Energy OPT Jobs in North Dakota
North Dakota's energy sector, anchored by Bakken shale oil production in the Williston Basin and a rapidly expanding wind power industry, actively hires international talent. Companies like Continental Resources, Hess Corporation, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative have recruited F-1 OPT students for engineering, geoscience, and data roles. Bismarck, Williston, and Dickinson are the primary hiring hubs.
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Job Title: FIELD MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN I - E&I-POWER DISTRIBUTION
Posting Start Date: 7/29/26
Job Description:
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is located at Dakota Gasification Company in Beulah, ND.
Provides electrical maintenance services for all field process units, including electrical systems such as power distribution, medium and high voltage switchgear, protective relays, generators, cathodic protection, and motor maintenance.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Ensure that tools and equipment are in sound working condition and perform cleaning duties as assigned.
- Repair and maintain systems in a safe, efficient manner in compliance with all company and safety regulations.
- Assist with preventive maintenance, repair, and calibration of all plant electrical equipment to ensure smooth operation of the plant.
- Perform entry level duties related to the maintenance and repair of plant electrical equipment in a safe, logical, and efficient manner, in compliance with safety regulations.
- With assistance, perform basic troubleshooting and assist in the repair of the following systems:
- Medium Voltage Variable Frequency Drives
- Synchronous Motors
- Auto Transfer Switches
- Protective Relaying
- Generators
- Cathodic Protection Systems
- Develop a general understanding of all switchgear and power distribution systems, including 480 volt, 5KV and 15KV systems.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate’s degree in an Electrical Technology program, or a related field; or
- A high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HSED) and completion of a ND State Electrical Board approved electrical apprentice program.
- Register as an apprentice and work towards an ND Journeyman’s license.
- A valid driver’s license.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
This position requires constant walking, hand coordination, and standing, occasional stooping/bending, climbing stairs and ladders, kneeling, occasional hand grip of 45 pounds, low level and elevated activity, lifting/carrying up to 55 pounds, reaching above and below shoulder level; sitting, crawling, pushing/pulling up to 30 pounds, and use of a keyboard/computer and test equipment. Requires continuous use of tools, foot controls, and occasional turning of valves. Over 45% of the incumbent’s shift is spent outdoors. This position is continuously exposed to noise; frequently exposed to dirt, dust, chemicals, extreme heat and cold; and occasionally exposed to vibration, poor ventilation, and confined areas. The incumbent will be required to wear dust masks, respirators, and full-face Scott Air Paks when necessary and will frequently work in high climbing areas on grating, ladders, scaffolding at heights up to 150 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. This position requires finger dexterity, good color vision, hearing, and the ability to speak.
KEY SKILLS
- An understanding of the National Electric Code.
- Ability to analyze data and reports, implement recommendations, and follow verbal and written instructions.
- Able to communicate effectively with others and present information in a clear, concise manner.
- General knowledge of electrical drawings, troubleshooting and repair of three phase alternating current circuits, solid state drives, distribution power, synchronous motors, medium and high voltage switchgear, protective relays, generators, and cathodic protection.
OPT Energy Job Roles in North Dakota
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Search Energy Jobs in North DakotaEnergy OPT Sponsorship Jobs in North Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in North Dakota?
Companies with a documented history of hiring F-1 OPT workers in North Dakota's energy sector include Continental Resources, Hess Corporation, Marathon Oil, and Basin Electric Power Cooperative. Smaller oilfield services firms and wind energy developers operating in the Williston Basin and western North Dakota also participate in OPT hiring, particularly for engineering and geoscience roles. Sponsorship availability varies by hiring cycle and role.
Which cities in North Dakota have the most energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Williston sees the highest concentration of oil and gas roles due to its position at the center of Bakken shale activity. Bismarck, as the state capital and a regional corporate headquarters hub, hosts energy company offices with engineering, environmental, and analyst positions. Dickinson and Minot also have active energy hiring, particularly for oilfield operations and wind energy projects in the surrounding region.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that regularly qualify include petroleum engineering, reservoir engineering, geoscience, environmental engineering, electrical engineering for grid and wind systems, and data analytics positions supporting production operations. These positions generally require a degree directly related to the work performed, which aligns with OPT's requirement that employment be in a field directly related to your major area of study. General labor or non-degree-requiring field positions typically do not qualify.
How do I find energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in North Dakota?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students searching for visa-friendly roles, and you can filter directly by F-1 OPT, the energy industry, and North Dakota to surface employers actively open to sponsoring international talent. Because OPT authorization is time-sensitive, using a focused platform like Migrate Mate helps you avoid spending limited application time on roles where sponsorship is unlikely.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in North Dakota's energy sector?
North Dakota's energy industry is heavily tied to oil price cycles, which can affect hiring volume significantly from year to year. STEM OPT extension applicants working in petroleum engineering or related fields may benefit from the 24-month extension if their employer meets E-Verify requirements, giving more runway to transition to H-1B visa or another long-term status. Remote work arrangements may affect OPT compliance, so any location changes should be reviewed with your Designated School Official.