OPT Right of Way Agent Jobs
Right of Way Agent jobs involve negotiating land access agreements, conducting title research, and coordinating with property owners for infrastructure projects. OPT students with degrees in real estate, urban planning, or civil engineering are well positioned. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT.
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Overview
This position is in the Right of Way Acquisitions Section under Property Management. The Property Management Unit manages the orderly, efficient administration, control, and maintenance of state-owned real estate assets acquired for transportation projects, as well as the disposition or sale of surplus property.
This position will require researching existing highway right of ways, working with our internal staff along with staff from our Districts, working with surveyors, attorneys, municipalities etc. Use of OnBase, Microsoft products helpful. Must be organized and able to multi-task.
Who May Apply
This position, Right of Way Agent III (Job Requisition #56089), is open to all State employees and external applicants.
Please Note: This position is being recruited at multiple levels. If you would like to be considered for more than one level, you MUST apply to the specific Job Requisition.
- Right of Way Agent III (Job Requisition #56089)
- Right of Way Agent IV (Job Requisition #56095)
If you would like more information about this position, please contact Jeff Blanchard at jeff.blanchard@vermont.gov.
Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered.
Environmental Factors
Work is performed mainly in the office, with some travel required. Some evening or overtime work may be required. Incumbents should possess have access to private means of transportation. Some negotiations and court cases may create significant stress situations.
Minimum Qualifications
Five (5) or more years of experience in real estate, property management, general contracting, or related field.
OR
One (1) year of experience as a Right of Way Agent III
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or higher in real estate, surveying, or related field.
- Experience as a supervisor or team lead.
- Experience with negotiating, property acquisition, or property management.
- Ability to read detailed highway plans and to understand and create legal documents.
- Ability to work with property owners and local officials.
Special Requirements
A valid driver’s license is required.
Total Compensation
As a State employee you are offered a great career opportunity, but it's more than a paycheck. The State's total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits that are worth about 30% of your total compensation, including:
- 80% State paid medical premium and a dental plan at no cost for employees and their families
- Work/Life balance: 12 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan
- State Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI)
- Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flexible spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- Low cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program
- Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Right of Way Agent
Target infrastructure-heavy employers
Utilities, transportation agencies, pipeline companies, and engineering consulting firms hire Right of Way Agents regularly. These employers run long-term infrastructure projects, making them more likely to invest in OPT sponsorship and H-1B visa filing for skilled candidates.
Highlight your degree alignment clearly
Right of Way Agent roles qualify as specialty occupations when tied to real estate, urban planning, civil engineering, or law degrees. Make your degree field prominent on your resume so hiring managers can immediately see the specialty occupation connection.
Pursue IRWA certification early
The International Right of Way Association offers certifications that signal professional commitment. Earning even a foundational credential during OPT strengthens your case for H-1B sponsorship by demonstrating specialized expertise employers want to retain long term.
Ask about sponsorship before accepting offers
Raise the H-1B sponsorship question during final interview stages, not after signing. Ask directly whether the company has sponsored before. This saves time and ensures your OPT runway aligns with an employer willing to support your long-term status.
Document your OPT authorization thoroughly
Keep your EAD card, I-20, and SEVIS records organized and accessible. Right of Way work often requires site access and government contractor clearances, so having clean, complete work authorization documentation ready prevents onboarding delays at project-sensitive employers.
Build GIS and title research skills before applying
Employers hiring Right of Way Agents expect proficiency with GIS mapping tools and title research platforms. Strengthening these technical skills during OPT makes you a stronger sponsorship candidate, since specialized tool expertise reinforces the specialty occupation argument for H-1B filing.
Right of Way Agent OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Right of Way Agents?
Yes. F-1 students on OPT can work as Right of Way Agents provided the role is directly related to their degree field, such as civil engineering, urban planning, real estate, or a related discipline. Your EAD card authorizes full-time employment for up to 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension available if your degree qualifies.
Do Right of Way Agent jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If you hold a STEM-designated degree such as civil engineering, geospatial science, or environmental studies, and your Right of Way Agent role applies those technical skills, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you must file Form I-983 with your DSO before your standard OPT expires.
How can I find Right of Way Agent jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsoring employers, making it the most efficient place to find Right of Way Agent openings where work authorization is already part of the conversation. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process.
Is a Right of Way Agent role considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It generally qualifies when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as civil engineering, real estate, urban planning, or law. Roles that involve title research, easement negotiation, and regulatory compliance tied to a technical degree field meet the specialty occupation threshold. Employers should confirm this determination with their immigration counsel before filing.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires and you have a timely filed EAD renewal or STEM extension, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges your status. Work with your Designated School Official and your employer's immigration attorney immediately, as timing is critical and any gap in work authorization requires you to stop working.