Government OPT Jobs in Connecticut
Government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Connecticut are concentrated around Hartford's state agencies, federal offices in New Haven, and research-adjacent institutions along the I-95 corridor. Employers including the Connecticut Department of Public Health, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and federally funded research centers hire OPT-eligible candidates in policy analysis, public administration, environmental science, and data roles.
Find Government JobsOverview
Showing 3 of 56+ Government OPT Jobs in Connecticut
See all 56+ Government OPT Jobs in Connecticut
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Government OPT Jobs in Connecticut.
Get Access To All JobsThe State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is now accepting applications for a Capital Program Management Trainee (Connecticut Careers Trainee - Engineering And Related) position with a target class of Transportation Planner 1 within the Capital Program Management unit in the Bureau of Engineering and Construction in Newington, CT.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Professional growth and development opportunities
A healthy work/life balance to all employees
Work for an award-winning agency! CTDOT has been recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!
The convenience of an on-site, low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria, and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging at our Newington, CT, Headquarters facility. All CTDOT facilities have ample free parking with easy access from major highways and by public transportation.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
Monday - Friday
Full-time (40 hours per week)
First shift
Location: Newington, CT
This position is eligible to apply for telework in accordance with the Telework Policy.
Applicants must be available to travel for training, conferences, meetings, field reviews, etc.
* A valid driver's license is required and must be maintained.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Please list your driver’s license number, expiration date, and issuing State, and any other job-relevant licenses or certifications you hold, in the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of your application.
THE TEAM AND ROLE
CTDOT’s mission is to improve quality of life through transportation. A critical component to achieving this mission is the consistent delivery of infrastructure improvement projects and programs that comprise the State’s Capital Plan. Through systematic anticipation and management of program and project risks, CTDOT can make the most efficient use of taxpayer funds and deliver the best possible transportation system to the travelling public.
Delivery of the Capital Plan requires adherence to State and federal processes and procedures, and compliance with federal regulations and state laws, regulations, and policies.
CTDOT established the Capital Program Management Unit (CPMU) within the Chief Engineer’s Office to serve as a conduit to CTDOT program and project delivery teams to ensure that appropriate resources, guidance, and tools are available for successful matriculation through the project development lifecycle process. CPMU staff act as internal liaisons with DOT staff, and as external liaisons with local, state and federal agencies such as Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Councils of Government, Federal Highway Administration, and municipalities.
The Connecticut Career Trainee role is designed for candidates eager to learn and grow. As a Connecticut Careers Trainee, you will receive on-the-job training and mentorship to develop skills in transportation planning. Working closely with experienced engineers, planners and other DOT staff, you will contribute to delivering high-impact projects in a collaborative environment.
APPOINTMENT
The length of the development program is determined by the experience and training requirements of the designated class and the prior experience of the incumbent. At the completion of the development program incumbents must meet the experience and training requirements of the designated class. The program cannot be less than one (1) year and cannot exceed three (3) calendar years in accordance with C.G.S. 5-234.
Incumbents in this class will be eligible for reclassification to the designated class without competitive examination upon successful completion of the development program and satisfactory service.
All appointments to this class shall be under terms of a development program and in accordance with a time schedule approved by the Commissioner of Administrative Services. All development programs must be approved by the Department of Administrative Services prior to appointment to this class.
Eligibility for promotion to the target classification of Transportation Planner 1 is earned upon successful completion of your training program:
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible to serve a 2-year development program.
Candidates with a master’s degree in a closely related field may be eligible to serve a 1-year development program.
* Candidates with three (3) years of professional experience in transportation engineering or transportation, urban, regional or environmental planning may be eligible to serve a 3-year development program.
SALARY NOTE
First year of training: Bachelor's degree and/or qualifying experience:
FS 15 Step 1 ($58,130/year) Master's degree: FS 15 Step 2 ($60,222/year)
Second year of training: General Rate: FS 15 Step 5 ($66,512/year)
The salary for an employee who completes any of the above minimum requirements after initial appointment to the Connecticut Careers Trainee job class will be adjusted commensurate with the schedule above and effective the pay period following the date the master’s degree has been conferred or the pay period following the date the appropriate number of credits as indicated above have been earned.
For current state employees, compensation will be in accordance with guidelines for computing salary adjustments set forth by the Department of Administrative Services, Determining Salary Upon Change in Class manual.
About us
As one of Connecticut's largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to improve quality of life through transportation. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged.
