OPT Maintenance Technician Jobs
Maintenance Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial technology. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, property management, and facilities regularly hire through OPT.
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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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Maintenance Technician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Maintenance Technician roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to avoid surprises at the offer stage.
Target industries with high sponsorship rates
Manufacturing plants, commercial real estate firms, and hospital facilities departments hire maintenance technicians regularly and are accustomed to OPT work authorization. These employers tend to have HR processes already set up for international candidates, which speeds up onboarding.
Lead with your OPT timeline upfront
Mention your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility in your cover letter. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume international students are unavailable to start quickly. Clarity early prevents your application from being screened out before a recruiter reads your qualifications.
Highlight hands-on technical training and certifications
OSHA 10, EPA 608, and HVAC certifications signal job-readiness to hiring managers faster than a degree alone. List any lab work, internships, or campus facilities experience. Employers making OPT hires want confidence you can contribute from day one without extensive ramp-up.
Ask about the I-983 training plan during interviews
STEM OPT requires your employer to complete Form I-983, outlining how the role relates to your degree. Asking about this during interviews signals you understand the process and reassures employers that OPT compliance will not create unexpected administrative burden for their HR team.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Hiring timelines for maintenance roles can run four to eight weeks from application to offer. Start applying two to three months before graduation so your EAD card arrives before your first scheduled day and you avoid any gap between your program end and employment start.
Maintenance Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Maintenance Technicians in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students who have completed a qualifying degree can work as Maintenance Technicians during their OPT period. The role must be directly related to your field of study, such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Your employer does not need to file any petition with USCIS. You work on the strength of your EAD card alone during the standard 12-month OPT period.
Does a Maintenance Technician job qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial technology, and the Maintenance Technician role relates to that field, you can apply for the 24-month extension. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS, and your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign Form I-983.
How do I find Maintenance Technician employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT job seekers and filters for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship, including Maintenance Technician roles across manufacturing, property management, and facilities. Searching there saves significant time compared to cold-applying and discovering late in the process that an employer does not work with international candidates.
Do Maintenance Technician roles typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Some do, particularly at larger manufacturing companies, hospital systems, and commercial real estate firms with established HR teams. The key factor is whether the role is classified as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree, which stronger candidates can argue for engineering-focused maintenance positions. Smaller employers or those hiring for general repair work are less likely to sponsor an H-1B visa petition.
What happens if my EAD card has not arrived before my start date?
You cannot legally begin working without your EAD card in hand, even if you have a job offer. Contact your DSO immediately if there is a delay. USCIS allows you to request expedited processing if you have documented economic necessity or a confirmed employment start date. Communicate transparently with your employer so they can adjust your start date rather than rescind the offer.