OPT Highway Engineer Jobs
Highway Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in civil or transportation engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months of work authorization.
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$23.21 - $25.79 Hourly
Location
Basin, WY
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
2026-02702
Department
Department of Transportation
Division
Department of Transportation
Opening Date
11/06/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Job Classification
TNHM05
Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is seeking a skilled Highway Maintenance Technician to join our team in Basin, Wyoming—a town rich in history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Known as the “Lilac City,” Basin has been at the heart of Wyoming’s agricultural legacy since 1896 and offers a welcoming, tight-knit community where wide-open spaces and outdoor adventure define the lifestyle.
As a Highway Maintenance Technician, you’ll play a critical role in keeping Wyoming’s highways safe, functional, and scenic. You will operate and maintain complex equipment safely and proficiently, including single and tandem-axle trucks equipped with plows, wing plows, sanders, striper, auger, aerial lift, and chemical systems to remove snow and ice. You’ll also rehabilitate roadway surfaces, maintain traffic control devices such as signs and highway striping, and ensure that rest areas and facilities—including water and wastewater systems—are properly maintained. Under limited supervision, you will set up traffic control devices, flag traffic, provide work direction to Highway Maintenance Assistant employees, and train others in the operation and maintenance of equipment.
Nestled near the Bighorn Mountains, Basin offers unparalleled outdoor recreation—from fishing, hunting, and camping to skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, hiking, boating, and swimming. The town blends small-town charm with the benefits of Wyoming living, including no state income tax, allowing you to enjoy more of what you earn. If you’re ready to combine meaningful work with an exceptional lifestyle, Basin is calling—apply today and help keep Wyoming’s highways safe and scenic.
Additional Benefits of Working in Wyoming:
- One of only seven states with no state income tax
- Competitive state benefits package
- The opportunity to make a direct impact on the safety and quality of Wyoming’s transportation system
This position offers: $2,000 Hiring Bonus See notes for eligibility
Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
- Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
- Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
- Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
- and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!
Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov
Human Resource Contact: 307-568-3427 / Jesse Maschke / jesse.maschke1@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.
- Maintains and operates complex equipment safely and proficiently.
- Trains incumbents in the operation and maintenance of equipment.
- Provide work direction to Highway Maintenance Assistant employees.
- Under limited supervision, flags traffic and sets up traffic control devices.
- Operates single and tandem-axle trucks, equipped with striper, auger, aerial lift equipment, plows, wing plow, sander, and chemical systems to remove snow and ice from roadway surface.
- Responsible for the rehabilitation of roadway surfaces and traffic control devices such as signs and highway striping.
- Responsible for the maintenance of equipment and facilities in the rest areas, including water and wastewater treatment.
- Attends and completes all required training to obtain/maintain required certifications, perform inspections, and learn new skills.
- Communicates information to update others on work status and/or process effectiveness.
- Utilizes special computerized equipment.
- Performs duties involved in removing snow and ice from roadways.
- Responsible for adhering to all safety standards, policies, and procedures, including the correct use of all associated personal protective equipment.
Qualifications
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Preference may be given to applicants who have a current Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements prior to employment.
Must have the ability to obtain water certifications if necessary.
Must have the ability to obtain a Certification to operate specified equipment as directed by WYDOT.
Must have the ability to obtain a Certificate of course completion of Defensive Driving.
Must have the ability to obtain a First Aid/CPR certification.
Must have the ability to obtain a Flagger certification.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Knowledge of state highway pavement marking and signing standards
- Knowledge of specifications, standard plans, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and traffic control standards.
- Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair procedures.
- Knowledge of hazardous materials Response Procedures
- Knowledge of Federal and State requirements for proper use of personal protective equipment
- Knowledge of basic equipment operation for single and tandem axle trucks, loaders, and tractors.
- Knowledge of Safe Work Procedures, First Aid and CPR, and Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in completing tasks.
- Knowledge of Hazardous Materials Response Procedures.
- Knowledge of and ability to utilize office equipment such as computers, calculators, and telephones.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience Substitution:
2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Highway Maintenance/Highway Construction)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within twelve (12) months of hire
OR
Education:
Associate's Degree (typically in Engineering)
Experience:
0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Highway Maintenance/Highway Construction)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within twelve (12) months of hire
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Frequent use of manual and powered hand tools.
- Daily use of motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Frequent exposure to hazardous materials.
- Ability to lift and/or carry 50 pounds independently.
- Ability to stand/sit and operate equipment for long periods of time.
- Work in adverse environmental conditions, which may include but not be limited to rain, snow, heat, and hail.
- Ability to walk long periods on even and uneven ground.
- Working around high-speed traffic and heavy construction equipment.
NOTES:
- FLSA: Non-Exempt
- WYDOT uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm all newly hired employees' eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
- Wyoming Department of Transportation is a Drug-Free Workplace.
- WYDOT will conduct motor vehicle record checks to verify a valid driver's license.
