STEM OPT Data Specialist Jobs
Data Specialist roles in analytics, data management, and business intelligence qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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LightBox is a leading provider of data and workflow solutions across commercial real estate and location intelligence. Our solutions deliver the depth, speed and accuracy that enable insights to over 50,000 brokers, 1,000 banks and lenders, 1,000 law firms and 5,000 environmental consulting and engineering firms.
With our expertise, we produce the best available data, workflow tools, technology, and analytics to support everyone making a real estate decision. There has never been a better time to make an impact, and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Position Overview
The GIS Data Quality Specialist is responsible for researching, analyzing, and resolving exceptions identified within LightBox’s location intelligence and geospatial data platforms. This role uses GIS tools, SQL, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, and other authoritative sources to validate and improve location-related records.
This position is focused on data quality, structured research, exception resolution, documentation, and process consistency. The GIS Data Quality Specialist applies established business rules and procedures to evaluate records, determine appropriate resolutions, and support the accuracy and reliability of LightBox’s geospatial and property data.
The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently within structured and repeatable workflows. Success in this role requires strong GIS knowledge, SQL proficiency, sound research judgment, excellent documentation skills, and a commitment to accuracy and consistency when reviewing high volumes of data.
What you will do and achieve
- Research and resolve exceptions identified through automated data quality, validation, and exception management processes.
- Analyze location-related records using GIS tools, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, geocodes, and other authoritative sources.
- Execute SQL queries to investigate data anomalies, compare records across datasets, validate data accuracy, and support exception resolution.
- Apply established business rules, procedures, and quality standards to determine appropriate resolutions for flagged records.
- Document research findings, decisions, and supporting information in accordance with internal quality, audit, and process documentation standards.
- Maintain productivity and quality standards while processing a structured queue of exception-based research tasks.
- Identify trends, recurring exception patterns, root causes, and data quality issues and provide feedback to improve processes, automation, and data integrity.
- Collaborate with data operations, GIS, product, and related teams to support data quality, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Assist in the development, refinement, and maintenance of research procedures, quality controls, standard operating procedures, and training documentation.
- Use GIS platforms and related tools to review spatial relationships, validate location accuracy, interpret imagery, and assess property-related records.
- Support continuous improvement efforts that increase the accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and scalability of geospatial data quality processes.
- This is a non-exempt position within the applicable salary range based on a 40-hour work week.
Who you are
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Geospatial Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related field required, or equivalent work experience. GIS certification or advanced coursework in geospatial analysis, database management, spatial data science, data analytics, or a related field preferred.
Experience
3+ years of experience in GIS, geospatial analysis, location intelligence, land records research, data quality operations, or a related analytical field. Experience writing SQL queries for data investigation, validation, comparison, and exception resolution. Experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, PostGIS, or similar GIS platforms. Experience working with large datasets and performing structured research using repeatable processes, documented procedures, and quality standards. Experience evaluating addresses, parcels, building footprints, geocodes, property records, or other location-based data strongly preferred. Experience documenting research findings, applying business rules, and maintaining quality standards in a structured production or operations environment preferred.
Key Knowledge & Skills
- Strong SQL proficiency, including the ability to query, compare, validate, and investigate records across datasets.
- Strong GIS analysis skills, including experience using GIS tools to review spatial data, validate records, and interpret location-based information.
- Knowledge of spatial datasets, parcels, addresses, building footprints, geocodes, aerial imagery, and property-related data.
- Ability to interpret aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, address data, geospatial relationships, and authoritative source information.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to data accuracy, consistency, and quality.
- Strong written documentation skills, including the ability to clearly record research findings, decisions, and supporting rationale.
- Ability to work independently, manage a structured workload, and maintain productivity and quality standards.
- Comfort performing repetitive analytical work while maintaining accuracy, focus, and consistency.
- Ability to learn, interpret, and consistently apply detailed business rules, procedures, and quality standards.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify data discrepancies, evaluate possible causes, and determine appropriate resolutions.
Core Competencies
- Analytical Thinking - Evaluates data, identifies patterns, investigates discrepancies, and applies sound judgment to resolve geospatial and location-related exceptions.
- Attention to Detail - Reviews records, source information, imagery, and data relationships carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Data Quality Focus - Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the accuracy, reliability, completeness, and usability of LightBox’s geospatial data.
