Construction STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in West Virginia construction are concentrated in civil engineering, infrastructure, and environmental consulting roles, with employers like Thrasher Group, Michael Baker International, and state DOT contractors active in Charleston, Morgantown, and Huntington. West Virginia's ongoing infrastructure investment, including bridge replacement and broadband expansion projects, creates openings for STEM-qualified candidates in project engineering and construction management.
Find Construction JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 16+ Construction STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia










See all Construction STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Construction STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
Ames Construction has been building America for more than 60 years, and the people who work here are the reason we continue to succeed.
We are a full-service, heavy civil and industrial contractor building critical infrastructure, including highways, bridges, mines, dams, rail, and more. Our teams take on challenging projects that keep communities safe, supply chains moving, and the country connected.
At Ames, we are Fueled by Family and Driven by Ownership. That means we look out for one another, take pride in what we build, and take responsibility for our actions, our results, and the long-term health of the company.
Guided by our core values of People, Team, Our Bond, Persistence, and Vision, we do what we say we will do, push through challenges and deliver work we’re proud of.
When you join Ames, you’re joining a company built for long-term success — where skilled people, strong teams, and disciplined execution come together to build careers and a better future.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Surveyor will lead field layout, data collection, and machine control support for highway heavy construction projects at Ames Construction. In this role, you will act as a key technical link between design and execution, managing everything from earthwork quantity takeoffs to drone-based survey workflows. The ideal candidate brings at least 3 years of field experience, a deep proficiency in Trimble technology, and a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety and QA/QC standards while collaborating with project engineers and owners.
Core Duties and Responsibilities
- Champion a strong safety culture by ensuring all surveying activities are performed in compliance with company, state, and federal safety standards.
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Engineers, Superintendents, Foremen, subcontractors, and inspectors.
- Develop and maintain positive working relationships with owners, design partners, subcontractors, and internal team members.
- Interpret and apply project plans, specifications, and digital models to accurately layout grades, alignments, elevations, and offsets.
- Operate and maintain jobsite survey equipment.
- Provide quality assurance, quality control, and technical support for machine control systems used in grading operations.
- Perform earthwork quantity takeoffs from field survey data.
- Collect and document accurate as-built data for payment quantities, compliance reporting, and final records.
- Maintain organized survey files, field notes, calibration records, and project documentation.
- Participate in project meetings and provide survey updates as needed.
- Perform other duties as appropriately assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction, Civil Engineering, Surveying, or Construction Management, or equivalent field experience.
- 3 or more years’ experience in heavy highway construction.
- RPLS, CST III/IV license, or equivalent field experience is preferred.
- FAA part 107 license and familiarity with drone survey workflows or the ability to obtain a license and quickly learn.
- Must be competent in the use of computer software applications used for project control and administration, including Microsoft 365 suite and Bluebeam.
- Basic familiarity with office survey workflows – Trimble business center or Civil 3D.
- Must have strong knowledge and experience of the fundamentals of surveying, as well as familiarity with Trimble’s suite of civil construction field equipment and software.
- Strong communication skills both written and oral.
- Good attention to detail with the ability to recognize discrepancies.
- Must have a positive attitude and possess excellent motivational skills.
- Time Management, organization, and prioritization skills are crucial.
- Must have a valid Driver’s License.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Travel can be required with this position within the United States. This project is located in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Subsequent projects will be nationally based.
- Work is primarily performed on active construction job sites, including highways, roadways, and heavy civil infrastructure projects.
- Regular exposure to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, wind, and dust.
- Position requires walking, standing, climbing, bending, and lifting in a construction environment.
- Frequent interaction with heavy equipment, moving machinery, traffic, and construction hazards; strict adherence to safety protocols is required.
- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory at all job sites.
- Work is additionally done in an office environment – extensive sitting at desk and computer; some standing, bending at the waist, stooping and reaching required; ability to lift 5-20 pounds occasionally.
People are the most important asset at Ames Construction. Ames’ non-craft benefits package is designed so that our team members flourish, with medical, dental, and vision (all at one low premium), voluntary benefits, generous retirement benefits, and company holidays and paid time off. Please see the Benefits section of our Careers page for more information.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug test is required.
EEO Statement
Ames Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
STEM OPT Construction Job Roles in West Virginia
See all Construction STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Construction Jobs in West VirginiaConstruction STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in West Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which construction companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in West Virginia?
Civil and structural engineering firms with active federal and state contracts are the most consistent sponsors in West Virginia. Companies like Michael Baker International, AECOM, and regional firms such as Thrasher Group have filed Labor Condition Applications for engineering roles that align with STEM OPT-eligible STEM degree classifications. Infrastructure contractors working on WVDOT and federal highway projects also periodically sponsor qualified candidates in project engineering and inspection roles.
Which cities in West Virginia have the most construction F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Charleston, as the state capital and largest city, hosts the most engineering and construction firm offices, making it the primary hub for STEM OPT sponsorship opportunities. Morgantown benefits from proximity to West Virginia University and draws engineering consulting and research-linked construction roles. Huntington supports infrastructure and civil engineering work tied to the Tri-State region. These three cities account for the majority of employer-sponsored construction engineering positions in the state.
What types of construction roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify must fall under STEM-designated STEM degree classifications. In construction, this typically includes civil engineers, structural engineers, environmental engineers, construction managers with engineering degrees, and geotechnical engineers. Positions in project controls, cost estimating with an engineering background, and construction technology also qualify under certain codes. You can verify STEM degree classification designations through O*NET and confirm STEM OPT eligibility through USCIS guidance before applying.
How do I find construction F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in West Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters construction and engineering jobs specifically by F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship eligibility, showing verified employer filing history in West Virginia. This saves time compared to manually reviewing OFLC disclosure data to confirm which employers have sponsored STEM roles. Focus your search on civil, structural, and environmental engineering titles in Charleston, Morgantown, and Huntington, where infrastructure project activity is highest and employer sponsorship patterns are most established.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in West Virginia construction?
West Virginia's construction sector is heavily tied to state and federal infrastructure funding, which means sponsoring employers are often large contractors or engineering consultancies with federal contract compliance experience, including E-Verify enrollment requirements. The state's smaller overall labor market means fewer total sponsors than larger states, but infrastructure investment programs have increased demand for STEM-credentialed engineers. Candidates should confirm their role's STEM degree classification qualifies under the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list before accepting an offer.