Learn more about our mission, vision, and values here!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Hayley Newhouse at hayley.newhouse@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for mastering the skills necessary to satisfactorily complete the training program for a professional position.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
In a department or institution receives training in introductory governmental work for development of skills and knowledge in field of public administration in order to qualify for advancement into agency professional positions;
Performs a variety of increasingly difficult duties as skills are acquired during course of training period;
* Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Oral and written communication skills;
Ability to
+ acquire knowledge and skills required for the target classification;
+ understand, evaluate and solve problems by exercising judgement and logic;
+ read, interpret and understand written material;
+ perform basic arithmetical computations;
+ interpret charts, graphs and tables;
+ learn and reason;
+ establish and maintain cooperative relations with superiors, associates and general public;
+ utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated job class at the completion of the development program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
An accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Engineering, Urban or Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Data Science, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Economics, or a closely related field
Experience with contemporary transportation issues, policies, and practices through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) capital project development procedures and associated regulations through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience reviewing, analyzing, and commenting on technical plans, reports, proposed legislation, grant applications, and related documents and materials through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience developing, maintaining, and enhancing communication and relationships within CTDOT as well as with outside organizations, including, but not limited to consultants, stakeholders, elected officials, and the general public, through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience with effective verbal and written communication to a diverse population through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience in writing reports, technical narratives, policy statements, and other related information and materials through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience designing and participating in the development of public presentations and presenting materials in various forms through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience working with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience working with data analysis, automation, and visualization software products including those available through ESRI (e.g. Insights, StoryMaps, etc.), and Microsoft (PowerBI & PowerAutomate), or other similar platforms through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience working independently, being self-motivated and taking ownership of assignments through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience or training working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
The State of Connecticut, Department of Transportation (CTDOT), is now accepting applications for a Capital Program Management Trainee (Connecticut Careers Trainee - Engineering And Related) position with a target class of Transportation Planner 1 within the Capital Program Management unit in the Bureau of Engineering and Construction in Newington, CT.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
Professional growth and development opportunities
A healthy work/life balance to all employees
Work for an award-winning agency! CTDOT has been recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!
The convenience of an on-site, low-cost fitness center, on-site cafeteria, and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging at our Newington, CT, Headquarters facility. All CTDOT facilities have ample free parking with easy access from major highways and by public transportation.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
Monday - Friday
Full-time (40 hours per week)
First shift
Location: Newington, CT
This position is eligible to apply for telework in accordance with the Telework Policy.
Applicants must be available to travel for training, conferences, meetings, field reviews, etc.
* A valid driver's license is required and must be maintained.
APPLICATION DETAILS
Please list your driver’s license number, expiration date, and issuing State, and any other job-relevant licenses or certifications you hold, in the Licenses and Professional Certifications section of your application.
THE TEAM AND ROLE
CTDOT’s mission is to improve quality of life through transportation. A critical component to achieving this mission is the consistent delivery of infrastructure improvement projects and programs that comprise the State’s Capital Plan. Through systematic anticipation and management of program and project risks, CTDOT can make the most efficient use of taxpayer funds and deliver the best possible transportation system to the travelling public.
Delivery of the Capital Plan requires adherence to State and federal processes and procedures, and compliance with federal regulations and state laws, regulations, and policies.
CTDOT established the Capital Program Management Unit (CPMU) within the Chief Engineer’s Office to serve as a conduit to CTDOT program and project delivery teams to ensure that appropriate resources, guidance, and tools are available for successful matriculation through the project development lifecycle process. CPMU staff act as internal liaisons with DOT staff, and as external liaisons with local, state and federal agencies such as Metropolitan Planning Organizations, Councils of Government, Federal Highway Administration, and municipalities.
The Connecticut Career Trainee role is designed for candidates eager to learn and grow. As a Connecticut Careers Trainee, you will receive on-the-job training and mentorship to develop skills in transportation planning. Working closely with experienced engineers, planners and other DOT staff, you will contribute to delivering high-impact projects in a collaborative environment.
APPOINTMENT
The length of the development program is determined by the experience and training requirements of the designated class and the prior experience of the incumbent. At the completion of the development program incumbents must meet the experience and training requirements of the designated class. The program cannot be less than one (1) year and cannot exceed three (3) calendar years in accordance with C.G.S. 5-234.
Incumbents in this class will be eligible for reclassification to the designated class without competitive examination upon successful completion of the development program and satisfactory service.
All appointments to this class shall be under terms of a development program and in accordance with a time schedule approved by the Commissioner of Administrative Services. All development programs must be approved by the Department of Administrative Services prior to appointment to this class.
Eligibility for promotion to the target classification of Transportation Planner 1 is earned upon successful completion of your training program:
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may be eligible to serve a 2-year development program.
Candidates with a master’s degree in a closely related field may be eligible to serve a 1-year development program.
* Candidates with three (3) years of professional experience in transportation engineering or transportation, urban, regional or environmental planning may be eligible to serve a 3-year development program.
