OPT Maintenance Specialist Jobs
Maintenance Specialist jobs on OPT are available across property management, manufacturing, and facilities sectors. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to build a strong employer record, and STEM extension eligibility depends on whether your degree falls under engineering or a related technical field.
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Salary
$25.21 - $28.01 Hourly
Location
Buffalo, WY
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
2026-02675
Department
Department of Transportation
Division
Department of Transportation
Opening Date
11/04/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Job Classification
TNHM06
Description and Functions
Open until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is seeking a Highway Maintenance Specialist I in Buffalo, Wyoming, to perform various maintenance duties for our Maintenance Team under limited supervision to provide a safe, high-quality, and efficient transportation system.
Buffalo is tucked away between the rolling plains of the Old West and the towering peaks of the Bighorn Mountains and is a small town living at its finest. Nearby outdoor activities are endless: hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, ATV trails, rodeos, and a four-star golf course in the heart of town. Billings, Montana and its amenities are just over a two-hour drive from Buffalo. And Wyoming is one of only nine states with no income tax!
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: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov
Human Resource Contact: 307-674-2318 / Keri Griffith / keri.griffith2@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.
- Operates and trains others to safely operate complex machinery in specialized applications.
- Performs fieldwork along with the crew and is responsible for all maintenance tasks.
- Observes, verifies, and documents work activities of Highway Maintenance Assistants and Highway Maintenance Technicians.
- Assists the manager in planning, assigning, and supervising.
- Provides advice and assistance on repair procedures needed for highways, equipment, and buildings.
- Serves as a technical resource.
- Communicates project information and proposed courses of action and/or subsequent consequences.
- Provides input for performance evaluations to the supervisor for Highway Maintenance Assistants and Highway Maintenance Technicians.
- Provides work direction to a crew daily.
- Provides leadership and guidance to others while performing duties related to maintenance activity tasks, including snow and ice removal.
- Operates single and tandem-axle trucks, equipped with an auger, aerial lift equipment, or plows, wing plow, sander, and chemical systems to remove snow and ice from roadway surfaces.
- Responsible for the rehabilitation of roadway surfaces and traffic control devices.
- Attends and completes all required training to obtain or maintain required certifications, perform inspections, and learn new skills.
- Utilizes special computerized equipment.
PREFERENCES:
Preference may be given to applicants with a current Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements prior to employment.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Knowledge of specifications, standard plans, policies and procedures, rules, regulations, and traffic control standards.
- Ability to meet weekly deadlines for reports/paperwork produced with accuracy and timeliness.
- Knowledge of computer systems, work reporting requirements, and maintenance management practices specific to WYDOT.
- 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 highway equipment and operations.
- Knowledge of computer systems, work reporting requirements, and maintenance management practices specific to WYDOT.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience Substitution:
2-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Highway Maintenance/Highway Construction) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Highway Maintenance Technician
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within (12) months of hire
OR
Education:
Associate's Degree (typically in Engineering)
Experience:
0-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Highway Maintenance/Highway Construction) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Highway Maintenance Technician
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must have the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within (12) months of hire
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
- 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. 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.
- Frequent use of manual and powered hand tools.
- Daily use of motor vehicles and heavy equipment.
- Frequent exposure to hazardous materials.
- Ability to sit/stand and operate equipment for long periods of time.
- Ability to lift and/or carry 50 pounds independently.
- Work outdoors for extended periods of time in adverse environmental conditions.
NOTES:
- FLSA: Non-Exempt
- Residing in WYDOT-provided housing at this location is a requirement of the position.
- 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.
- Occasional overnight travel may be required.
- 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. 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.
- The Wyoming Department of Transportation is a Drug-Free Workplace.
- E-Verify: WYDOT uses E-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
- Must have the ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License.
- 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.
- Qualifying eligibility and criteria for the hiring bonus
- Acceptance of a permanent, full-time position posted for public recruitment.
- 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, and 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 - 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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Maintenance Specialist
Target employers with established visa programs
Large property management firms, hospital systems, and manufacturing companies are far more likely to have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller operations often lack the infrastructure to process the paperwork, even when they want to hire you.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Tell hiring managers your authorization end date early in the process. Maintenance roles often involve multi-month onboarding and training periods, so employers need to know your timeline before they invest resources in bringing you on full time.
Confirm whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
If your degree is in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. That dramatically expands your window and your appeal to employers evaluating long-term hiring decisions.
Highlight certifications relevant to the role
HVAC certifications, EPA 608, and OSHA 10 or 30 credentials signal technical readiness and reduce employer training costs. Listing these prominently on your resume can offset concerns about hiring someone on temporary work authorization.
Understand your reporting obligations before you start
Any change in employer, work address, or employment status must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. Maintenance roles can involve multi-site assignments, so confirm with your DSO how to handle work at multiple locations under a single employer authorization.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Some facilities and engineering employers sponsor H-1B visas for maintenance professionals whose roles qualify as specialty occupations. Raising this before you accept gives you time to assess the employer's intent and avoid a dead end at the end of your OPT period.
Maintenance Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Maintenance Specialist on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if the role is directly related to your degree field. A mechanical or electrical engineering degree supports Maintenance Specialist work authorization clearly. If your degree is in a less directly related field, your DSO can help you document the connection. OPT requires that your employment be related to your major area of study, so the degree-to-job match matters.
Do Maintenance Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, but it depends on your degree. If you graduated with a degree on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, such as mechanical engineering or electrical engineering technology, and your employer can meet the formal training plan requirements, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension. Confirm your degree's STEM eligibility with your DSO before factoring it into your job search timeline.
Where can I find Maintenance Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers open to sponsoring or hiring candidates on work authorization. Searching there saves you the frustration of applying to roles where your status will be a barrier. Most general job boards don't filter by visa sponsorship, so you end up spending time on applications that go nowhere.
What happens if my Maintenance Specialist role involves working at multiple client sites?
Working at multiple locations under a single employer is generally permitted on OPT, but your employment must still be with one authorized employer. If the arrangement involves a staffing agency placing you at different client sites, make sure the agency is your employer of record on your EAD. Inform your DSO about the multi-site nature of the role so your SEVIS record is accurate.
Can I do a contract or temporary Maintenance Specialist job on OPT?
Yes, contract and temporary positions are permitted on OPT, including through staffing agencies, as long as the work relates to your degree. Self-employment is also allowed under OPT regulations. The key is that each engagement must be documented, and your DSO needs to record any employer changes in SEVIS within 10 days. Keep records of every placement and employer for your files.