Government OPT Jobs in California
Government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in California span federal agencies, state departments, and public universities across Sacramento, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area. Employers like the California Department of Technology, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and UC system campuses regularly bring on OPT candidates in policy, data, engineering, and research roles supporting California's large public sector.
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Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below.
Application Opening: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Application Deadline: Apply immediately. Application filing will be open at least through 11:59pm (PST) of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and will close any time thereafter.
Salary Range: $228,124 - $245,570 Annually ($109.67 - $118.06 hourly)
Recruitment ID: PEX-5504-164763; RTF0164762-01121906
Appointment Type: Permanent-Exempt (PEX), Category 18. This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer and shall not exceed 36 months.
Becoming a City employee means being a part of a team that cares about making a difference. Your work will shape both the present and future of San Francisco. When you work for the City, you’re choosing a job with purpose. San Francisco Public Works (Public Works) has a far-reaching portfolio with a $453 million annual operating budget, an active capital portfolio that exceeds $3 billion and a workforce of 1,700-plus employees. The department operates around the clock, touching every neighborhood in San Francisco. The staff designs and manages the construction of civic buildings and streets; cleans and greens the right of way; maintains civic buildings; manages multi-million-dollar bond programs; trains people for jobs; keeps the right of way free of hazards; paves the roads; repairs bridges and public stairways; expands accessibility; and works at the forefront addressing some of San Francisco’s biggest challenges. With a mission to enhance the quality of life in San Francisco for residents, visitors and business owners, Public Works is committed to providing outstanding public service through an equity lens.
Public Works currently has 2 vacancies for a Project Manager II (5504) within the Project Delivery Division.
Job Description
Role Description:
The San Francisco Public Works streetscape portfolio encompasses a number of major projects including the Bayview Multimodal Improvement Projects, the 11th Street Safety Project and other projects totaling over $121 million, with active planning, design, construction, or financial closeout phases extending through 2030. These projects involve transforming high-volume corridors through multi-modal safety enhancements, protected bike lanes, and extensive utility and public realm upgrades while coordinating closely with merchants and local community benefit districts to mitigate event impacts. These projects involve working with design elements that involve deep partnership with community leaders and cultural stakeholders. Together, these citywide efforts backed by interagency collaboration with partners such as the SFMTA, San Francisco Planning, and the SFPUC aim to modernize San Francisco's corridors, elevate pedestrian safety, and celebrate neighborhood identity.
Important and Essential Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Directing and overseeing a portfolio of major streetscape, transit, and public realm capital projects through active phases of planning, design, construction, and financial closeout.
- Providing technical oversight, performance guidance, and mentorship to subordinate project managers overseeing portfolios valued at up to $66 million.
- Coordinating the implementation of large-scale multi-modal safety enhancements, roadway reconstructions, utility and sewer upgrades, traffic signals, green infrastructure, and public realm improvements.
- Engaging with neighborhood organizations, stakeholders, and business districts to preserve historical character-defining features and address community concerns during project execution.
- Coordinating complex construction sequencing around major public venues, commercial activities, and high-traffic events to minimize disruption to the community.
- Leading interagency and cross-departmental collaboration by partnering with municipal planning, transportation, utilities, arts, and recreation agencies to secure approvals, align public realm plans, and ensure cohesive design standards across the city.
Minimum Qualifications
- a) Bachelor's Degree in architecture, engineering or planning; and
- b) Four (4) years of responsible professional experience in architectural, engineering or construction management experience; and
- c) Two (2) years of additional project coordination experience; OR
- a) Bachelor's Degree in another field; and
- b) Six (6) years of responsible professional experience in a field directly related to the project; and
- c) Two (2) years of additional project coordination experience; OR
- a) Eight (8) years of architectural, engineering, or construction management experience in a field directly related to the project; and
- b) Two (2) years of additional project coordination experience; OR
- a) California registration as professional engineer or architect; and
- b) Two (2) Years Of Additional Project Coordination Experience
Note: One (1) year of full-time employment is considered equivalent to Two Thousand (2,000) hours. Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.
Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/recruitment-details#verification. All work experience, education, training, and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.
Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Selection Procedures:
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following: The selection process will include an evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the department will move forward in the recruitment process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through all of the steps in the selection procedure.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
- Information About the Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At the City and County of San Francisco, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.
Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the analyst, Tara Stevens, at tara.stevens@sfdpw.org.
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
Company Description
Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below.
Application Opening: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Application Deadline: Apply immediately. Application filing will be open at least through 11:59pm (PST) of Wednesday, September 16, 2026, and will close any time thereafter.
Salary Range: $228,124 - $245,570 Annually ($109.67 - $118.06 hourly)
Recruitment ID: PEX-5504-164763; RTF0164762-01121906
Appointment Type: Permanent-Exempt (PEX), Category 18. This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer and shall not exceed 36 months.
