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.
Find Government JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 81+ Government OPT Jobs in California
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 81+ Government OPT Jobs in California
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Government OPT Jobs in California.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Description
Final Filing Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Exam#: 26/14A11/05JA
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
The Public Works, Facilities and Parks Department (PWFP) brings together a range of functions to ensure safe building construction, plan for the future needs of the County, manage infrastructure and county facilities, and protect natural resources. The Department is responsible for public works, county roads and bridges, county parks, and county facilities.
Under general direction, the incumbent will plan, coordinate, and manage projects of varying levels of complexity, size and impact, to ensure adherence to timelines, budgets and contract administration; and performs related work as required. The Project Manager II is the full journey level position in the series. Incumbents at this level are responsible for managing multiple concurrent projects that are typically shorter in term, compared to those managed by the Project Manager III, and medium to large in size, scope, budget, and/or impact.
The current PWFP vacancy exists in the Facilities Division. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing multiple and sometimes concurrent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) at County Facilities. The projects may include small interior tenant improvements, replacement and repair of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, exterior site work, fencing, and parking improvements as well as renovation of existing facilities and construction of new facilities to meet the operational needs of requesting departments. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and coordinating all project phases including scoping and estimating, budgeting, scheduling, feasibility, design, permitting, bidding, and construction.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.
Examples of Duties
- Coordinates with department representatives to define project needs and develop project scope and work plans for projects that are typically less complex and are smaller in size, scope, budget, and impact.
- Works with architects, engineers, contractors, and/or other professional consultants as required to evaluate, define, and/or design work solutions and project specifications.
- Coordinates multiple concurrent project activities with contractors, vendors, consultants, and/or governmental agencies.
- Analyzes issues or problems related to planning, implementing, or completing project work and develops and implements solutions.
- Establishes and maintains contacts with internal and external stakeholders, agencies, boards, committees, and commissions to provide information, garner acceptance and support for projects, and ensure projects meet customer needs.
- Coordinates with department representatives to define project needs and develop project scope and work plans for multiple concurrent projects that are typically moderate in complexity, and medium to large in size, scope, budget and/or impact.
- Obtains contractors by researching vendors and requesting and evaluating bids and proposals.
- Coordinates schedules with facility occupants, contractors, material vendors, and/or others as related to the assigned project area.
To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Project Manager II.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of project management, including planning, scheduling, organizing, and coordinating.
- Principles and practices of the assigned project area and related fields.
- Public administration, including the principles and practices of governmental budgeting and the organization and functions of County government.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws related to the assigned project area.
- Safe working practices, codes, and regulations as applicable to the assigned project area.
- Research methods, including data collection and analysis.
- Contract negotiation tactics and strategies.
Skill and Ability to:
- Develop and administer a project budget, and analyze expenditures related to the assigned project area.
- Research, collect, analyze, and evaluate complex data to make sound judgments, logical decisions, and defensible recommendations.
- Interpret and apply codes, regulations, laws, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Communicate effectively in writing in order to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and technical memoranda.
- Provide excellent and courteous customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Manage multiple concurrent project activities that often have competing timelines and deadlines.
- Utilize personal computers and software such as Microsoft Excel and Word, and Project Management software.
- Maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers and others contacted through the course of work; respond in a positive manner to supervision and attend and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment listed above is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering, Construction Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
OR
Experience:
Four (4) years of administrative experience which include significant work experience in project management
Additional Information
REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the X Unit Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
- Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
- If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
Application and Selection Procedures
Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty, by
Final Filing Date: Monday, June 1, 2026, 11:59 PM (PST)
Or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Monterey County, Public Works, Facilities & Parks Department
Attn: Julie Aulenta, Senior Human Resources Analyst, 1441 Schilling Place, 1st Floor, Salinas CA 93901
Email: aulentaja@countyofmonterey.gov Phone: (831) 755-5014 Fax: (831) 784-5603
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
- A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
- Responses to all of the Supplemental Questions
Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application.
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Julie Aulenta, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 755-5014, or aulentaja@countyofmonterey.gov.
Position Description
Final Filing Date: Monday, June 1, 2026
Exam#: 26/14A11/05JA
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and the process, be sure to read the Hiring Preference for Veterans and Eligible Military Spouses section located towards the end of this job flier.
The Public Works, Facilities and Parks Department (PWFP) brings together a range of functions to ensure safe building construction, plan for the future needs of the County, manage infrastructure and county facilities, and protect natural resources. The Department is responsible for public works, county roads and bridges, county parks, and county facilities.
