STEM OPT IT Team Lead Jobs
IT Team Lead roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build leadership experience while pursuing long-term sponsorship.
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Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within one week of closing date. Applicant use of Artificial Intelligence tools is prohibited during interviews.
Please make sure to attach your transcripts to certify degree (If Applicable) and accounting hours that are required.
Why does the job exist?
The Property Tax Code requires that all property shall be described for property taxation purposes by a description sufficiently adequate and accurate to identify it. Real property shall be described under a uniform system of real property description in accordance with regulations of the department. The Property Tax Division (PTD) shall promulgate regulations establishing a uniform system of real property description to be used by the department and all assessors. The system shall include requirements for a comprehensive mapping or geographic information system, the use of uniform property record documents and uniform coding of real property descriptions. This position will support the PTD and counties in meeting GIS system requirements including providing GIS expertise, support, and guidance.
How does it get done?
This position will be responsible for:
I. Provide Technical assistance and training to county assessors and their staff:
- Act as primary technical support to counties for GIS parcel data workflow, development, and collection.
- Provide planning and technical support to counties for "emerging" and "growth" counties moving from analog to digital mapping workflows. Support counties to migrate from paper/mylar maps to digital maps and modern data models.
- Support counties to create and/or enhance data integrations between property mass appraisal and valuation systems and GIS parcel databases.
II. Report and evaluate for compliance of statute:
- Every county shall have a digitized set of maps for the county. Every such set shall meet the specifications and standards set by the Department for such sets. The Department shall review each set to ensure conformance with requirements of this subsection and directives of the Property Tax Division (PTD) Director.
III. Perform mapping/GIS services for the state and other governmental agencies:
- Primary liaison for GIS data and services to PTD.
- Primary liaison to ISBIT group regarding PTD GIS requirements for network, storage, and software application infrastructure.
- Identify and communicate budgetary requirements.
- Identify future trends in GIS technologies, applications, and data models.
- Identify, develop, and deploy internal and public web mapping applications that support TRD business lines.
- Provide specialized reports as requested.
IV. Provide Technical expertise for GIS required systems by Department: 3.6.7.18 NMAC:
- Identify business reasons that justify investment and support for statewide land record modernization initiatives.
- Define standards for spatial and attribute data published from counties to the Property Tax Division.
- Provide technical expertise to support the standardization of mapping technologies and methods for counties considering/ needing modernization of process and data.
- Support TRD and counties to identify, define, and standardize "best practices" for State/county parcel data management.
Who are the customers?
The taxpayers of the State of New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate
The taxpayers of the State of New Mexico.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Planning, Geology, Cartography, Urban Studies, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Computer Science and two (2) years of experience in geospatial data management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment. Must be current with all tax reporting/payment. Employment is subject to post offer pre-employment criminal background check to include fingerprint checks and is conditional pending results.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Larry Brotman, (505) 670-6535 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within one week of closing date. Applicant use of Artificial Intelligence tools is prohibited during interviews.
Please make sure to attach your transcripts to certify degree (If Applicable) and accounting hours that are required.
Why does the job exist?
The Property Tax Code requires that all property shall be described for property taxation purposes by a description sufficiently adequate and accurate to identify it. Real property shall be described under a uniform system of real property description in accordance with regulations of the department. The Property Tax Division (PTD) shall promulgate regulations establishing a uniform system of real property description to be used by the department and all assessors. The system shall include requirements for a comprehensive mapping or geographic information system, the use of uniform property record documents and uniform coding of real property descriptions. This position will support the PTD and counties in meeting GIS system requirements including providing GIS expertise, support, and guidance.
How does it get done?
This position will be responsible for:
I. Provide Technical assistance and training to county assessors and their staff:
- Act as primary technical support to counties for GIS parcel data workflow, development, and collection.
- Provide planning and technical support to counties for "emerging" and "growth" counties moving from analog to digital mapping workflows. Support counties to migrate from paper/mylar maps to digital maps and modern data models.
- Support counties to create and/or enhance data integrations between property mass appraisal and valuation systems and GIS parcel databases.
II. Report and evaluate for compliance of statute:
- Every county shall have a digitized set of maps for the county. Every such set shall meet the specifications and standards set by the Department for such sets. The Department shall review each set to ensure conformance with requirements of this subsection and directives of the Property Tax Division (PTD) Director.