- Individuals in this classification must pass a pre-employment drug screening and/or physical and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
- Individuals in this classification must be available for emergency work calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Acceptance of an appointment to this classification signifies that the individual is aware of this requirement and will comply with it. Failure to be available for emergency work without an acceptable excuse will be grounds for immediate disciplinary action and possible dismissal.
- Individuals must report to the department Shop within 30 minutes of receiving a call.
- Occasional overnight travel is required.
- Qualifying eligibility and criteria for the hiring bonus
- Temporary employees accepting a full-time position.
- Current employees accepting a promotional opportunity - recruitment must have been opened to the public.
- One year of service to WYDOT must be completed, failure to complete this requirement will forfeit the hiring incentive, funds will be recouped from final pay.
- Internal candidates would be required to remain in the position for a minimum of one (1) year from their promotion date.
- Employees would only be eligible for one (1) hiring bonus in a 12-month period.
- If the employee elects to downgrade through an active recruitment and/or appointment during the twelve (12) month period, they would be required to pay the bonus back.
Supplemental Information
045-Department of Transportation - WYDOT-Chief Engineer - District Maintenance
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
Salary
$23.21 - $25.79 Hourly
Location
Basin, WY
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
2026-02702
Department
Department of Transportation
Division
Department of Transportation
Opening Date
11/06/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Job Classification
TNHM05
Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is seeking a skilled Highway Maintenance Technician to join our team in Basin, Wyoming—a town rich in history, natural beauty, and community spirit. Known as the “Lilac City,” Basin has been at the heart of Wyoming’s agricultural legacy since 1896 and offers a welcoming, tight-knit community where wide-open spaces and outdoor adventure define the lifestyle.
As a Highway Maintenance Technician, you’ll play a critical role in keeping Wyoming’s highways safe, functional, and scenic. You will operate and maintain complex equipment safely and proficiently, including single and tandem-axle trucks equipped with plows, wing plows, sanders, striper, auger, aerial lift, and chemical systems to remove snow and ice. You’ll also rehabilitate roadway surfaces, maintain traffic control devices such as signs and highway striping, and ensure that rest areas and facilities—including water and wastewater systems—are properly maintained. Under limited supervision, you will set up traffic control devices, flag traffic, provide work direction to Highway Maintenance Assistant employees, and train others in the operation and maintenance of equipment.
Nestled near the Bighorn Mountains, Basin offers unparalleled outdoor recreation—from fishing, hunting, and camping to skiing, snowmobiling, ATVing, hiking, boating, and swimming. The town blends small-town charm with the benefits of Wyoming living, including no state income tax, allowing you to enjoy more of what you earn. If you’re ready to combine meaningful work with an exceptional lifestyle, Basin is calling—apply today and help keep Wyoming’s highways safe and scenic.
Additional Benefits of Working in Wyoming:
- One of only seven states with no state income tax
- Competitive state benefits package
- The opportunity to make a direct impact on the safety and quality of Wyoming’s transportation system
This position offers: $2,000 Hiring Bonus See notes for eligibility
Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
- Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
- Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
- Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
- and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!
Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: https://compensationcalculator.wyo.gov
Human Resource Contact: 307-568-3427 / Jesse Maschke / jesse.maschke1@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.
- Maintains and operates complex equipment safely and proficiently.
- Trains incumbents in the operation and maintenance of equipment.
- Provide work direction to Highway Maintenance Assistant employees.
- Under limited supervision, flags traffic and sets up traffic control devices.
- Operates single and tandem-axle trucks, equipped with striper, auger, aerial lift equipment, plows, wing plow, sander, and chemical systems to remove snow and ice from roadway surface.
- Responsible for the rehabilitation of roadway surfaces and traffic control devices such as signs and highway striping.
- Responsible for the maintenance of equipment and facilities in the rest areas, including water and wastewater treatment.
- Attends and completes all required training to obtain/maintain required certifications, perform inspections, and learn new skills.
- Communicates information to update others on work status and/or process effectiveness.
- Utilizes special computerized equipment.
- Performs duties involved in removing snow and ice from roadways.
- Responsible for adhering to all safety standards, policies, and procedures, including the correct use of all associated personal protective equipment.
Qualifications
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Preference may be given to applicants who have a current Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements prior to employment.
Must have the ability to obtain water certifications if necessary.
Must have the ability to obtain a Certification to operate specified equipment as directed by WYDOT.
Must have the ability to obtain a Certificate of course completion of Defensive Driving.
Must have the ability to obtain a First Aid/CPR certification.
Must have the ability to obtain a Flagger certification.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Knowledge of state highway pavement marking and signing standards
- Knowledge of specifications, standard plans, policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and traffic control standards.
- Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair procedures.
- Knowledge of hazardous materials Response Procedures
- Knowledge of Federal and State requirements for proper use of personal protective equipment
- Knowledge of basic equipment operation for single and tandem axle trucks, loaders, and tractors.
- Knowledge of Safe Work Procedures, First Aid and CPR, and Material Safety Data Sheets for chemicals used in completing tasks.
- Knowledge of Hazardous Materials Response Procedures.
