Agriculture OPT Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota's agriculture sector spans crop science, food processing, and agribusiness, with major employers like Cargill, Land O'Lakes, and the University of Minnesota actively hiring international talent. F-1 OPT candidates with degrees in agricultural science, food technology, or environmental science will find strong opportunities across the Twin Cities, Rochester, and rural research hubs throughout the state.
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Environmental Scientist/Specialist - Restoration Crew Leader
Location: South St. Paul, MN
Company: Davey Resource Group, Inc.
Position Overview
Davey Resource Group, a Davey Company, has opportunities for an experienced Environmental Scientist/Restoration Specialist. Davey Resource Group is a leader in the natural resource and forestry consulting industries throughout the US.
Job Duties
The Environmental Specialist will provide our government, utility, commercial, private and not-for-profit clients with the services and solutions needed to efficiently and effectively manage natural resources and comply with policies.
Selected candidates will work collaboratively as part of a team. Applicants should be willing to lead and train fellow team members on all aspects of field work. Communicate with clients professionally. Position involves a variety of work, including invasive plant species control, native plant and seed installation, shoreline stabilization, and native habitat restoration (prairie, wetland and woodland).
The majority of work is outdoors, often in inclement weather and in rugged terrain, and may involve using heavy equipment, such as spray rigs, backpack sprayers, augers, chain saws, mowers, etc. Additional work in assisting with wetland delineation and city tree inventories may be required at times.
- Work with the project manager to understand the contract needs and specifications of clients and their customers and develop appropriate solutions.
- Inspect a wide range of habitats, both natural and disturbed, and assess their condition, health and functionality according to client specifications.
- Identify local species, understand their typical characteristics and recognize common diseases and pests.
- Train and mentor teammates.
Qualifications
Education and Qualifications:
An individual must be able to perform each essential job duty consistently and satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Possession of a Minnesota Department of Agriculture Certified Pesticide Applicators License is required.
- Prescribed burn experience and S130/S190 certification.
- Identify invasive species across a range of habitats.
- Training with chain saw, brush saw, and 4x4 ATV/UTV, tractor, and skid steer.
- A degree in biology, botany, ecology, conservation, environmental science, or related fields.
- Three to five years of experience in ecological restoration.
- Driver’s license and clean driving record are required.
- Ability and willingness to travel.
Desired Qualifications:
- Natural resource consulting experience preferred.
- Experience with operating heavy equipment, forestry mower, tractor, etc. preferred.
- Ability to read construction plans and specifications to execute tasks and assign work to crew members preferred.
- CDL Class A Driver preferred.
- Experience leading crews of 1-4 people.
Additional Information
- 40-50 hours per week, Monday-Friday with some Saturdays optional.
- Starting hourly wage: $23 - $25 per hour based on experience.
What We Offer:
- Paid time off and paid holidays.
- Opportunities for advancement.
- All job specific equipment and safety gear provided.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company match.
- Employee-owned company and discounted stock purchase options.
- Group Health Plan.
- Employee Referral Bonus Program: Send-A-Friend.
- Locations throughout the United States in major cities and desirable areas.
- Career Development Program supported by industry expert safety specialists and skilled trainers.
- The Davey Tree Family Scholarship for children of employees.
- Charitable matching gift program.
- All listed benefits available to eligible employees.
Company Overview
DAVEY RESOURCE GROUP, Inc., headquartered in Kent, Ohio has opportunities for persons interested in the field of urban forestry. We are seeking teamwork-oriented individuals with excellent written and oral communication skills. Candidates should possess a professional work ethic with attention to detail and safety. Davey Resource Group provides a wide range of natural resource consulting services to clients in the private and public sectors, including urban forestry consulting and tree inventories, urban forest canopy assessments, and urban forestry management planning.
Divisional Overview
The Davey Tree Expert Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected class, including race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, marital or familial status, disability, status as a protected veteran, status as an Aboriginal or Indigenous person, or other classification protected by law.
Davey Resource Group, Inc., is a leader in the natural resource, environmental, and forestry consulting industries throughout the United States. The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. We care about our clients, each other and the world around us. We offer the resources, size and stability of a big company while maintaining the culture, entrepreneurial spirit and feel of a small one. We invest in our employees by offering industry-leading training, technology and benefits that lead to a rewarding and safe work experience at all levels. Wherever you want to grow your career, there’s a place for you at Davey. To learn more, visit Davey.com.
Accommodations: If requested by employee or otherwise as required by law, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
If you need assistance at any time, please contact us at 1-877-411-7601 or at Recruiting@davey.com.
Employment Type: Permanent
Job Type: Full Time
Travel Expectations: Up to 25%
OPT Agriculture Job Roles in Minnesota
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Search Agriculture Jobs in MinnesotaAgriculture OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which agriculture companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Minnesota?
Minnesota is home to several large agribusiness employers that have a history of hiring F-1 OPT workers, including Cargill, Land O'Lakes, Hormel Foods, and General Mills. The University of Minnesota's agricultural research programs also employ OPT workers in research and technical roles. Sponsorship is not guaranteed, so confirming OPT authorization directly with each employer's HR team before applying is important.
Which cities in Minnesota have the most agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Twin Cities metro area, particularly Minneapolis and its suburbs like Minnetonka and Wayzata, hosts the corporate headquarters of several major agribusiness firms. Mankato and St. Cloud have food processing and agricultural supply chain operations. The University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus is a concentrated hub for agricultural research roles that frequently accommodate F-1 OPT candidates in scientific and technical positions.
What types of agriculture roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that require a degree-level education in a directly related field tend to qualify for OPT authorization. In Minnesota's agriculture sector, these commonly include food scientist, agricultural engineer, supply chain analyst, agronomist, environmental scientist, and research associate positions. Quality assurance and data analytics roles within food processing companies also frequently align with OPT eligibility requirements, provided the work directly connects to the student's field of study.
How do I find agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on F-1 OPT and filters jobs by visa type and industry, making it straightforward to browse agriculture F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota without wading through listings that don't apply to your status. Beyond Migrate Mate, attending University of Minnesota career fairs focused on food and agriculture sciences can connect you directly with Minnesota-based employers familiar with OPT hiring.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT workers in Minnesota's agriculture industry?
Minnesota's agriculture sector has a strong STEM presence in areas like food science and agricultural engineering, which may make STEM OPT extension eligibility more attainable for qualified graduates compared to non-STEM agriculture roles. Minnesota also has a well-developed agribusiness research ecosystem centered on the University of Minnesota, which means some employers are more experienced with OPT paperwork than smaller regional operations. Always verify an employer's familiarity with OPT authorization before accepting an offer.