STEM OPT Civil Drafter Jobs
Civil Drafter roles in infrastructure, utilities, and land development are strong fits for F-1 students with STEM degrees in civil engineering technology, drafting, or a related field. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify.
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Gladding McBean in Lincoln, CA is a manufacturer of vitrified clay pipe for sewers, clay roof tile, piazza clay floor tile, glazed terra cotta pottery, architectural terra cotta, sacked mortar clay, chimney tops and caps. We are a proud member of the Pacific Coast Building Products Family of Companies.
DRAFTER ii
$24 - $28/hours Depending on Qualifications and Experience
POSITION SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the National Sales Manager, this position supports the Architectural façade systems in all areas of computer-aided architectural, structural, and/or mechanical drafting of details, shop drawings, elevations, and plan views and layouts and is responsible for supporting and demonstrating the Core Values of Integrity, Safety, Respect, Customer Focus, Quality, Innovation and Financial Success. Performs other related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: General supervision from Drafting Supervisor, Project Manager, and/or National Sales Manager.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Performs computer-aided drafting, design, and blue printing.
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Produces detailed production drawings from data extracted from field surveys or existing parts and/or components as they relate to existing building façades for production of new manufacture components.
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Draws terra cotta shop and production drawings; makes plant, factory, and shop drawings.
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Draws production schedules.
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Corresponds with contractor/field representatives/architects to coordinate and understand field survey information to ensure drawings are accurate.
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Operates personal computers, plotters, printers, modems, network, and various drafting equipment.
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Attends safety meetings and abides by all safety rules set forth by company and governmental regulatory agencies; ensures that hazardous conditions are reported and corrected.
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Predictable and Regular attendance is required.
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
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Two to four years of drafting experience. One-to-two years’ college or trade school studying architectural or mechanical drafting, with personal computers and computer software desired.
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Requires strong verbal and written communication and mathematical skills including trigonometry.
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Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills required.
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Working knowledge of AutoCAD required.
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Ability to operate personal computer, calculator, and all other office equipment required to perform duties. Must also have working knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
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Predictable Regular attendance is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
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Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; Reach with hands and arms; Talk and listen; Stand, walk, and sit.
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Occasionally required to bend at the waist; Lift and/or move up-to 50 pounds.
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Predictable and Regular attendance is required.
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
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Office environment with moderate noise.
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Plant environment with loud noise, moving machinery, dusty, dirty.
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Outdoor weather conditions / Extreme temperatures.
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Wear mandatory and/or other appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
This is a regular, full-time position with competitive compensation and full benefits including medical/dental insurance, disability benefits, life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing retirement plan, and wellness programs. We are an equal opportunity employer and promote a drug free workplace.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Civil Drafter
Verify your CIP code matches STEM eligibility
Cross-check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list before applying. Civil Engineering Technology and Drafting programs qualify, but similar-sounding programs sometimes fall outside the approved list.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before signing anything. A firm that uses subcontractors or operates across multiple legal entities may be enrolled at the parent level but not at the specific office hiring you.
Target civil engineering firms with active DOL LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by verified E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history for drafting and engineering roles. Firms that have filed LCAs for STEM workers are already familiar with OPT training plan requirements.
Build your I-983 training plan around AutoCAD competencies
Your training plan must tie learning objectives to specific technical skills your DSO and employer will both sign off on. Map each goal to measurable outcomes like AutoCAD Civil 3D proficiency, site plan production, or utility coordination, rather than vague project involvement.
Research prevailing wage tiers for drafting occupations
Look up the wage level for your SOC code using the OFLC Wage Search before evaluating any offer. Civil Drafter roles under SOC 17-3012 have published wage floors by metro area, and understanding your tier strengthens your negotiating position.
Time your extension application to protect your cap-gap window
File your STEM OPT extension with USCIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Filing on time automatically triggers the 180-day cap-gap that keeps you authorized to work while USCIS processes the extension.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Civil Drafter role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as civil engineering technology, architectural engineering, or a related drafting or design discipline listed on the DHS STEM designated degree program list. The role itself doesn't need to be classified as an engineering position. What matters is that your degree's CIP code appears on the approved list and the work is directly related to that field of study.
What does the E-Verify requirement mean for Civil Drafter job searches?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify to hire you on STEM OPT, not just registered. Civil engineering firms and staffing agencies that place drafters on project sites may have multiple legal entities, so confirm E-Verify enrollment at the specific hiring entity, not just the parent company. Migrate Mate filters employers by verified E-Verify enrollment, which saves you from discovering the gap after an offer is made.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Civil Drafter position?
The I-983 must describe concrete learning goals tied to your STEM degree, not just your daily job tasks. For a Civil Drafter role, strong training objectives include developing proficiency in CAD software like Civil 3D, learning to read and produce construction documents to industry standards, and gaining exposure to site grading or utility design workflows. Both you and your employer supervisor sign the plan, and your DSO reviews it before endorsing your STEM OPT application.
How does cap-gap protection work if my OPT expires before my extension is approved?
If you file a timely STEM OPT extension before your current EAD expires, federal regulations automatically extend your work authorization for up to 180 days while USCIS adjudicates the application. You can continue working as a Civil Drafter during that window without interruption. Your employer is not required to take any additional action, but USCIS confirms this through your updated I-20, which your DSO issues after approving the extension request.
How do I find Civil Drafter employers who are already comfortable hiring STEM OPT students?
Focus on civil engineering firms, municipal engineering consultancies, and infrastructure contractors that have a documented history of sponsoring work-authorized employees. Reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application filings for drafting and engineering occupations shows which employers have navigated the paperwork before. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with active LCA filing history and confirmed E-Verify enrollment, so you can direct your applications toward firms already set up to hire STEM OPT students.