OPT Jobs in Vermont
Vermont's F-1 OPT job market is concentrated in healthcare, technology, higher education, and environmental science, with Burlington anchoring most employer activity. The state's research universities and growing tech sector create sponsorship opportunities, though the market is smaller than major metros and networking matters more here.
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Overview
Are you a compassionate public health professional who wants to use their knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of Vermonters?
If your answer was emphatic "Y-E-S!" and you are ready to get out into the community. The Vermont Department of Health wants you to come join our group of public health professionals at the Springfield District Office! We are seeking a bright, energetic, dedicated, well-organized public health professional with great listening and communication skills to join our growing team.
The Public Health Specialist (Chronic Disease) supports local health department efforts to improve health outcomes of Vermont residents across the 15 towns of the Springfield District. The focus of this position will be on systems-level work and engagement with community partners to improve the health of populations experiencing the greatest disparities. Priority areas you will be working in are as such: improving chronic disease health outcomes related to oral health, tobacco prevention and cessation, improving access to preventative care, and more. Ideal candidates should understand the root causes of health inequities and have familiarity with initiating and maintaining deliberate collaboration across sectors, especially with non-traditional partners.
Examples of work include:
- Identify, plan, implement, and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to improve oral health outcomes, reduce tobacco use and obesity, and increase access to nutritious food for children and adults.
- Identify, plan, implement, and evaluate systemic and policy solutions to improve access to preventative health services and reduce barriers to care for all ages.
- Collaborate with worksites to take steps to improve employee health and wellness. Better health leads to financial benefits, reduced health care costs, and a more productive and engaged workforce.
- Provide technical support for the integration of health equity and access to care strategies within municipal and organizational planning.
- Support community-based coalitions that examine health data trends, set goals, and develop plans to improve health outcomes.
- Collaborate with a diverse set of partners to implement the 3-4-50 chronic disease model in our district and make a positive difference.
DIVISION OF LOCAL HEALTH - WHO WE ARE
The Division of Local Health works to preserve and improve the equitable social, economic, and environmental conditions necessary to attain the highest level of health and well-being for all, thus ensuring healthy Vermonters. The Division of Local Health is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment that respects and celebrates every person's strength, assets, and values. The Division of Local Health is committed to leading organizational change efforts that address avoidable inequities and injustices as we work towards the elimination of health and health care disparities.
TELEWORK
The Department of Health supports a hybrid work environment which combines both in person and remote work. Upon hire, employees work with their supervisor to create a schedule that aligns with the business needs of the unit and complies with State of Vermont policy. We believe a hybrid work environment promotes autonomy and allows for increased flexibility and greater work/life balance.
MISSION
Promote the physical, mental, and social well-being of people in Vermont by advancing equity, protecting against disease and injury, and preparing for health emergencies.
VISION
All people and communities in Vermont have equitable opportunities to achieve their highest level of health and well-being.
VALUES
- Equity: We aim to center health justice and address racism and all forms of oppression in our programs and policies, our approach to collaboration, and how we build and nurture our workforce.
- Collaboration: We engage with staff and partners to understand complex problems and design responsive solutions.
- Inclusion: We support a culture of belonging and diversity where people are valued, trusted, and able to be their authentic selves.
- Harmony: We endorse a balanced, thoughtful, and intentional work environment that allows employees to care for themselves, their families, and the people they serve.
- Data: We strive for scientific excellence and cultural responsiveness in the collection, analysis, sharing and use of data.
Who May Apply
This position, Public Health Specialist III - Chronic Disease (Job Requisition #55471), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.
- Level I: Job Requisition #55412
- Level II: Job Requisition #55470
- Level III: Job Requisition #55471
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Eden.Ginter@vermont.gov
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Please note that multiple positions in the same work location may be filled from this job posting.
AHS BACKGROUND CHECKS: Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates, with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.