Becoming a City employee means being a part of a team that cares about making a difference. Your work will shape both the present and future of San Francisco. When you work for the City, you’re choosing a job with purpose. San Francisco Public Works (Public Works) has a far-reaching portfolio with a $453 million annual operating budget, an active capital portfolio that exceeds $3 billion and a workforce of 1,700-plus employees. The department operates around the clock, touching every neighborhood in San Francisco. The staff designs and manages the construction of civic buildings and streets; cleans and greens the right of way; maintains civic buildings; manages multi-million-dollar bond programs; trains people for jobs; keeps the right of way free of hazards; paves the roads; repairs bridges and public stairways; expands accessibility; and works at the forefront addressing some of San Francisco’s biggest challenges. With a mission to enhance the quality of life in San Francisco for residents, visitors and business owners, Public Works is committed to providing outstanding public service through an equity lens.
Public Works currently has 2 vacancies for a Project Manager II (5504) within the Project Delivery Division.
Job Description
Role Description:
The San Francisco Public Works streetscape portfolio encompasses a number of major projects including the Bayview Multimodal Improvement Projects, the 11th Street Safety Project and other projects totaling over $121 million, with active planning, design, construction, or financial closeout phases extending through 2030. These projects involve transforming high-volume corridors through multi-modal safety enhancements, protected bike lanes, and extensive utility and public realm upgrades while coordinating closely with merchants and local community benefit districts to mitigate event impacts. These projects involve working with design elements that involve deep partnership with community leaders and cultural stakeholders. Together, these citywide efforts backed by interagency collaboration with partners such as the SFMTA, San Francisco Planning, and the SFPUC aim to modernize San Francisco's corridors, elevate pedestrian safety, and celebrate neighborhood identity.
Important and Essential Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Directing and overseeing a portfolio of major streetscape, transit, and public realm capital projects through active phases of planning, design, construction, and financial closeout.
- Providing technical oversight, performance guidance, and mentorship to subordinate project managers overseeing portfolios valued at up to $66 million.
- Coordinating the implementation of large-scale multi-modal safety enhancements, roadway reconstructions, utility and sewer upgrades, traffic signals, green infrastructure, and public realm improvements.
- Engaging with neighborhood organizations, stakeholders, and business districts to preserve historical character-defining features and address community concerns during project execution.
- Coordinating complex construction sequencing around major public venues, commercial activities, and high-traffic events to minimize disruption to the community.
- Leading interagency and cross-departmental collaboration by partnering with municipal planning, transportation, utilities, arts, and recreation agencies to secure approvals, align public realm plans, and ensure cohesive design standards across the city.
Minimum Qualifications
- a) Bachelor's Degree in architecture, engineering or planning; and
- b) Four (4) years of responsible professional experience in architectural, engineering or construction management experience; and
- c) Two (2) years of additional project coordination experience; OR
- a) Bachelor's Degree in another field; and
- b) Six (6) years of responsible professional experience in a field directly related to the project; and
- c) Two (2) years of additional project coordination experience; OR
- a) Eight (8) years of architectural, engineering, or construction management experience in a field directly related to the project; and
- b) Two (2) years of additional project coordination experience; OR
- a) California registration as professional engineer or architect; and
- b) Two (2) Years Of Additional Project Coordination Experience
Note: One (1) year of full-time employment is considered equivalent to Two Thousand (2,000) hours. Any overtime hours that you work above forty (40) hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.
Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/recruitment-details#verification. All work experience, education, training, and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included on your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.
Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Selection Procedures:
After application submission, candidates deemed qualified must complete all subsequent steps to advance in this selection process, which includes the following: The selection process will include an evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the department will move forward in the recruitment process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through all of the steps in the selection procedure.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
- Information About the Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At the City and County of San Francisco, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.
Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the analyst, Tara Stevens, at tara.stevens@sfdpw.org.
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
OPT Government Job Roles in California
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Search Government Jobs in CaliforniaGovernment OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in California sponsor F-1 OPT workers?
Federal agencies with a significant California presence, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, the Department of Defense installations, and NOAA's West Coast offices, have hired F-1 OPT candidates. At the state level, the California Department of Technology and California Environmental Protection Agency have brought on OPT workers. The University of California and California State University systems are among the most active public employers hiring international students on OPT.
Which cities in California have the most government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Sacramento concentrates the highest volume of state government roles, as it is the state capital and home to most California agency headquarters. Los Angeles and the surrounding region host major federal installations and public university campuses. San Francisco and Oakland offer city and county government positions alongside federal offices. San Jose and Berkeley have strong public-sector research and technology roles tied to nearby university and federal lab activity.
What types of government roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in California?
Roles in data analysis, software engineering, environmental science, public health, urban planning, and research tend to align well with OPT eligibility because they directly connect to STEM or professional degree fields. Policy analyst and program coordinator positions at state agencies have also hired OPT candidates when the role relates to the applicant's field of study. Eligibility depends on whether the work directly relates to the degree that authorized the OPT period.
How do I find government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in California in one place, so you can filter specifically by visa type and industry without sorting through roles that don't apply to your status. Government positions in California move quickly, particularly at state agencies and federal offices with active hiring cycles. Checking Migrate Mate regularly and setting up filters for California government roles gives you the best view of what is currently available.
Are there any California-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in government roles?
Many federal government positions in California require security clearances, which can complicate or restrict hiring of F-1 OPT holders depending on the clearance level required. State government roles generally do not carry the same clearance requirements, making them more accessible. California's public universities operate under different hiring frameworks than state agencies and often have established processes for employing international students on OPT, particularly in research and technical departments.