- Independent Work Management - Manages a structured queue of work, maintains productivity, and completes tasks accurately with limited day-to-day supervision.
- Process Adherence - Follows established business rules, procedures, documentation standards, and quality controls consistently.
- Consistency and Accuracy - Applies the same standards across high volumes of work while maintaining precision and reliable decision-making.
- Time Management - Prioritizes work effectively, meets deadlines, and maintains productivity in a structured operational environment.
- Continuous Improvement - Identifies recurring issues, shares feedback, and supports improvements to processes, automation, and data quality practices.
Pay
$65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience
- GIS: 3 years (Required)
- SQL: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute
Irvine, CA 92612 (Required)
Work Location
Hybrid remote in Irvine, CA 92612
About us
LightBox is a leading provider of data and workflow solutions across commercial real estate and location intelligence. Our solutions deliver the depth, speed and accuracy that enable insights to over 50,000 brokers, 1,000 banks and lenders, 1,000 law firms and 5,000 environmental consulting and engineering firms.
With our expertise, we produce the best available data, workflow tools, technology, and analytics to support everyone making a real estate decision. There has never been a better time to make an impact, and we invite you to join us on this journey.
Position Overview
The GIS Data Quality Specialist is responsible for researching, analyzing, and resolving exceptions identified within LightBox’s location intelligence and geospatial data platforms. This role uses GIS tools, SQL, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, and other authoritative sources to validate and improve location-related records.
This position is focused on data quality, structured research, exception resolution, documentation, and process consistency. The GIS Data Quality Specialist applies established business rules and procedures to evaluate records, determine appropriate resolutions, and support the accuracy and reliability of LightBox’s geospatial and property data.
The ideal candidate is highly analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working independently within structured and repeatable workflows. Success in this role requires strong GIS knowledge, SQL proficiency, sound research judgment, excellent documentation skills, and a commitment to accuracy and consistency when reviewing high volumes of data.
What you will do and achieve
- Research and resolve exceptions identified through automated data quality, validation, and exception management processes.
- Analyze location-related records using GIS tools, aerial imagery, parcel data, address datasets, building footprints, geocodes, and other authoritative sources.
- Execute SQL queries to investigate data anomalies, compare records across datasets, validate data accuracy, and support exception resolution.
- Apply established business rules, procedures, and quality standards to determine appropriate resolutions for flagged records.
- Document research findings, decisions, and supporting information in accordance with internal quality, audit, and process documentation standards.
- Maintain productivity and quality standards while processing a structured queue of exception-based research tasks.
- Identify trends, recurring exception patterns, root causes, and data quality issues and provide feedback to improve processes, automation, and data integrity.
- Collaborate with data operations, GIS, product, and related teams to support data quality, process improvement, and operational efficiency.
- Assist in the development, refinement, and maintenance of research procedures, quality controls, standard operating procedures, and training documentation.
- Use GIS platforms and related tools to review spatial relationships, validate location accuracy, interpret imagery, and assess property-related records.
- Support continuous improvement efforts that increase the accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and scalability of geospatial data quality processes.
- This is a non-exempt position within the applicable salary range based on a 40-hour work week.
Who you are
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Geography, GIS, Geospatial Science, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Analytics, or a related field required, or equivalent work experience. GIS certification or advanced coursework in geospatial analysis, database management, spatial data science, data analytics, or a related field preferred.
Experience
3+ years of experience in GIS, geospatial analysis, location intelligence, land records research, data quality operations, or a related analytical field. Experience writing SQL queries for data investigation, validation, comparison, and exception resolution. Experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, QGIS, PostGIS, or similar GIS platforms. Experience working with large datasets and performing structured research using repeatable processes, documented procedures, and quality standards. Experience evaluating addresses, parcels, building footprints, geocodes, property records, or other location-based data strongly preferred. Experience documenting research findings, applying business rules, and maintaining quality standards in a structured production or operations environment preferred.
Key Knowledge & Skills
- Strong SQL proficiency, including the ability to query, compare, validate, and investigate records across datasets.
- Strong GIS analysis skills, including experience using GIS tools to review spatial data, validate records, and interpret location-based information.
- Knowledge of spatial datasets, parcels, addresses, building footprints, geocodes, aerial imagery, and property-related data.
