STEM OPT IT Operations Specialist Jobs
IT Operations Specialist roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, drawing on degrees in computer science, information systems, and related fields. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension applies here, giving you up to 36 months total, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you file a completed I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsIT Applications Operations Specialist
Location: Salina, KS
Great Plains Manufacturing is seeking an IT Applications Operations Specialist to provide entry-level business analysis and application support for internal business systems, with emphasis on IBMi-supported processes and user support for Sales, Accounting, and other operational areas. This role assists with gathering requirements, documenting processes, supporting testing, communicating task status, and helping end users adopt approved solutions. The position works under the guidance of the IT Application Operations Specialist, IT leadership, and other senior IT team members while developing the technical, operational, and business knowledge required for progressively greater responsibility.
This is an on-site position based in Salina, KS. Typical hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some day-travel within Kansas is required, although some out-of-area travel may be expected on occasion. This position reports to the IT Services Manager.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the IT Application Operations Specialist with application support for IBMi and related business systems.
- Provide first-level support to end users by researching questions, documenting issues, and escalating complex application or technical problems as appropriate.
- Participate in meetings with business partners to capture requirements, action items, decisions, and follow-up tasks.
- Research, define, and document technical details, business rules, workflows, and system behavior to support approved business requirements.
- Track assigned implementation tasks and clearly communicate status, blockers, and next steps to the IT Application Operations Specialist or project lead.
- Assist with system documentation for end users, including quick reference guides, standard work instructions, and process notes.
- Actively support cybersecurity efforts by maintaining awareness of threats and assisting in the management of security controls.
- Work under the guidance of the cybersecurity team to support and implement risk mitigation efforts in alignment with organizational security policies.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, documentation, support quality, and user experience, and recommend improvements to IT leadership.
- Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate degree from a two-year college or technical school in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Management, Business, or related discipline preferred; or six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Entry-level IT, business systems, help desk, application support, or process documentation experience preferred.
- Ability to communicate clearly with end users, business partners, and IT team members.
- Ability to learn business processes and document requirements, procedures, decisions, and issues accurately.
- Basic problem-solving, analytical, organization, and follow-up skills.
- Detail-oriented work style with willingness to ask questions, learn established procedures, and follow direction from senior IT team members.
- Ability to work with operational areas and understand how department requirements support company goals.
- Basic computer and IT support skills.
- Working knowledge of IBMi/AS400 business systems.
- Experience with Microsoft Office, email, spreadsheets, documentation, and basic reporting.
- Exposure to ERP, manufacturing, accounting, sales order, or operational support processes.
- Familiarity with Windows PCs, printers, scanners, phones, and common end-user support activities.
- Ability to assist with testing, process mapping, procedure documentation, and user training materials.
Great Plains Manufacturing, headquartered in Salina, KS, is a proud subsidiary of Kubota with more than 50 years as a Kansas leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of agricultural implements, including seeding, tillage, and landscaping equipment. Our new Construction Equipment Division adds Kubota-branded skid steers, compact track loaders, and CE attachments, supported by Kubota Construction R&D Engineering in Salina. Operating in eight Kansas communities with multiple divisions, including Great Plains Ag; Land Pride; Great Plains International; and the Construction Equipment Division, we employ over 2,000 people and are committed to innovation and professional growth. If you are self-motivated, goal-oriented, and collaborative, explore our open opportunities at www.WorkForGPM.com.
IT Applications Operations Specialist
Location: Salina, KS
Great Plains Manufacturing is seeking an IT Applications Operations Specialist to provide entry-level business analysis and application support for internal business systems, with emphasis on IBMi-supported processes and user support for Sales, Accounting, and other operational areas. This role assists with gathering requirements, documenting processes, supporting testing, communicating task status, and helping end users adopt approved solutions. The position works under the guidance of the IT Application Operations Specialist, IT leadership, and other senior IT team members while developing the technical, operational, and business knowledge required for progressively greater responsibility.
This is an on-site position based in Salina, KS. Typical hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some day-travel within Kansas is required, although some out-of-area travel may be expected on occasion. This position reports to the IT Services Manager.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist the IT Application Operations Specialist with application support for IBMi and related business systems.
- Provide first-level support to end users by researching questions, documenting issues, and escalating complex application or technical problems as appropriate.
- Participate in meetings with business partners to capture requirements, action items, decisions, and follow-up tasks.
- Research, define, and document technical details, business rules, workflows, and system behavior to support approved business requirements.
- Track assigned implementation tasks and clearly communicate status, blockers, and next steps to the IT Application Operations Specialist or project lead.
- Assist with system documentation for end users, including quick reference guides, standard work instructions, and process notes.
