Government OPT Jobs in Colorado
F-1 OPT government jobs in Colorado span federal agencies, state departments, and research-driven public institutions concentrated in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs. Agencies like NIST, NOAA, and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment have historically hired OPT candidates in technical and policy roles. Cap-exempt status and STEM OPT extensions make government positions particularly valuable for F-1 students.
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Get Access To All JobsIt’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!
Application Deadline:
May 27, 2026
Compensation Details:
Full Pay Range
21.01 - 29.40
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range. This is a part-time hourly position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
20
Benefit Eligibility Group:
Seasonal Traditional
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary:
Under general supervision, the Aquatic Invasive Species Diver performs specialized field work supporting the City of Boulder’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program through Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) and hand-harvesting operations at Boulder Reservoir. This position is responsible for the identification and removal of invasive aquatic vegetation, primarily Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM), using surface-supplied air and SCUBA methods. Work requires strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental compliance standards, and established dive plans.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identifies invasive aquatic plant species under varying underwater conditions, including limited visibility and dense vegetation.
- Executes Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) and hand-harvesting techniques in accordance with established operational protocols.
- Removes invasive aquatic vegetation as directed by the Dive Leader or Program Supervisor.
- Assists with the collection, containment, handling, and proper disposal of removed aquatic vegetation.
- Maintains accurate dive logs, vegetation removal data, and required field documentation.
- Conducts pre-dive safety checks and adheres to all approved dive plans and safety standards.
- Assists with the setup, operation, breakdown, cleaning, and disinfection of dive boats, surface-supplied air systems, and associated equipment.
- Supports routine maintenance and inspection of diving and harvesting equipment.
- Participates in team briefings, debriefings, and safety meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the Boulder Reservoir Aquatic Invasive Species Program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to actively listen and follow established dive and safety protocols.
- Ability to communicate effectively as part of a coordinated dive team.
- Ability to maintain detailed and accurate field documentation and dive logs.
- Knowledge of basic dive safety principles and emergency procedures.
- Skill in operating SCUBA or surface-supplied air dive equipment safely and effectively.
- Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.
- Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to positively identify aquatic plant species, including Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM).
- Knowledge of aquatic invasive species management practices and environmental stewardship principles.
- Knowledge of Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) systems and protocols.
- Skill in small boat operations.
- Skill in maintaining dive equipment and mechanical systems associated with suction harvesting.
- Experience working in field-based environmental restoration, aquatic management, or scientific monitoring programs.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife watercraft inspection and decontamination certification.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Open Water SCUBA Certification from a recognized certifying agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, or equivalent).
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification from the American Red Cross or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
- No prior professional diving or aquatic plant management experience required.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Program Supervisor
Supervision Exercised: None
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to perform repetitive SCUBA or surface-supplied air dives. Sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to enter and exit boats and water safely while wearing full dive gear. Ability to work underwater in cold temperatures, limited visibility, and dense vegetation in variable weather conditions. Ability to work under stress from changing environmental conditions and operational timelines. Requires sustained focus, situational awareness, and adherence to safety protocols. Ability to perform physically demanding underwater work in cold water, limited visibility, and variable weather conditions. Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to swim confidently and work underwater for extended periods.
-
Work Environment: Work is performed exclusively at Boulder Reservoir in an outdoor, field-based setting. Exposure to cold water, aquatic vegetation, sun, wind, and variable weather conditions. Schedule is generally full-time weekdays, with occasional extended workdays based on operational needs.
-
Machines and Equipment Used: SCUBA equipment, surface-supplied air systems, Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) systems, small boats, air compressors, aquatic vegetation containment systems, radios, and related safety equipment.
As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.
It’s a great time to join the City of Boulder!
Application Deadline:
May 27, 2026
Compensation Details:
Full Pay Range
21.01 - 29.40
Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range. This is a part-time hourly position.
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
20
Benefit Eligibility Group:
Seasonal Traditional
Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job.
Job Description Summary:
Under general supervision, the Aquatic Invasive Species Diver performs specialized field work supporting the City of Boulder’s Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Program through Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) and hand-harvesting operations at Boulder Reservoir. This position is responsible for the identification and removal of invasive aquatic vegetation, primarily Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM), using surface-supplied air and SCUBA methods. Work requires strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental compliance standards, and established dive plans.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identifies invasive aquatic plant species under varying underwater conditions, including limited visibility and dense vegetation.
- Executes Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) and hand-harvesting techniques in accordance with established operational protocols.
- Removes invasive aquatic vegetation as directed by the Dive Leader or Program Supervisor.
- Assists with the collection, containment, handling, and proper disposal of removed aquatic vegetation.
- Maintains accurate dive logs, vegetation removal data, and required field documentation.
- Conducts pre-dive safety checks and adheres to all approved dive plans and safety standards.