SALARY NOTE
First year of training: Bachelor's degree and/or qualifying experience:
FS 15 Step 1 ($58,130/year) Master's degree: FS 15 Step 2 ($60,222/year)
Second year of training: General Rate: FS 15 Step 5 ($66,512/year)
The salary for an employee who completes any of the above minimum requirements after initial appointment to the Connecticut Careers Trainee job class will be adjusted commensurate with the schedule above and effective the pay period following the date the master’s degree has been conferred or the pay period following the date the appropriate number of credits as indicated above have been earned.
For current state employees, compensation will be in accordance with guidelines for computing salary adjustments set forth by the Department of Administrative Services, Determining Salary Upon Change in Class manual.
About us
As one of Connecticut's largest State agencies, DOT employs approximately 3,300 individuals statewide in five bureaus. It is the DOT's mission to improve quality of life through transportation. We have a significant transportation infrastructure system that is essential to maintaining mobility for Connecticut residents and businesses and supporting economic and community development while preserving environmental and cultural resources. The Department of Transportation is committed to cultivating a diverse staff that is representative of the communities we serve. Applications from individuals having diverse backgrounds and life experiences are strongly encouraged.
Learn more about our mission, vision, and values here!
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
This employer may participate in E‑Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I‑9 information to confirm work authorization.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Hayley Newhouse at hayley.newhouse@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for mastering the skills necessary to satisfactorily complete the training program for a professional position.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
In a department or institution receives training in introductory governmental work for development of skills and knowledge in field of public administration in order to qualify for advancement into agency professional positions;
Performs a variety of increasingly difficult duties as skills are acquired during course of training period;
* Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Oral and written communication skills;
Ability to
+ acquire knowledge and skills required for the target classification;
+ understand, evaluate and solve problems by exercising judgement and logic;
+ read, interpret and understand written material;
+ perform basic arithmetical computations;
+ interpret charts, graphs and tables;
+ learn and reason;
+ establish and maintain cooperative relations with superiors, associates and general public;
+ utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must be able to meet the experience and training requirements of the designated job class at the completion of the development program.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
An accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Engineering, Urban or Regional Planning, Environmental Studies, Data Science, Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Economics, or a closely related field
Experience with contemporary transportation issues, policies, and practices through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) capital project development procedures and associated regulations through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience reviewing, analyzing, and commenting on technical plans, reports, proposed legislation, grant applications, and related documents and materials through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience developing, maintaining, and enhancing communication and relationships within CTDOT as well as with outside organizations, including, but not limited to consultants, stakeholders, elected officials, and the general public, through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience with effective verbal and written communication to a diverse population through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience in writing reports, technical narratives, policy statements, and other related information and materials through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience designing and participating in the development of public presentations and presenting materials in various forms through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience working with Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and SharePoint through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience working with data analysis, automation, and visualization software products including those available through ESRI (e.g. Insights, StoryMaps, etc.), and Microsoft (PowerBI & PowerAutomate), or other similar platforms through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience working independently, being self-motivated and taking ownership of assignments through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
Experience or training working in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously through coursework, work experience, or internship experience
OPT Government Job Roles in Connecticut
See all 56+ Government OPT Jobs in Connecticut
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Government Jobs in ConnecticutGovernment OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Connecticut: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Connecticut have sponsored F-1 OPT workers?
Federal agencies with Connecticut offices, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District, the Department of Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, and the Environmental Protection Agency's Region 1 presence, have histories of hiring OPT-eligible workers. State agencies such as the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Department of Public Health also recruit candidates in technical and analytical roles that can accommodate OPT authorization.
Which cities in Connecticut have the most government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Hartford concentrates the most opportunities, housing the majority of Connecticut's state agency headquarters and several federal office locations. New Haven follows closely, with federal court offices, VA facilities, and proximity to research institutions that partner with public agencies. Bridgeport and Groton also generate government hiring, particularly in defense-adjacent and environmental roles tied to the Naval Submarine Base and coastal management programs.
What types of government roles in Connecticut typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles in data analysis, public health program management, environmental science, IT systems, urban planning, and policy research commonly qualify because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Positions at research-oriented agencies and federally funded programs tend to be more structured around degree-matched hiring, which aligns with OPT eligibility requirements under F-1 status.
How do I find government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Connecticut?
Migrate Mate lets you filter government sector jobs in Connecticut specifically by F-1 OPT authorization, showing verified employer sponsorship history so you can focus on agencies and contractors that have hired OPT workers before. Because federal and state government postings often have early application deadlines and degree-match requirements, filtering by employer type and role category on Migrate Mate helps narrow your search to positions where your field of study aligns with the job description.
Are there any Connecticut-specific considerations for F-1 OPT workers pursuing government jobs?
Many federal positions in Connecticut require background investigations or security clearances, which can take longer to process for international students and may affect OPT timeline planning. State agency roles are generally more accessible but can have residency preference language in postings that does not disqualify OPT holders. F-1 students pursuing STEM OPT extensions should confirm that the employer is enrolled in E-Verify, a requirement for the 24-month STEM extension regardless of sector.