III. Perform mapping/GIS services for the state and other governmental agencies:
- Primary liaison for GIS data and services to PTD.
- Primary liaison to ISBIT group regarding PTD GIS requirements for network, storage, and software application infrastructure.
- Identify and communicate budgetary requirements.
- Identify future trends in GIS technologies, applications, and data models.
- Identify, develop, and deploy internal and public web mapping applications that support TRD business lines.
- Provide specialized reports as requested.
IV. Provide Technical expertise for GIS required systems by Department: 3.6.7.18 NMAC:
- Identify business reasons that justify investment and support for statewide land record modernization initiatives.
- Define standards for spatial and attribute data published from counties to the Property Tax Division.
- Provide technical expertise to support the standardization of mapping technologies and methods for counties considering/ needing modernization of process and data.
- Support TRD and counties to identify, define, and standardize "best practices" for State/county parcel data management.
Who are the customers?
The taxpayers of the State of New Mexico.
Ideal Candidate
The taxpayers of the State of New Mexico.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's degree in Geographic Information Systems, Geography, Planning, Geology, Cartography, Urban Studies, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, or Computer Science and two (2) years of experience in geospatial data management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling six (6) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment. Must be current with all tax reporting/payment. Employment is subject to post offer pre-employment criminal background check to include fingerprint checks and is conditional pending results.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Larry Brotman, (505) 670-6535 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 650+ STEM OPT IT Team Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in IT Team Lead
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the official STEM Designated Degree Program list to confirm STEM OPT eligibility. Computer science, information systems, and software engineering CIP codes consistently qualify, but interdisciplinary programs sometimes need closer review.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask HR directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before signing anything. You can cross-check using the E-Verify employer search tool. A company that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension, regardless of how willing they are to sponsor.
Build your I-983 training plan around real leadership scope
Your I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just your job description. For IT Team Lead roles, map supervisory responsibilities like sprint planning, architecture reviews, and incident response directly to technical competencies from your degree program.
Target employers with active H-1B filing histories
IT Team Lead roles are strong H-1B visa candidates, so prioritize employers with recent LCA filings in management and IT occupations. Use Migrate Mate to filter for companies that have filed for these roles, giving you a clearer picture of which employers actively sponsor long-term.
Negotiate your start date around OPT reporting windows
You have a 60-day grace period after your initial OPT expires to activate your STEM extension, but your employer must submit the I-983 before you start. Coordinate your offer letter date and DSO reporting timeline carefully so your authorization is active from day one.
Use cap-gap strategically if your H-1B is selected
If you're on STEM OPT and your H-1B petition is filed before October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization. Confirm with USCIS guidance that your employer's timely I-129 filing is on record so you can continue working through the transition without interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an IT Team Lead role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree falls under an eligible STEM CIP code such as computer science, information technology, or computer engineering, and the IT Team Lead role uses that technical training directly. The position itself doesn't need to be purely hands-on coding work. Leadership roles in technology departments regularly qualify as long as the I-983 training plan ties your supervisory and technical responsibilities back to your STEM degree.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for an IT Team Lead position?
The I-983 must outline concrete learning objectives that connect your IT Team Lead duties to your STEM educational background. For this role, that typically means documenting how responsibilities like system architecture oversight, technical team management, and cross-functional project coordination develop competencies from your degree. Generic job descriptions won't satisfy the requirement. Your employer signs off on the plan, and your DSO submits it before your extension begins.
How do I verify my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask HR directly and request confirmation before your start date. You can also use the E-Verify employer search tool to check enrollment status independently. E-Verify enrollment is a legal requirement for all STEM OPT employers, and you cannot legally work under the extension at a company that isn't enrolled. Don't assume enrollment based on company size or sector.
How do I find IT Team Lead jobs that sponsor STEM OPT students?
Search on Migrate Mate, which filters employers by E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history so you can identify companies that have previously hired and sponsored workers in IT and management roles. This saves time you'd otherwise spend researching employer eligibility manually and helps you focus applications on companies already familiar with the STEM OPT process.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my H-1B is approved and I'm still working as an IT Team Lead?
If your H-1B petition is selected and your employer files the I-129 before April 1, cap-gap extends your STEM OPT work authorization automatically through September 30 of that year. If the petition is approved, your H-1B status begins October 1. You don't need to stop working during this transition. Confirm the filing date with your employer and review USCIS guidance on cap-gap to track your authorization status accurately.