- Assists with the setup, operation, breakdown, cleaning, and disinfection of dive boats, surface-supplied air systems, and associated equipment.
- Supports routine maintenance and inspection of diving and harvesting equipment.
- Participates in team briefings, debriefings, and safety meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned in support of the Boulder Reservoir Aquatic Invasive Species Program.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to actively listen and follow established dive and safety protocols.
- Ability to communicate effectively as part of a coordinated dive team.
- Ability to maintain detailed and accurate field documentation and dive logs.
- Knowledge of basic dive safety principles and emergency procedures.
- Skill in operating SCUBA or surface-supplied air dive equipment safely and effectively.
- Must hold and maintain a valid drivers' license.
- Must successfully pass a background check before first day of work and maintain acceptable screening.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to positively identify aquatic plant species, including Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM).
- Knowledge of aquatic invasive species management practices and environmental stewardship principles.
- Knowledge of Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) systems and protocols.
- Skill in small boat operations.
- Skill in maintaining dive equipment and mechanical systems associated with suction harvesting.
- Experience working in field-based environmental restoration, aquatic management, or scientific monitoring programs.
- Colorado Parks and Wildlife watercraft inspection and decontamination certification.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Open Water SCUBA Certification from a recognized certifying agency (PADI, NAUI, SSI, or equivalent).
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED certification from the American Red Cross or ability to obtain certification within 30 days of hire.
- No prior professional diving or aquatic plant management experience required.
SUPERVISION
Supervision Received: Program Supervisor
Supervision Exercised: None
WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
- Physical and Mental Effort: Ability to perform repetitive SCUBA or surface-supplied air dives. Sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Ability to enter and exit boats and water safely while wearing full dive gear. Ability to work underwater in cold temperatures, limited visibility, and dense vegetation in variable weather conditions. Ability to work under stress from changing environmental conditions and operational timelines. Requires sustained focus, situational awareness, and adherence to safety protocols. Ability to perform physically demanding underwater work in cold water, limited visibility, and variable weather conditions. Ability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. Ability to swim confidently and work underwater for extended periods.
-
Work Environment: Work is performed exclusively at Boulder Reservoir in an outdoor, field-based setting. Exposure to cold water, aquatic vegetation, sun, wind, and variable weather conditions. Schedule is generally full-time weekdays, with occasional extended workdays based on operational needs.
-
Machines and Equipment Used: SCUBA equipment, surface-supplied air systems, Diver-Assisted Suction Harvesting (DASH) systems, small boats, air compressors, aquatic vegetation containment systems, radios, and related safety equipment.
As part of the City of Boulder’s commitment to a future with equitable access to health, prosperity, and fulfillment that is not limited by a person’s race, ethnicity, age, gender, ability, religion, sexuality, or socioeconomic status, it is the city’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all individuals. The city does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law or policy.
OPT Government Job Roles in Colorado
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Search Government Jobs in ColoradoGovernment OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Colorado: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Colorado sponsor F-1 OPT workers?
Federal agencies with a significant presence in Colorado, including NIST (based in Boulder), NOAA, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, have hired F-1 OPT candidates in research and technical roles. At the state level, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Governor's Office of Information Technology have also brought on OPT workers in qualifying positions. Sponsorship availability varies by role and hiring cycle.
Which cities in Colorado have the most government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Denver has the highest concentration of government employers in Colorado, including state agency headquarters and federal offices. Boulder is a strong secondary market due to the density of federally funded research institutions like NIST and NOAA. Colorado Springs hosts significant federal and defense-adjacent agencies tied to Peterson Space Force Base and NORAD. Fort Collins also sees activity through Colorado State University-affiliated government research programs.
What types of government roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Colorado?
Roles in information technology, environmental science, public health data analysis, engineering, and policy research are among the most common qualifying positions in Colorado's government sector. STEM-designated roles are especially valuable because they allow eligible students to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, extending their authorized work period to up to three years total. Administrative or generalist roles with no clear STEM alignment are less likely to support an extension.
How do I find government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Colorado?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa type and industry, making it straightforward to browse government F-1 OPT roles in Colorado without sifting through positions that don't sponsor. Because government agencies vary widely in their OPT hiring practices, filtering by state and sector on Migrate Mate saves significant time. Prioritize federal agency postings and research institution roles in Denver and Boulder, where OPT-compatible hiring is most consistent.
Are there any Colorado-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the government sector?
Colorado's government sector is heavily influenced by federal research mandates and energy policy, which creates demand for technically skilled OPT workers at labs and agencies funded through the Department of Energy and NOAA. Security clearance requirements at defense-adjacent agencies in Colorado Springs can restrict OPT eligibility, as clearances are generally unavailable to nonimmigrant visa holders. Students should confirm clearance requirements before applying to roles connected to Space Force or intelligence-adjacent offices.