OPT Tractor Mechanic Jobs
Tractor Mechanic jobs on OPT are available across agricultural states and heavy equipment dealerships. Most roles qualify under STEM-adjacent mechanical engineering fields, and STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree classification. Employers typically require hands-on diagnostics experience and may sponsor H-2A visa or H-1B visas after your OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment, and the growth of our people.
When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tractor Trailer Drivers are responsible for hauling trailers of waste, recyclables, and/or leachate to a disposal site, recycling plant, or customer site. Tractor Trailer Drivers may also be required to climb to hook/unhook trailers, move items to smooth the load, and secure tarps.
Responsibilities of Position:
- Operate truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies to ensure timely and efficient pick up of trailers and deliver to designated destination
- Routinely enter/exit truck multiple times day
- Conduct pre-trip/post trip inspections and complete DVIR logs
- Visually inspect proper load securement
- Maintain cleanliness of truck cab
- Maintain and update route and driver log sheets
- Professionally interact with internal and external customers to provide excellent customer service
- Responsible for picking up bales from the ground at various stops and using a skid steer and ramps to load them into 53ft van trailers as needed
- Utilize an app on your phone to log bale counts and number of stops each day as needed
- Operate heavy equipment to load trailers for hauling as needed
- Assist Roll Off line of business by operating Roll Off truck as needed
- Haul leachate as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position will not manage employees.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:
- Ability to read and understand a map
- Excellent truck driving/maneuvering skills
- Ability to work independently
- Must be able to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate, understand, and respond to questions, directions, traffic signs, signals, and safety training
- Good written and verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers
Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:
- General knowledge of truck mechanics
- 2 years CDL truck driving experience preferred
- Waste industry experience, a plus
- A valid Class A CDL is required (Tanker Endorsement preferred)
- Experience on a skid steer preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN A REGULAR WORKDAY
- Frequently lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
- Occasionally lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 50 lbs
- Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
- Continuously working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
- Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
- Occasionally stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
- Occasionally climbing and/or balancing
- Continuously sitting
- Occasionally standing/walking
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ASPECTS
- Must have a valid DOT Medical Card or able to obtain prior to hire
- Must be at least 19 years of age
- No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years
- Must not have any DUI's or OVI's within the last 5 years or 2 in the last 10 years
- Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
- Exposure to residential and commercial waste
- Ability to travel between offices, as required
- Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
- Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
INTRODUCTION
Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry. Our mission is simple: to deliver exceptional waste and recycling solutions to our customers and communities through a commitment to safety, service, the environment, and the growth of our people.
When you join Rumpke, you’ll be part of a team providing essential services to millions of residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. You will enjoy competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, vision, matching 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and more.
This is your opportunity to make a difference for you and your family. Come join our team!
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Tractor Trailer Drivers are responsible for hauling trailers of waste, recyclables, and/or leachate to a disposal site, recycling plant, or customer site. Tractor Trailer Drivers may also be required to climb to hook/unhook trailers, move items to smooth the load, and secure tarps.
Responsibilities of Position:
- Operate truck in a safe manner in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and company policies to ensure timely and efficient pick up of trailers and deliver to designated destination
- Routinely enter/exit truck multiple times day
- Conduct pre-trip/post trip inspections and complete DVIR logs
- Visually inspect proper load securement
- Maintain cleanliness of truck cab
- Maintain and update route and driver log sheets
- Professionally interact with internal and external customers to provide excellent customer service
- Responsible for picking up bales from the ground at various stops and using a skid steer and ramps to load them into 53ft van trailers as needed
- Utilize an app on your phone to log bale counts and number of stops each day as needed
- Operate heavy equipment to load trailers for hauling as needed
- Assist Roll Off line of business by operating Roll Off truck as needed
- Haul leachate as needed
- Perform other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position will not manage employees.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Skills & Abilities Needed for Position:
- Ability to read and understand a map
- Excellent truck driving/maneuvering skills
- Ability to work independently
- Must be able to read and speak the English language well enough to communicate, understand, and respond to questions, directions, traffic signs, signals, and safety training
- Good written and verbal communication skills to be able to communicate effectively and professionally with internal and external customers
Experience & Knowledge Needed for Position:
- General knowledge of truck mechanics
- 2 years CDL truck driving experience preferred
