OPT Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs
Wastewater Treatment Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension and giving you up to three years of total work authorization to build your career in the U.S.
Find OPT Wastewater Treatment Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 4 of 7+ Wastewater Treatment Engineer jobs








See all Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
For our state-of-the art 600+ person Lubbock, TX cheese and whey manufacturing facility, Leprino is seeking a Wastewater Treatment Technician.
This position pays $35 per hour. There is an additional $1 differential for hours worked between 6pm and 6am. Weekly pay.
Summary Description:
The Wastewater Treatment Technician is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the wastewater facility along with sampling, testing and performing corrective action on treated water. Emphasis will be placed on wastewater laboratory analysis, database management, and environmental compliance monitoring.
All other duties as assigned.
Job Duties (Accountability Categories and Essential Functions/Key Responsibilities):
NOTE: The job may include other “non-essential” responsibilities and duties that are not listed on this form.
- Operate treatment processes to achieve the required degree of wastewater treatment with minimal supervision.
- Conduct preventative maintenance and inspections on equipment, including lubrication, oil changes, and filter changes, etc.
- Perform sampling and laboratory testing of wastewater at various stages of the treatment process. Maintain laboratory data and supplies inventory.
- Divert spills and log excessive water usage coming from the plant.
- Implement and maintain 5S standards including maintaining facility cleanliness.
- Work in accordance with safe work practices at all times.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience:
- Basic familiarity with all aspects of operating a biological wastewater treatment plant; and ability to take and pass the entry level (D) exam within 1 year, or as required.
- Internal candidates that do not possess the above experience but have demonstrated work history with Leprino foods, knowledge of operation and maintenance of complex manufacturing processes, and have an interest in wastewater treatment may be considered.
- All candidates must have the ability to demonstrate wastewater Class (D) certification or take and pass the entry level Class (D) industrial wastewater exam within 1 year.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
- Two year degree in related field or prior experience in a similar wastewater treatment technician role.
- Forklift/Scissor Lift certification preferred.
- Applicants having a 4-year college degree in environmental science and/or biology seeking an entry-level environmental position will be considered in lieu of the minimum requirements outlined (except for age).
- Strong familiarity with environmental laboratory procedures; basic knowledge of utility equipment, process equipment, and general parts information; dairy/food manufacturing experience; experience operating heavy equipment (e.g. water pumps, forklift).
- Knowledge of government and industrial regulations (e.g. EPA, CDPHE, PSM, OSHA and USDA).
- Strong skills in data entry and management, email, internet, Microsoft Office software, and computerized management systems (e.g. SAP); entry level D Operator license.
Physical/Mental Requirements and Work Environment:
Work Environment Description:
- The Wastewater Treatment Technician position is physically demanding and requires being on the feet the entire shift which includes standing and walking, kneeling for extended periods of time, working in wet/dry/cold/hot environments, working in tight spaces, climbing steps and ladders, working at extreme heights, making pipe connections, using hand tools, physically transporting parts and tools, and lifting equipment parts which can weigh up to 70 Lbs.
Additional:
This position requires the incumbent to work on site at the facility to be able to perform the associated job responsibilities.
Leprino Foods celebrates and supports diversity. We believe in equal opportunity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability. We know we are better together and are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive culture that uses the unique talents, experiences, background, and perspectives of each individual employee.
Our Story:
Leprino Foods’ history dates back over 70 years, when Jim Leprino first started making small batches of mozzarella for local markets and eateries in the Little Italy neighborhood of Denver. We’ve grown a bit since then. Today, Leprino is the world’s largest manufacturer of mozzarella and lactose, and a leading producer of whey protein. Still owned by Jim and the Leprino family, our sights are set to be the “World’s Best Dairy Food and Ingredient Company.” To help us achieve that bold vision, we’re looking for our secret ingredient: You. A motivated team member who is the best at what you do. Three people in a small corner grocery store in the early 1950s have now grown to almost 5,000 employees throughout 16 global locations. Will you join us on our journey?
Leprino Foods Company utilizes the services of Psychemedics to perform our Hair Follicle Drug Testing. Additional information about this process can be obtained at www.psychemedics.com. Leprino Foods requires all individuals to wear the appropriate Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) as required by the role and location. Leprino Foods Company supports a drug-free workplace and is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer – M/F/Disability/Veteran.
LOCATION:
Nearest Major Market: Lubbock
See all OPT Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Wastewater Treatment Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Wastewater Treatment Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles typically fall under civil or environmental engineering, both STEM-designated fields. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can confidently communicate your full three-year authorization window to employers.
Target municipal utilities and water districts first
Public water and wastewater utilities hire consistently, operate on stable funding cycles, and are familiar with OPT work authorization. Government-adjacent employers tend to have structured onboarding timelines, which aligns well with OPT reporting requirements and the 90-day unemployment limit.
Lead with your EIT or PE exam progress
Engineers in Training credentials and active pursuit of Professional Engineer licensure signal long-term commitment to U.S. employers. Mentioning your exam timeline in applications reduces hesitation around sponsoring international candidates on OPT who may later need H-1B visa support.
Highlight process-specific technical skills upfront
Employers screening wastewater candidates prioritize familiarity with treatment processes like activated sludge, membrane bioreactors, or biosolids management. Listing these explicitly in your resume helps hiring managers recognize your value before visa status becomes part of the conversation.
Apply to engineering consulting firms with federal contracts
Firms like environmental consultancies holding EPA or Army Corps contracts are experienced H-1B sponsors. Their volume of international hires means your OPT status is a familiar situation, not an obstacle, and they often have immigration support infrastructure already in place.
File your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing Form I-765 for your STEM extension at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. A timely filing preserves your work authorization even if USCIS takes longer than expected to adjudicate, keeping your employment uninterrupted.
Wastewater Treatment Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Wastewater Treatment Engineer role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Wastewater Treatment Engineer positions typically require a degree in civil, environmental, or chemical engineering, all of which appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. Your DSO will confirm eligibility based on your specific CIP code. If your degree qualifies, you can work up to three years total on OPT before needing employer H-1B sponsorship.
How do I find Wastewater Treatment Engineer employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by OPT and visa sponsorship status, so you can browse Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles from employers who have already indicated they hire international candidates. Municipal utilities, environmental engineering firms, and infrastructure consultancies tend to be the most OPT-friendly employers in this field.
Can I work as a Wastewater Treatment Engineer on OPT if my degree is in chemical engineering rather than environmental engineering?
Yes. Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles frequently involve chemical processes, and employers regularly hire candidates with chemical engineering backgrounds. As long as there is a direct connection between your degree field and the job duties, your DSO can authorize OPT. Chemical engineering is a STEM-designated field, so the 24-month STEM extension is also available to you.
What happens to my OPT work authorization if my Wastewater Treatment Engineer employer goes through layoffs or budget cuts?
If your employment ends, your 90-day unemployment clock starts immediately. You have up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment during your OPT period to find a new qualifying role. Wastewater and water infrastructure is a relatively stable sector driven by municipal contracts, but having your resume active and applications out before any gap begins is the safest approach.
Do Wastewater Treatment Engineer roles typically lead to H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Many do. Wastewater Treatment Engineering is a specialized field with consistent demand and a relatively shallow domestic talent pool, which motivates employers to retain international hires through H-1B sponsorship. Municipal agencies and large environmental consulting firms are especially experienced sponsors. Demonstrating progress toward Professional Engineer licensure during your OPT period strengthens the case for sponsorship significantly.