- Ability to interpret aerial imagery, parcel boundaries, address data, geospatial relationships, and authoritative source information.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to data accuracy, consistency, and quality.
- Strong written documentation skills, including the ability to clearly record research findings, decisions, and supporting rationale.
- Ability to work independently, manage a structured workload, and maintain productivity and quality standards.
- Comfort performing repetitive analytical work while maintaining accuracy, focus, and consistency.
- Ability to learn, interpret, and consistently apply detailed business rules, procedures, and quality standards.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify data discrepancies, evaluate possible causes, and determine appropriate resolutions.
Core Competencies
- Analytical Thinking - Evaluates data, identifies patterns, investigates discrepancies, and applies sound judgment to resolve geospatial and location-related exceptions.
- Attention to Detail - Reviews records, source information, imagery, and data relationships carefully to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Data Quality Focus - Demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the accuracy, reliability, completeness, and usability of LightBox’s geospatial data.
- Independent Work Management - Manages a structured queue of work, maintains productivity, and completes tasks accurately with limited day-to-day supervision.
- Process Adherence - Follows established business rules, procedures, documentation standards, and quality controls consistently.
- Consistency and Accuracy - Applies the same standards across high volumes of work while maintaining precision and reliable decision-making.
- Time Management - Prioritizes work effectively, meets deadlines, and maintains productivity in a structured operational environment.
- Continuous Improvement - Identifies recurring issues, shares feedback, and supports improvements to processes, automation, and data quality practices.
Pay
$65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Benefits
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience
- GIS: 3 years (Required)
- SQL: 3 years (Required)
Ability to Commute
Irvine, CA 92612 (Required)
Work Location
Hybrid remote in Irvine, CA 92612
See all 173+ STEM OPT Data Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Data Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Data Specialist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field. Computer science, information systems, statistics, and applied mathematics are common qualifying codes for Data Specialist roles, but your DSO confirms the match.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether their company is enrolled in E-Verify before you reach the offer stage. A company can be a strong fit in every other way but still be ineligible to employ you on STEM OPT without that enrollment.
Build your I-983 training plan around data deliverables
Tie each learning objective in your I-983 to a concrete data project you'll own, such as building ETL pipelines or producing dashboards. Vague objectives get flagged during DSO review and slow your extension start date.
Target employers with dedicated data teams
Use Migrate Mate to filter Data Specialist openings by employers with active STEM OPT hiring history. Companies that already run structured data functions are more likely to have the E-Verify enrollment and internal HR processes your extension requires.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary conversation
Pull the prevailing wage for your SOC code and metro area using OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. STEM OPT employers who later file H-1B visa petitions must meet DOL wage requirements, so knowing the figure protects you from offers that won't survive that transition.
File your extension 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be received while your initial OPT EAD is still valid, with a recommended 90-day lead time. Missing that window means a gap in work authorization, not just a delayed start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not just the job title. Your degree's CIP code must appear on the SEVP STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in computer science, information systems, statistics, data science, and applied mathematics commonly qualify. Your DSO verifies the CIP code match and recommends the extension in SEVIS once confirmed.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can begin working on a STEM OPT extension. Enrollment at the company level isn't enough if you're hired into a subsidiary or a separate legal entity that isn't independently enrolled. Confirm the specific hiring entity's E-Verify status in writing before signing an offer. USCIS can revoke your extension if your employer falls out of compliance.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Data Specialist?
The I-983 must describe the practical training you'll receive, the STEM knowledge and skills you'll develop, and how the work relates to your qualifying degree. For Data Specialist roles, that typically means documenting projects involving data modeling, statistical analysis, database management, or machine learning. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO must recommend it before USCIS approves your extension.
How does cap-gap protection work if my employer files for H-1B during my STEM OPT?
If your employer files a timely H-1B petition for the October 1 start date and your STEM OPT EAD expires between April 1 and September 30, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue working as a Data Specialist during that window without a new EAD. USCIS issues a cap-gap notice in your approval or receipt documentation.
Where can I find Data Specialist jobs at employers already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Data Specialist openings filtered for employers with STEM OPT hiring history and E-Verify enrollment. Searching there reduces the time you spend screening companies that can't legally employ you on an extension. You can filter by location, degree field, and role type to match your specific authorization window.