- Waste industry experience, a plus
- A valid Class A CDL is required (Tanker Endorsement preferred)
- Experience on a skid steer preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN A REGULAR WORKDAY
- Frequently lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 20 lbs
- Occasionally lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 50 lbs
- Rarely lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling a max of 100 lbs
- Continuously working outside in changing temperatures, wet/humid conditions
- Continuously working in areas of dust, odors, mist, gases, and other airborne matter
- Occasionally stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling
- Occasionally climbing and/or balancing
- Continuously sitting
- Occasionally standing/walking
ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS/ASPECTS
- Must have a valid DOT Medical Card or able to obtain prior to hire
- Must be at least 19 years of age
- No more than 3 moving violations within the last 2 years
- Must not have any DUI's or OVI's within the last 5 years or 2 in the last 10 years
- Possible exposure to high traffic conditions and/or tight driving areas
- Exposure to residential and commercial waste
- Ability to travel between offices, as required
- Ability to work flexible hours; expected to work nights and weekends as needed
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and/or holidays
- Legally eligible to work in the United States
- Valid driver’s license (if applicable)
- Must successfully complete pre-employment testing
- Must be able to read and speak the English language
This job description is intended to describe the general nature, complexity, and level of work to be performed by employees assigned to this position and is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required. It does not prescribe or restrict the work that may be assigned. Furthermore, this does not establish an employment contract and is subject to change at the discretion of the company.
Rumpke Waste and Recycling is committed to equality in all aspects of employment. It is Rumpke’s policy to provide equal opportunities to all employees and potential employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.
See all 62+ OPT Tractor Mechanic Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Tractor Mechanic
Target agricultural equipment dealerships
Large dealerships like John Deere and AGCO franchises hire mechanics year-round and have established HR processes for work authorization. They're more likely to understand OPT paperwork than smaller independent repair shops.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility early
If your degree is in mechanical engineering technology or a related STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before accepting any offer to avoid surprises later.
Lead with certifications, not visa status
ASE or manufacturer-specific certifications from John Deere or CNH Industrial carry significant weight with hiring managers. Demonstrating technical credentials first shifts the conversation away from sponsorship concerns early in outreach.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Tell employers exactly how many months remain on your OPT and whether a STEM extension applies. Hiring managers in agriculture often aren't familiar with F-1 rules, so clear timelines reduce hesitation and prevent misunderstandings during the offer stage.
Ask about H-2A and H-1B transition paths
Some agricultural employers already file H-2A visa petitions for seasonal workers and have immigration counsel on retainer. Asking whether they've sponsored work visas before signals you're thinking long-term and helps you assess sponsorship likelihood before investing heavily in the application.
Highlight bilingual or rural relocation readiness
Many tractor mechanic openings are in rural farming regions where qualified candidates are scarce. Willingness to relocate and any language skills relevant to local farming communities can meaningfully improve your competitiveness over candidates who require relocation assistance.
Tractor Mechanic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Tractor Mechanic on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. Tractor Mechanic positions typically qualify for students with degrees in mechanical engineering technology, agricultural engineering, or diesel technology. Your employment must begin after USCIS approves your EAD card and the job must align with your declared major on your I-20.
Does a Tractor Mechanic job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code. If your program falls under a STEM-designated classification, such as mechanical engineering technology (CIP 15.0805) or agricultural mechanization (CIP 01.0205), you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's designation with your DSO and verify the employer meets E-Verify enrollment requirements before applying for the extension.
How do I find Tractor Mechanic employers willing to hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers open to sponsoring or hiring F-1 OPT candidates, which saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering visa restrictions late in the process. Agricultural equipment dealerships and large farming operations are your strongest targets, as they tend to have more structured hiring processes and existing familiarity with work authorization requirements.
What happens to my OPT if my Tractor Mechanic employer goes out of business?
If you lose your job, you have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire OPT period to find new qualifying employment. You must report the job loss to your DSO promptly and update your SEVIS record. During this window, you should actively pursue new roles in a field related to your degree to stay within OPT compliance.
Can a Tractor Mechanic employer sponsor me for an H-1B after OPT?
Sponsorship is possible but depends on whether the role meets H-1B specialty occupation criteria, which generally requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field as a standard industry requirement. Some employers classify senior mechanic or diagnostic technician roles as specialty occupations. Discuss sponsorship intent early in the hiring process and consult an immigration attorney to assess whether your specific role qualifies before your OPT expires.