- Knowledge of and ability to utilize office equipment such as computers, calculators, and telephones.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience Substitution:
2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Highway Maintenance/Highway Construction)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within twelve (12) months of hire
OR
Education:
Associate's Degree (typically in Engineering)
Experience:
0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Highway Maintenance/Highway Construction)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within twelve (12) months of hire
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Frequent use of manual and powered hand tools.
- Daily use of motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Frequent exposure to hazardous materials.
- Ability to lift and/or carry 50 pounds independently.
- Ability to stand/sit and operate equipment for long periods of time.
- Work in adverse environmental conditions, which may include but not be limited to rain, snow, heat, and hail.
- Ability to walk long periods on even and uneven ground.
- Working around high-speed traffic and heavy construction equipment.
NOTES:
- FLSA: Non-Exempt
- WYDOT uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm all newly hired employees' eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
- Wyoming Department of Transportation is a Drug-Free Workplace.
- WYDOT will conduct motor vehicle record checks to verify a valid driver's license.
- Individuals in this classification must pass a pre-employment drug screening and/or physical and will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.
- Individuals in this classification must be available for emergency work calls at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Acceptance of an appointment to this classification signifies that the individual is aware of this requirement and will comply with it. Failure to be available for emergency work without an acceptable excuse will be grounds for immediate disciplinary action and possible dismissal.
- Individuals must report to the department Shop within 30 minutes of receiving a call.
- Occasional overnight travel is required.
- Qualifying eligibility and criteria for the hiring bonus
- Temporary employees accepting a full-time position.
- Current employees accepting a promotional opportunity - recruitment must have been opened to the public.
- One year of service to WYDOT must be completed, failure to complete this requirement will forfeit the hiring incentive, funds will be recouped from final pay.
- Internal candidates would be required to remain in the position for a minimum of one (1) year from their promotion date.
- Employees would only be eligible for one (1) hiring bonus in a 12-month period.
- If the employee elects to downgrade through an active recruitment and/or appointment during the twelve (12) month period, they would be required to pay the bonus back.
Supplemental Information
045-Department of Transportation - WYDOT-Chief Engineer - District Maintenance
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
See all 42+ OPT Highway Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Highway Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Highway Engineer
Target public-sector employers first
State and local departments of transportation hire highway engineers regularly and are experienced with OPT work authorization. Government agencies often have established HR processes for international students, which reduces friction during onboarding and work authorization verification.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Highway engineer roles typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in civil or transportation engineering. Confirm your specific degree program is on the STEM OPT extension list with your DSO before applying, so you can accurately communicate your full authorization period to employers.
Apply to large infrastructure contractors early
Firms like AECOM, WSP, and Jacobs file OPT I-983 training plans routinely and understand federal reporting requirements. Prioritizing established contractors reduces the risk of an employer being unfamiliar with OPT obligations once you receive an offer.
Be upfront about your OPT end date
Highway engineering projects run on multi-year timelines, so employers want staffing continuity. Tell hiring managers your current OPT expiration date and STEM extension eligibility early, so they can assess the timeline and plan any H-1B visa sponsorship before authorization gaps occur.
Highlight licensure progress on your resume
Passing the FE exam while on OPT signals long-term commitment to the profession and the U.S. market. Engineers who are actively working toward PE licensure are significantly more attractive to firms that invest in visa sponsorship for multi-year employee retention.
Frame federal project experience strategically
Many highway projects involve federal funding and require E-Verify compliance from contractors. Mention relevant federal-aid project coursework or internship exposure in your applications, as it signals familiarity with the compliance environment these employers already operate in.
Highway Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do highway engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most highway engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under civil or transportation engineering CIP codes, which are on the STEM designated degree program list. To use the extension, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you must file the extension with your DSO before your initial OPT expires. Confirm your specific program's CIP code with your international student office.
Where can I find highway engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists highway engineer roles from employers familiar with OPT and STEM extension requirements. Searching there narrows your results to opportunities where work authorization for international students is already part of the employer's hiring process, saving time compared to filtering general job boards manually.
Do highway engineer employers need to file anything for my OPT?
For standard OPT, your employer does not need to file anything with USCIS. Your work authorization is based on your EAD card. However, if you use the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and co-sign your Form I-983 training plan, which outlines your learning objectives and supervision structure for the extension period.
Can I work on federally funded highway projects while on OPT?
Yes, OPT status does not disqualify you from working on federally funded highway projects. The key requirement is that your employer, or the prime contractor, complies with E-Verify if your position is covered under federal contracting rules. Some security-sensitive projects may have additional requirements, so confirm access restrictions with your employer before accepting an offer.
What happens to my OPT if my highway engineer employer loses a contract and I am laid off?
If you lose your job on OPT, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you must find new employment, change status, or depart the U.S. Unemployment during OPT cannot exceed 90 cumulative days for standard OPT or 150 days across both standard and STEM OPT combined. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly to keep your SEVIS record accurate and avoid status violations.