assessment of these criteria may be conducted to determine the applicants who are interviewed.
STATUS OF POSTED POSITION: You can check the status of your application online by signing into your profile. Jobs you applied for will be listed. The application status is shown to the right of the position title and application submission details.
BACKGROUND CHECK NOTICE: The final candidate selected for this position will be required to undergo a criminal background check. Criminal convictions do not necessarily preclude an applicant from consideration for a position. An individual assessment of an applicant's prior criminal convictions will be made before excluding an applicant from consideration.
All final applicants tentatively selected for this class will be required to submit to urinalysis to test for illegal drug use prior to appointments. An applicant with a positive test shall not be offered employment.
ADA Statement
Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.
Drug-Free Workplace
The State of Ohio is a drug-free workplace which prohibits the use of marijuana (recreational marijuana/non-medical cannabis). Please note, this position may be subject to additional restrictions pursuant to the State of Ohio Drug-Free Workplace Policy (HR-39), and as outlined in the posting.
See all 106+ OPT Surveyor Jobs
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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.