OPT Maintenance Jobs
Maintenance roles in facilities management, manufacturing, and property operations regularly sponsor F-1 OPT students with engineering or technology degrees. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives employers a meaningful runway to evaluate you before pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
Find OPT Maintenance JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 764+ Maintenance jobs










See all 764+ Maintenance Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Maintenance roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
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 764+ OPT Maintenance Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Maintenance Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Maintenance
Target employers with in-house engineering teams
Large manufacturers, hospitals, universities, and commercial real estate firms maintain dedicated maintenance departments that regularly hire OPT workers. Smaller contractors often lack the HR infrastructure to manage work authorization paperwork reliably.
Align your degree to the job description
Maintenance roles in industrial or facilities settings often qualify for STEM OPT extension when your degree is in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Confirm the SOC code matches your EAD authorization before accepting an offer.
Clarify sponsorship intent before the final interview round
Ask directly whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visa workers in maintenance or engineering roles before. Employers with a track record of sponsorship are far more likely to follow through when your OPT authorization approaches its end date.
Highlight certifications that reduce employer risk
EPA Section 608 certification, OSHA 30, or a stationary engineer license signals that you meet compliance requirements independently. Employers weigh these credentials heavily when evaluating whether sponsoring an OPT worker is worth the administrative cost.
Report your employer through your DSO immediately after hiring
SEVIS requires you to report your employer name, address, and start date within 10 days of beginning work. Failing to update your record can jeopardize your OPT authorization even if your EAD card is still physically valid.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly maintenance openings
Migrate Mate surfaces maintenance and facilities roles from employers with documented sponsorship history. Filtering by work authorization type saves significant time compared to manually screening postings that rarely disclose sponsorship willingness upfront.
Maintenance OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do maintenance jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
They can, but it depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial technology appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may be eligible for the extension. The job must also relate directly to your field of study. Your DSO confirms eligibility and files the updated I-20.
Can I work as a maintenance technician on OPT if my degree is in engineering technology?
Yes, engineering technology degrees from accredited U.S. universities qualify for OPT. The key requirement is that your maintenance role must be directly related to your degree program. Facilities engineering, HVAC systems, and industrial maintenance positions typically satisfy this requirement for engineering technology graduates. Document the connection clearly when reporting employment to your DSO.
How do I find maintenance employers who are willing to sponsor OPT workers?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient option. The platform shows maintenance and facilities roles from employers with verified sponsorship activity, so you're not cold-applying to companies that won't support your work authorization. Government contractors, large manufacturers, and university facilities departments are among the employer types most consistently open to sponsoring OPT and eventual H-1B candidates.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from a maintenance position?
You enter a 60-day unemployment grace period, which counts against your total allowed unemployment days. On standard 12-month OPT, you're permitted up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment. STEM extension holders have the same 60-day grace period per extension period. You must actively seek new employment related to your degree and notify your DSO if you exceed the allowed unemployment limit.
Does working for a subcontractor or staffing agency count as valid OPT employment in maintenance?
It can count, but the relationship must be structured correctly. You must have a formal employment arrangement with the staffing agency, not just a work site placement agreement. The work itself must relate to your degree. Some staffing arrangements qualify; others do not. Consult your DSO before accepting a contract or agency-placed maintenance role to confirm your employment structure is compliant.