- Actively support cybersecurity efforts by maintaining awareness of threats and assisting in the management of security controls.
- Work under the guidance of the cybersecurity team to support and implement risk mitigation efforts in alignment with organizational security policies.
- Identify opportunities to improve processes, documentation, support quality, and user experience, and recommend improvements to IT leadership.
- Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate degree from a two-year college or technical school in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Management, Business, or related discipline preferred; or six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Entry-level IT, business systems, help desk, application support, or process documentation experience preferred.
- Ability to communicate clearly with end users, business partners, and IT team members.
- Ability to learn business processes and document requirements, procedures, decisions, and issues accurately.
- Basic problem-solving, analytical, organization, and follow-up skills.
- Detail-oriented work style with willingness to ask questions, learn established procedures, and follow direction from senior IT team members.
- Ability to work with operational areas and understand how department requirements support company goals.
- Basic computer and IT support skills.
- Working knowledge of IBMi/AS400 business systems.
- Experience with Microsoft Office, email, spreadsheets, documentation, and basic reporting.
- Exposure to ERP, manufacturing, accounting, sales order, or operational support processes.
- Familiarity with Windows PCs, printers, scanners, phones, and common end-user support activities.
- Ability to assist with testing, process mapping, procedure documentation, and user training materials.
Great Plains Manufacturing, headquartered in Salina, KS, is a proud subsidiary of Kubota with more than 50 years as a Kansas leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of agricultural implements, including seeding, tillage, and landscaping equipment. Our new Construction Equipment Division adds Kubota-branded skid steers, compact track loaders, and CE attachments, supported by Kubota Construction R&D Engineering in Salina. Operating in eight Kansas communities with multiple divisions, including Great Plains Ag; Land Pride; Great Plains International; and the Construction Equipment Division, we employ over 2,000 people and are committed to innovation and professional growth. If you are self-motivated, goal-oriented, and collaborative, explore our open opportunities at www.WorkForGPM.com.
See all 36+ STEM OPT IT Operations Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an IT Operations Specialist
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to a STEM-designated field recognized by ICE. IT operations roles typically align with CIP codes under computer science or information technology, but your DSO confirms the exact match.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether their company is enrolled in E-Verify before you advance past the first interview. An employer without active E-Verify enrollment cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension, regardless of role or offer terms.
Target employers with active H-1B LCA filings
IT operations teams that have filed Labor Condition Applications with DOL for H-1B visa workers already have internal processes for sponsoring work authorization. Use Migrate Mate to filter for these employers and prioritize outreach to companies with demonstrated filing history in operations and infrastructure roles.
Build your I-983 training plan around the job description
Draft specific learning objectives tied to the actual IT operations duties in the job posting, such as incident response, system monitoring, or network administration. USCIS reviewers look for a direct connection between your STEM degree and the practical skills being developed on the job.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
Look up the prevailing wage for IT Operations Specialist using the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions. If an employer's offer falls below the DOL wage level for your metro area, that gap can create complications when the employer later files an LCA for your H-1B transition.
Track your cap-gap window if your OPT expires near October
If your STEM OPT end date falls before October 1 and your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization. Confirm with your DSO that your I-20 reflects the cap-gap extension so your employment record stays clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an IT Operations Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, information technology, or information systems. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree. Your DSO will verify that your degree's CIP code appears on the SEVP STEM Designated Degree Program List before authorizing the extension on your I-20.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify for my STEM OPT extension?
Ask your HR contact for the company's E-Verify Company ID or request a screenshot of their active enrollment status. E-Verify participation is a hard legal requirement for STEM OPT employers, and your DSO will need written confirmation before signing off on the I-983. Employers can self-verify their status through the E-Verify employer search tool maintained by DHS.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an IT operations role?
The I-983 requires a detailed description of the specific skills, knowledge, and competencies you'll develop, along with how each connects to your STEM degree. For IT operations, that means documenting learning objectives around areas like systems administration, network infrastructure, incident management, or cloud operations, not just listing job duties. USCIS expects a clear and direct relationship between your coursework and your on-the-job training.
How do I find IT Operations Specialist jobs where employers already understand STEM OPT requirements?
Search Migrate Mate for IT operations roles filtered by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and prior work authorization sponsorship history. Companies that have previously filed Labor Condition Applications for similar technical roles typically have HR teams that already understand the I-983 process, the 24-month extension timeline, and the employer reporting obligations under STEM OPT.
What are the employer reporting obligations during my STEM OPT period in this role?
Your employer must report material changes to your training plan, a reduction in your salary or hours that affects your practical training, and any termination or departure from the role to your DSO within five business days. You and your employer must also conduct formal I-983 evaluations at the midpoint and end of the authorized training period, which USCIS may audit.