Environmental Factors
Duties are performed in both a standard office and field settings. Private means of transportation must be available for required travel. Stress may be anticipated in dealing with emotional situations involving application of programs, especially in dealing with families and in the allocation of program resources.
Minimum Qualifications
Four (4) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
OR
Associate degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social work, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and three (3) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
OR
Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and two (2) years or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
OR
Master’s degree in public health, public administration, business administration, environmental science, emergency response, human services, social sciences related fields or health-related fields and one (1) year or more of experience in public health, human services, emergency response, community engagement, program administration, human services related fields or health-related fields.
OR
One (1) year or more of experience as Public Health Specialist II.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in Vermont
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in Vermont
Target Vermont's research institutions directly
The University of Vermont and Middlebury College are among the state's most active F-1 OPT employers. Check their careers portals directly for research, administrative, and technical roles, which frequently appear before reaching third-party job boards.
Focus your search on Burlington and South Burlington
The greater Burlington area concentrates Vermont's employer density across healthcare, tech, and finance. Roles at UVM Medical Center, GlobalFoundries, and financial firms in this corridor are far more likely to accommodate F-1 OPT authorization than employers in rural areas.
Leverage Vermont's STEM OPT advantage in manufacturing and tech
Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing roles at companies like GlobalFoundries qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Prioritize roles with a direct tie to your STEM degree field to maximize your authorized work window before needing H-1B sponsorship.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for verified OPT-friendly employers
Vermont has fewer employers than larger states, so searching efficiently matters. Migrate Mate lets you browse F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs filtered by state, saving time by surfacing employers already open to international students rather than speculating from general job listings.
Network through Vermont's tight professional community
Vermont's small professional ecosystem means referrals carry unusual weight. Attending local industry events, UVM alumni meetups, and Vermont Technology Alliance gatherings can surface unadvertised roles at smaller companies that sponsor OPT but rarely post publicly.
Engage with Vermont's environmental and sustainability sector
Vermont has a disproportionately active environmental science and clean energy sector relative to its size. Environmental engineers, sustainability analysts, and conservation researchers with STEM degrees can find OPT-eligible roles at nonprofits, state agencies, and consulting firms throughout the state.
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in Vermont: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Vermont sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Healthcare and medical research, higher education, semiconductor manufacturing, financial services, and environmental consulting sponsor the most F-1 OPT positions in Vermont. UVM Medical Center and the University of Vermont are among the largest institutional employers. GlobalFoundries in Essex Junction represents a significant STEM OPT opportunity in advanced chip manufacturing, which also qualifies for the 24-month extension.
Which cities in Vermont have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Burlington and the surrounding Chittenden County area, including South Burlington and Essex Junction, account for the large majority of F-1 OPT sponsorship activity in Vermont. Montpelier has some state government and policy-adjacent roles, and Middlebury supports positions tied to Middlebury College, but Burlington is the primary destination for international students seeking OPT employment in the state.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Vermont?
Roles that directly relate to your degree field qualify for F-1 OPT in Vermont. In practice, this includes software engineering, data analysis, biomedical research, nursing and clinical positions, environmental science, financial analysis, and semiconductor process engineering. STEM-classified roles at employers like GlobalFoundries also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving students additional time before transitioning to H-1B visa status.
How do I find F-1 OPT jobs in Vermont that actually sponsor international students?
The most efficient approach is using Migrate Mate, which aggregates F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Vermont and lets you filter by state and industry so you're only looking at employers already open to international students. You can also check the USCIS STEM OPT employer list directly, contact UVM's career services office, and connect with Vermont Technology Alliance members who have a track record of hiring OPT candidates.
Are there any Vermont-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship I should know about?
Vermont's job market is significantly smaller than other New England states, which means fewer total openings but also less competition within specific fields. Employers here often value community fit and long-term commitment, so framing your interest in Vermont's quality of life and professional community can strengthen your candidacy. Vermont has no state-level visa sponsorship program, so federal F-1 OPT rules and timelines apply exactly as they do nationally.