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.

Find OPT Surveyor Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs131+
Work Type84% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsTurner & Townsend Pty Limited

Showing 5 of 131+ Surveyor jobs

Henkels & McCoy
Surveyor
We won't show you this job again
Henkels & McCoy
Added 1mo ago
Surveyor
Henkels & McCoy
Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

Have you applied for this role?

Wood Rodgers, Inc.
Surveyor
We won't show you this job again
Wood Rodgers, Inc.
Added 2mo ago
Surveyor
Wood Rodgers, Inc.
Pleasanton, California
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
$39 - $49/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
51-200

Have you applied for this role?

Fishbeck
Surveyor
We won't show you this job again
Fishbeck
Added 2mo ago
Surveyor
Fishbeck
Cincinnati, Ohio
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Surveyor II
We won't show you this job again
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
New 20h ago
Surveyor II
American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Specialized Engineering
Quality Control
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

Have you applied for this role?

Olsson
Entry-Level Surveyor
We won't show you this job again
Olsson
New 21h ago
Entry-Level Surveyor
Olsson
Lincoln, Nebraska
Specialized Engineering
Civil & Structural Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Civil Engineering
On-Site
Associate's

Have you applied for this role?

See all 131+ Surveyor Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Surveyor roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

See all 131+ OPT Surveyor Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Surveyor Jobs.

Get Access To All Jobs

Tips 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.