OPT Jobs in Wyoming
Wyoming's F-1 OPT sponsorship market is concentrated in energy, engineering, and research sectors, with Cheyenne, Casper, and university towns offering the clearest pathways. The state's small but specialized employer base rewards technical graduates who target industries aligned with Wyoming's resource-driven economy.
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Salary
$23.21 - $25.79 Hourly
Location
Sheridan, WY
Job Type
Permanent Full-time
Job Number
2026-01551
Department
Department of Transportation
Division
Department of Transportation
Opening Date
06/12/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Job Classification
TNHM05
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) seeks dedicated Highway Maintenance Technician to join our Guardrail Crew in Sheridan, Wyoming. This team plays a crucial role in maintaining and repairing guardrails across District Four in Northeastern Wyoming, ensuring the state's safe, high-quality, and efficient transportation system. In addition to fulfilling work, Sheridan offers an exceptional lifestyle. Located at the foot of the breathtaking Big Horn Mountains, you’ll have easy access to a wide range of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, ATV trails, skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, and golfing. Sheridan is also home to an array of festivals and events, including the renowned WYO Rodeo held in July and February. Beyond recreation, Wyoming offers the added benefit of being one of only seven states with no income tax, providing financial advantages as well. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this dynamic team while enjoying all that Sheridan has to offer! Apply today!
To see what life at WYDOT can mean for you, we invite you to view below:
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!
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 surfaces.
- 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 as to 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.
- Performs duties related to structural and concrete repair work.
PREFERENCES/AGENCY REQUIREMENTS:
Preference may be given to applicants with a current Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements prior to employment.
Preference may be given to applicants with at least one year of equipment experience.
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.
KNOWLEDGE:
- Knowledge of state highway maintenance and highway construction standards.
- Knowledge of state highway pavement marking and signing standards.
- Knowledge of specifications, standard plans, policies and 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 the 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:
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 and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within twelve (12) months of hire
OR
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 and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License within twelve (12) months of hire
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.
- Work in adverse environmental conditions, which may include but not be limited to rain, snow, heat, and hail.
- Ability to walk for extended periods on even and uneven ground.
- Working around high-speed traffic and heavy construction equipment.
- Extensive overnight travel is required.
NOTES:
- FLSA: Non-Exempt
- 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 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. 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.
- 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.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in Wyoming
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in Wyoming
Target energy and natural resources employers directly
Wyoming's oil, gas, and coal sectors employ engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists who frequently qualify for OPT sponsorship. Research companies operating in the Powder River Basin and Green River Basin, where technical talent demand is consistent and specialized degrees carry real weight.
Leverage University of Wyoming connections
UW's career services office maintains relationships with Wyoming employers who have sponsored OPT students before. Alumni networks and department-specific recruiting events surface opportunities that never appear on public job boards, particularly in engineering, geology, and agricultural sciences.
Search for roles that match your degree field precisely
F-1 OPT requires work directly related to your major. In Wyoming, this means targeting roles in engineering, computer science, environmental science, or finance rather than broad generalist positions. Confirming the job description matches your field before applying saves time and protects your OPT authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified OPT-friendly Wyoming employers
Finding employers open to F-1 OPT in a smaller state like Wyoming takes more effort than in major metro markets. Migrate Mate filters jobs by visa type so you can browse Wyoming listings from employers already familiar with OPT sponsorship requirements, avoiding dead ends with unfamiliar employers.
Consider state government and research institution roles
Wyoming state agencies and research institutions affiliated with the University of Wyoming occasionally hire OPT-eligible candidates for technical and scientific roles. These employers tend to have established HR processes for work authorization, making them more predictable sponsorship partners than smaller private employers.
Start your job search at least 90 days before OPT begins
Wyoming's employer pool is smaller than coastal states, so landing an offer takes longer. Beginning your search three months before your OPT start date gives you enough runway to work through a longer process while ensuring your employment authorization is active when you start.
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in Wyoming: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Wyoming sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Energy and natural resources lead F-1 OPT sponsorship in Wyoming, driven by demand for petroleum engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists. Engineering and construction firms supporting infrastructure projects are also active sponsors. Research and academic institutions affiliated with the University of Wyoming represent a smaller but consistent source of OPT-eligible roles, particularly in sciences and technology.
Which cities in Wyoming have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Cheyenne, as Wyoming's capital and largest city, has the broadest range of employers including government contractors and professional services firms. Casper serves as the hub for oil and gas employers in the state. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, is the strongest location for research and academic OPT opportunities, particularly for recent graduates in STEM fields.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Wyoming?
Roles in petroleum engineering, environmental science, computer science, civil engineering, geology, and data analysis are among the most common qualifying positions. The key requirement is that the work must be directly related to your degree field. Wyoming's economy favors technical and scientific roles over general business positions, so STEM graduates have the strongest alignment with available opportunities.
How do I find F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Wyoming?
Migrate Mate is one of the most efficient starting points because it filters job listings by visa type, letting you identify Wyoming employers already open to F-1 OPT candidates without cold-calling HR departments. Beyond that, the University of Wyoming career portal, Wyoming Workforce Services, and direct outreach to energy companies in Casper and Cheyenne can surface roles that don't appear elsewhere.
Are there any Wyoming-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship I should know about?
Wyoming's job market is smaller and more specialized than most states, which means fewer total OPT opportunities but less competition for roles that do exist. Employers in the energy sector often require security clearances or site-specific certifications, so confirming those requirements early is important. STEM OPT extension applicants should confirm their employer is enrolled in E-Verify, as this is required regardless of employer size in Wyoming.