Under general direction, the incumbent will plan, coordinate, and manage projects of varying levels of complexity, size and impact, to ensure adherence to timelines, budgets and contract administration; and performs related work as required. The Project Manager II is the full journey level position in the series. Incumbents at this level are responsible for managing multiple concurrent projects that are typically shorter in term, compared to those managed by the Project Manager III, and medium to large in size, scope, budget, and/or impact.
The current PWFP vacancy exists in the Facilities Division. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing multiple and sometimes concurrent Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) at County Facilities. The projects may include small interior tenant improvements, replacement and repair of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, exterior site work, fencing, and parking improvements as well as renovation of existing facilities and construction of new facilities to meet the operational needs of requesting departments. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing and coordinating all project phases including scoping and estimating, budgeting, scheduling, feasibility, design, permitting, bidding, and construction.
The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used County-wide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.
Examples of Duties
- Coordinates with department representatives to define project needs and develop project scope and work plans for projects that are typically less complex and are smaller in size, scope, budget, and impact.
- Works with architects, engineers, contractors, and/or other professional consultants as required to evaluate, define, and/or design work solutions and project specifications.
- Coordinates multiple concurrent project activities with contractors, vendors, consultants, and/or governmental agencies.
- Analyzes issues or problems related to planning, implementing, or completing project work and develops and implements solutions.
- Establishes and maintains contacts with internal and external stakeholders, agencies, boards, committees, and commissions to provide information, garner acceptance and support for projects, and ensure projects meet customer needs.
- Coordinates with department representatives to define project needs and develop project scope and work plans for multiple concurrent projects that are typically moderate in complexity, and medium to large in size, scope, budget and/or impact.
- Obtains contractors by researching vendors and requesting and evaluating bids and proposals.
- Coordinates schedules with facility occupants, contractors, material vendors, and/or others as related to the assigned project area.
To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website: Project Manager II.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE
Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Working Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of project management, including planning, scheduling, organizing, and coordinating.
- Principles and practices of the assigned project area and related fields.
- Public administration, including the principles and practices of governmental budgeting and the organization and functions of County government.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws related to the assigned project area.
- Safe working practices, codes, and regulations as applicable to the assigned project area.
- Research methods, including data collection and analysis.
- Contract negotiation tactics and strategies.
Skill and Ability to:
- Develop and administer a project budget, and analyze expenditures related to the assigned project area.
- Research, collect, analyze, and evaluate complex data to make sound judgments, logical decisions, and defensible recommendations.
- Interpret and apply codes, regulations, laws, policies, procedures, and guidelines.
- Communicate effectively in writing in order to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and technical memoranda.
- Provide excellent and courteous customer service and establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Manage multiple concurrent project activities that often have competing timelines and deadlines.
- Utilize personal computers and software such as Microsoft Excel and Word, and Project Management software.
- Maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers and others contacted through the course of work; respond in a positive manner to supervision and attend and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.
Examples of Experience/Education/Training
Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment listed above is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil or Structural Engineering, Construction Administration, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field
OR
Experience:
Four (4) years of administrative experience which include significant work experience in project management
Additional Information
REQUIRED CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:
- Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
- Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.
BENEFITS:
The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the X Unit Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.
NOTES:
As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
- Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
- If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.
Application and Selection Procedures
Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty, by
Final Filing Date: Monday, June 1, 2026, 11:59 PM (PST)
Or
Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:
Monterey County, Public Works, Facilities & Parks Department
Attn: Julie Aulenta, Senior Human Resources Analyst, 1441 Schilling Place, 1st Floor, Salinas CA 93901
Email: aulentaja@countyofmonterey.gov Phone: (831) 755-5014 Fax: (831) 784-5603
The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:
- A completed County of Monterey Employment Application
- Responses to all of the Supplemental Questions
Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.
HIRING PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS AND ELIGIBLE MILITARY SPOUSES
The County of Monterey is committed to honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans and eligible military spouses (i.e., surviving spouses of veterans, spouses of totally disabled veterans, and spouses of active-duty service members) and awards veterans’ preference points for this recruitment. To obtain a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application, please visit the Human Resources website or click on the following link: Click Here to View the Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application.
To apply for veterans’ preference points, veterans or eligible military spouses must complete and email a Veterans and Eligible Military Spouse Preference Application with supporting documentation of their eligibility by the final filing deadline to VeteransPreferencePoints@countyofmonterey.gov.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Julie Aulenta, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 755-5014, or aulentaja@countyofmonterey.gov.
OPT Government Job Roles in California
See all 81+ Government OPT Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
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.