Government OPT Jobs in Arkansas
F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Arkansas government sector are concentrated around state agencies in Little Rock, university systems like the University of Arkansas, and federal installations including Little Rock Air Force Base. Roles in policy analysis, public administration, IT, and research frequently qualify for OPT authorization, making Arkansas a practical option for international students targeting public sector work.
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Date: Oct 26, 2026
Req ID: 60786
Location:
Little Rock, AR, US, 72205
Category: DEPT OF AGRICULTURE
Anticipated Starting Salary: 58,700
Position Number: 22087692
County: Pulaski
Posting End Date: 11/2/2026
Department of Agriculture
As the largest industry in Arkansas, the Arkansas Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the development and implementation of policies and programs for Arkansas agriculture and forestry to keep its farmers and ranchers competitive in national and international markets while ensuring safe food, fiber, and forest products for the citizens of the state and nation. The Department is organized into five Divisions: Forestry Division, Livestock and Poultry Division, Natural Resources Division, Plant Industries Division, and Shared Services Division.
Position Information
Job Series: Accountants
Classification: Accountant I – Career Path
Class Code: FAC01P
Pay Grade: SPC01
Salary Range: $58,700 - $86,876
Hiring Authority:
Elza Albert
501/219-6347
elza.albert@arkansas.gov
Job Summary
The Accountant I is responsible for supporting the daily financial operations of a state government agency. Under the guidance of senior accounting managers and staff, this position’s responsibilities primarily include but are not limited to: preparing accurate and consistent reports, processing financial transactions, and ensuring compliance with state financial regulations and policies.
Primary Responsibilities
The Accountant I will:
- Work under supervisory direction while actively building accounting knowledge, system skills, and professional competence.
- Maintain and update financial records by accurately processing and documenting accounting transactions in accordance with state policies and accounting standards.
- Assist in the preparation of financial reports, budget materials, and journal entries, and forecasts by compiling data and performing basic analyses.
- Reconcile assigned accounts, research discrepancies, and coordinate with supervisory staff to ensure timely resolution.
- Process accounts payable and accounts receivable transactions in compliance with established procedures and internal controls.
Knowledge and Skills
The Accountant I possesses:
- Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting practices.
- Proficient skills with accounting and financial software (e.g., SAP, QuickBooks, etc.) and standard Microsoft Office applications, including: Word, Excel, and OneDrive.
- The ability to accurately process financial data and maintain detailed records.
- The ability to learn and apply accounting principles, procedures, and systems through on-the-job training.
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited college or university.
Satisfaction of the minimum qualifications, including years of experience and service, does not entitle employees to automatic progression within the job series. Promotion to the next classification level is at the discretion of the department and the Office of Personnel Management, taking into consideration the employee’s demonstrated skills, competencies, performance, workload responsibilities, and organizational needs.
Licensure/Certifications
The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.
OPT Government Job Roles in Arkansas
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Search Government Jobs in ArkansasGovernment OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Arkansas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Arkansas sponsor F-1 OPT workers?
State agencies such as the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration, and the University of Arkansas system have hired F-1 OPT workers in technical and research roles. Federal employers operating in Arkansas, including agencies with a presence at Little Rock Air Force Base, also hire OPT-authorized candidates, particularly for IT, engineering, and data analysis positions.
Which cities in Arkansas have the most government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Little Rock concentrates the largest share of Arkansas government employment, housing state agency headquarters, federal offices, and the Arkansas National Guard. Fayetteville and Springdale follow, driven by the University of Arkansas and regional public administration roles. Conway, home to several higher education institutions, also generates OPT-eligible openings in campus administration, research programs, and publicly funded technology initiatives.
What types of government roles in Arkansas typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Positions that require a directly related degree field tend to qualify for OPT work authorization. In Arkansas government, that commonly includes roles in public health analysis, information technology, civil engineering, environmental science, and policy research. University-affiliated government positions in data science or STEM research can also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, significantly extending your authorized work period beyond the standard 12 months.
How do I find government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Arkansas?
Migrate Mate lists government sector jobs in Arkansas that are open to F-1 OPT candidates, filtering out roles that require security clearances or U.S. citizenship so you only see positions where international students can realistically apply. Searching by state and industry on Migrate Mate saves time compared to manually screening general job postings, where OPT eligibility is rarely stated clearly upfront.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT applicants pursuing government jobs in Arkansas?
A significant portion of Arkansas government positions, particularly those tied to defense contractors or federal security agencies at installations like Little Rock Air Force Base, require U.S. citizenship or active security clearances that OPT holders cannot obtain. Applicants should focus on state agency roles, public university positions, and civilian federal jobs that explicitly do not require citizenship. Verifying eligibility requirements before applying avoids wasted effort on positions that are categorically unavailable to F-1 OPT holders.