Green Card Highway Engineer Jobs
Highway Engineer roles qualify for EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship through the PERM labor certification process, where your employer documents that no qualified U.S. worker is available for the position. Civil infrastructure and transportation departments are active sponsors, making this a strong pathway to permanent residency for foreign engineering professionals.
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Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world's longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking dependable and safety-minded Highway Maintenance Workers to join our maintenance team in Cathlamet, WA. In these journey-level roles, you’ll work outdoors as part of a team responsible for maintaining and repairing state highways, highway structures, and adjacent right of way. You’ll operate a variety of highway maintenance equipment and tools while performing hands-on work that helps keep Washington’s transportation system safe, reliable, and moving. Your work may include maintaining asphalt and concrete, signs and guardrails, drainage and culverts, traffic control systems, and other highway infrastructure. If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, solving problems, working with a team, and taking pride in a job well done, this is an opportunity to build a career while making a direct difference in your community.
What to Expect
The typical schedule is four 10-hour shifts (40 hours per week), with participation in a rotational night shift. You may work near high-volume, high-speed traffic, stand for extended periods, and navigate rough, steep, or uneven terrain. Some work may occur at heights or over land or water.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker will:
- Operate Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, trucks, tools, and vehicles to complete maintenance and repair activities.
- Repair and maintain asphalt and concrete pavement, drainage systems, signs, guardrails, and other roadside infrastructure.
- Perform roadside maintenance, including vegetation management, erosion control, debris and litter removal, and danger tree removal.
- Operate snow and ice control equipment and hauling materials to help keep roadways safe and open for travel.
- Set up and maintain traffic control, including flagging, lane closures, and operating attenuator vehicles.
- Inspect, maintain, and perform minor repairs on maintenance equipment, vehicles, and tools.
- Respond to emergencies such as collisions, spills, severe weather, and other incidents, working independently or as part of a team and coordinating with partner agencies when needed.
- Provide work direction, equipment instruction, and on-the-job training to crew members when serving in a lead capacity.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
- Licensing: Possession of a valid driver’s license. Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with N endorsement.
- Equipment Operation: Skilled in operating and maintaining various Class A, B, and C highway maintenance equipment, tools, and vehicles following WSDOT standards. Proven ability to safely transport heavy equipment and materials between job sites.
- Traffic Control & Work Zone Operations: Working knowledge of traffic control practices following the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). Ability to plan and implement safe work zones, including flagging, signage, and the use of cones/barrels.
- Certifications:
- The ability to obtain a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card within six (6) months of hire.
- The ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification.
- Safety Awareness & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Ability to participate in the creation and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.
- Teamwork & Leadership: Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently in the field. Capable of leading a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, demonstrating sound decision-making and leadership skills.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain.
- Ability to work at heights exceeding 25 feet over land or water.
- Ability to maneuver and transport various materials and/or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, extended hours, alternate shifts, standby assignments, rotational day and night shifts, and emergency callouts as needed.
Ability to respond to emergency situations in all weather conditions and report to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes when called back after hours.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Highway Maintenance: Practical knowledge of highway maintenance practices, including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
- Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Skilled in the use of electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating (e.g., HATS, WZDB, TSMS). Proficient in standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office and email communication.
Important Notes
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs. This position is not eligible for remote work. This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing. In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code. WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Yasmin.Munoz@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-SWR-40345m in the subject line.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship as a Highway Engineer
Align your credentials with PERM requirements
PERM requires your employer to advertise the exact role and minimum qualifications. Make sure your degree, transcripts, and licensure documents reflect the specific education requirements stated in the job description before the recruitment window opens.
Target public-sector and infrastructure-funded employers
State DOTs, county transportation agencies, and large civil engineering firms receiving federal highway funding frequently sponsor green cards because their workforce demand is long-term and project pipelines justify the multi-year sponsorship commitment.
Verify the prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for your Highway Engineer SOC code and work location. Your offered salary must meet or exceed this figure, or DOL will deny the PERM application.
Use Migrate Mate to find active PERM-sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with confirmed green card filing history for engineering roles. This filters out firms that talk about sponsorship but have no track record, saving you months of outreach.
Ask about concurrent I-140 and I-485 filing eligibility
If your priority date is current when PERM is certified, you can file I-140 and I-485 simultaneously, cutting years off your green card timeline. Confirm this with your employer's immigration counsel before signing an offer letter.
Distinguish EB-2 and EB-3 with your employer early
EB-2 requires a position demanding an advanced degree or equivalent, while EB-3 covers roles requiring a bachelor's degree. The category your employer files under affects your priority date and wait time, so clarify this during offer negotiation, not after.
Green Card Highway Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Highway Engineer role qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship?
Most Highway Engineer positions qualify for EB-3 sponsorship because they typically require a bachelor's degree in civil or transportation engineering. Roles requiring a master's degree or equivalent, such as senior design or project management positions, may qualify for EB-2. Your employer's HR or immigration counsel determines the category based on the minimum requirements written into the job description, not your personal credentials.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for Highway Engineers?
H-1B visa is a temporary, capped work visa requiring annual lottery selection, while EB-2 and EB-3 green card sponsorship is a permanent residency pathway with no annual numerical cap at the petition level. The PERM process takes longer upfront, typically one to two years from labor certification to I-140 approval, but the outcome is permanent status. For nationals from most countries except India and China, EB-3 priority dates are current or near-current, meaning the wait after I-140 approval is minimal.
What does the PERM labor certification process require from a Highway Engineer employer?
The employer must conduct a formal recruitment campaign documented to DOL standards, proving no minimally qualified U.S. worker applied for the role. This includes posting job ads in specific formats and locations over a defined window. The position's minimum requirements must be legitimate business needs, not tailored to your background. DOL audits are common in engineering categories, so thorough documentation of recruitment steps matters significantly.
How can I find Highway Engineer employers who actually sponsor green cards?
Migrate Mate aggregates DOL PERM filing data so you can search by job title and see which employers have a verified history of sponsoring green cards for engineering roles. This is more reliable than asking recruiters, who may not know whether their firm has completed a PERM filing before. Filtering by employers with prior EB-2 or EB-3 filings in civil and transportation engineering narrows your list to organizations with proven sponsorship infrastructure.
Can a professional engineering license affect my EB-2 or EB-3 eligibility?
A Professional Engineer license does not substitute for the degree requirement in PERM, but it can strengthen an EB-2 advanced-degree petition if the role is written to require licensure alongside the degree. For EB-2 National Interest Waiver self-petitions, a PE license combined with a record of infrastructure project contributions can support the national interest argument without requiring employer sponsorship. USCIS evaluates the totality of your credentials against the petition category your employer or you select.