Agriculture STEM OPT Jobs in Idaho
Agriculture F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Idaho are concentrated in the Magic Valley and Treasure Valley, where companies like Lamb Weston, Simplot, and Amalgamated Sugar operate large-scale food processing and agri-tech facilities. Roles in precision agriculture, food science, and agricultural engineering draw the most STEM OPT filings in the state.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
SUMMARY
This role maintains operations within the Microbiology laboratory contributing to Simplot's Food Safety program. This includes microbial analyses of food products, shelf-life research projects, laboratory expenses, analytical instrument maintenance, and inventory control of supplies.
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance of ISO 17025 accreditation. Participates in proficiency test programs by accredited organizations. Executes internal audits at plant microbiology labs following company established standards, prepares audit reports, makes recommendations for improvement of factory food quality systems, and troubleshoots production processes when required. Provides daily Microbiological testing support to Factory Operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with daily laboratory operations by conducting microbiological testing on food products and environmental samples in support of Simplot factories and general laboratory duties (preparing media, cleaning, supply inventory, and processing of biohazardous waste) following all good laboratory practices.
- Obtains process/water/product/swab samples from various plant production areas.
- Conduct Allergen testing to support Gluten, Soy, and milk-free claims for applicable Simplot factories.
- Conduct shelf-life studies for new or existing food products. Generates a final report of the study that details methods, procedures, results, and conclusions.
- ISO 17025 requirements: Maintains standard requirements for ISO 17025 accreditation by working within the requirements of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
- Participates in accredited laboratory proficiency test programs and collaborative studies. Maintains satisfactory z-scores in quarterly proficiency testing.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment. Assists with coordinating calibration services with third-party companies as needed.
- Completes data entry into the laboratory quality assurance systems (MLA and MMS).
- Assist with creation/updates in-house microbiology SOPs, when applicable.
- Responds to internal customer’s inquiries regarding micro test sampling schedule, test results, corrective actions, and product release issues.
- Required to work in a Biosafety Level II (agents that pose moderate hazards to personnel and the environment).
- Available to travel to Simplot plants or other locations for work assignments of short duration.
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs., climb steep stairs, work in hot/cold environments.
- Be able to work in a manufacturing environment 1-4 hrs. a day.
TYPICAL EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Degree required (Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Food Safety preferred).
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- Highly skilled in scientific procedures/lab safety and detail oriented.
- Knowledge of food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety, and/or food processing.
- LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) experience and/or knowledge.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of laboratory audit standards and QA/QC programs.
- Knowledge of technical writing, specifically scientific study reports and laboratory SOP’s.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
OTHER INFORMATION
- This position does not offer relocation assistance.
- Rotating weekend work is required (approximately one weekend every four weeks).
- Rotating holiday coverage required, up to two holidays per year.
Job Requisition ID: 26130
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Tech Center R&D - Caldwell
Country: United States
The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
INTRODUCTION
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
SUMMARY
This role maintains operations within the Microbiology laboratory contributing to Simplot's Food Safety program. This includes microbial analyses of food products, shelf-life research projects, laboratory expenses, analytical instrument maintenance, and inventory control of supplies.
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance of ISO 17025 accreditation. Participates in proficiency test programs by accredited organizations. Executes internal audits at plant microbiology labs following company established standards, prepares audit reports, makes recommendations for improvement of factory food quality systems, and troubleshoots production processes when required. Provides daily Microbiological testing support to Factory Operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with daily laboratory operations by conducting microbiological testing on food products and environmental samples in support of Simplot factories and general laboratory duties (preparing media, cleaning, supply inventory, and processing of biohazardous waste) following all good laboratory practices.
- Obtains process/water/product/swab samples from various plant production areas.
- Conduct Allergen testing to support Gluten, Soy, and milk-free claims for applicable Simplot factories.
- Conduct shelf-life studies for new or existing food products. Generates a final report of the study that details methods, procedures, results, and conclusions.
- ISO 17025 requirements: Maintains standard requirements for ISO 17025 accreditation by working within the requirements of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
- Participates in accredited laboratory proficiency test programs and collaborative studies. Maintains satisfactory z-scores in quarterly proficiency testing.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment. Assists with coordinating calibration services with third-party companies as needed.
- Completes data entry into the laboratory quality assurance systems (MLA and MMS).
- Assist with creation/updates in-house microbiology SOPs, when applicable.
- Responds to internal customer’s inquiries regarding micro test sampling schedule, test results, corrective actions, and product release issues.
- Required to work in a Biosafety Level II (agents that pose moderate hazards to personnel and the environment).
- Available to travel to Simplot plants or other locations for work assignments of short duration.
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs., climb steep stairs, work in hot/cold environments.
- Be able to work in a manufacturing environment 1-4 hrs. a day.
TYPICAL EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Degree required (Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Food Safety preferred).
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- Highly skilled in scientific procedures/lab safety and detail oriented.
- Knowledge of food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety, and/or food processing.
- LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) experience and/or knowledge.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of laboratory audit standards and QA/QC programs.
- Knowledge of technical writing, specifically scientific study reports and laboratory SOP’s.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
OTHER INFORMATION
- This position does not offer relocation assistance.
- Rotating weekend work is required (approximately one weekend every four weeks).
- Rotating holiday coverage required, up to two holidays per year.
Job Requisition ID: 26130
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Tech Center R&D - Caldwell
Country: United States
The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
STEM OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Idaho
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Search Agriculture Jobs in IdahoAgriculture STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Idaho?
Idaho's largest agriculture and food processing employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity include Lamb Weston, J.R. Simplot Company, Amalgamated Sugar, and Chobani's Twin Falls facility. University of Idaho Extension-affiliated research operations also hire STEM OPT candidates. Sponsorship patterns concentrate among employers with dedicated R&D, food science, or precision agriculture divisions rather than purely field-based operations.
Which cities in Idaho have the most agriculture F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Twin Falls and the broader Magic Valley corridor account for a significant share of Idaho's agriculture STEM OPT positions, driven by dense food processing infrastructure. Boise and Nampa in the Treasure Valley are secondary hubs, particularly for agri-tech and data-driven agricultural roles. Pocatello and Idaho Falls see smaller but consistent demand, often tied to potato processing and research operations near Idaho State University.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that typically qualify are those requiring a STEM-designated degree and applying scientific or technical skills directly to the work. In Idaho agriculture, qualifying positions commonly include food scientist, agricultural data analyst, precision agriculture specialist, environmental scientist, process engineer in food manufacturing, and agricultural biotechnologist. Roles classified under USCIS-recognized STEM degree categories and listed in O*NET at appropriate job-zone levels are the strongest candidates for eligibility.
How do I find agriculture F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Idaho?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 STEM OPT job seekers and surfaces agriculture roles in Idaho where employers have active sponsorship history. Filtering by visa type and industry on Migrate Mate narrows results to positions where sponsorship is a realistic expectation rather than a guessing game. You can also cross-reference employer filings through OFLC Wage Search to verify that a specific Idaho agriculture employer has certified Labor Condition Applications for STEM roles.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Idaho agriculture?
Idaho's agriculture sector is heavily seasonal in field operations, but food processing and agri-tech roles tend to be year-round, which matters for STEM OPT continuity. Employers at smaller Idaho cooperatives may be less familiar with STEM OPT paperwork requirements, so candidates should be prepared to share USCIS guidance with HR teams. The University of Idaho and Boise State University both have career centers experienced in connecting STEM OPT students with Idaho agricultural employers.