Highway Maintenance Worker Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Highway Maintenance Worker roles are sponsored primarily through the H-2B visa for seasonal or temporary positions, or H-1B for supervisory-level specialty roles. Most openings sit with state DOTs and municipal contractors who are active E-Verify participants and file LCAs with DOL. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Description
About WSDOT
The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence. Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state. In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, manages the world’s longest floating bridge, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!
The Opportunity
WSDOT is currently seeking to fill Highway Maintenance Worker 2 positions located in Colfax and Washtucna, WA. The selected candidates will assist with the area’s maintenance and repair of the state highways and highway structures to ensure the traveling public's safety. Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, these journey level positions will serve as members of the regional maintenance organization and will perform asphalt and concrete maintenance, traffic control, repair and installation of guardrail and signs, and culvert and drainage maintenance. Working in the maintenance area requires responsible, safety-minded individuals to perform a variety of skilled labor tasks and operate highway equipment and tools. These opportunities are perfect for someone who enjoys working with their hands, knowing their work is done on roadways and in a variety of weather conditions.
What to Expect
These positions perform work that is often physical in nature and performed primarily outdoors and often next to high-volume, high-speed traffic that may require standing for extended periods of time; HMW2 may work at elevated heights above 25 feet over land or water. Work may also include traversing in rough, steep, and uneven terrain. A typical schedule is Monday through Thursday, 40 hours per week, for 4, 10-hour days. Weekends and holidays may be required to respond to non-scheduled or call-out emergencies. Rotational night shift will be required.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Workers will:
- Perform asphalt and concrete pavement maintenance and repair; apply concrete, asphalt and synthetic materials.
- Perform drainage maintenance; sign maintenance and repair; guardrail, fence and impact attenuator installation and repair.
- Perform tree removal and vegetation management.
- Perform snow and ice control, including application of anti-icing compounds to road surface with truck mounted equipment, loading trucks, hauling materials such as sand, gravel and other items, and maintaining stockpile sites.
- Design and set up traffic control; full road or bridge closures; perform traffic control; and conduct moving and stational traffic control operations.
- Track, document and report daily work activities, account for inventory and inventories highway section.
- Operate Class A, B and C highway equipment as designated on the approved Department of Transportation Equipment List (TEF) for highway maintenance.
- Lead and train others in the absence of the Highway Maintenance Worker 3.
- Act as a first responder at accident scenes, spills, or other emergency situations.
- Perform maintenance and minor repair on equipment and hand tools.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Proficient in safety focused use of road maintenance heavy equipment or equivalent relevant experience in logging, farming, mining, road construction and/or excavation.
- Equipment Operation: Ability to safely operate or learn to operate highway maintenance equipment, including trucks, loaders, plows, and other heavy or powered equipment used in roadway maintenance operations.
- Safety Awareness & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies.
- Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
- Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.
In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:
- A valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Class A CDL endorsement N (Air Brake restriction removed), within twelve (12) months of hire.
- A valid CDL medical card.
- A valid Washington State Flagging Card, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- A valid First Aid Certification, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Ability to report in service to assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours call.
- Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds.
- Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.
It is preferred that qualified candidates also demonstrate:
- Highway Maintenance & Equipment Operations: Proficient knowledge and experience performing roadway maintenance, bridge maintenance/construction, and/or heavy equipment operation.
- A valid Class A CDL with N endorsement, without airbrakes restriction and valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.
- A valid Traffic Control/Flagging card.
- A valid First Aid Certification.
Important Notes
- This recruitment will be used to fill one vacancy in Colfax, WA and one vacancy in Washtucna, WA, and may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
- These positions are not eligible for remote work.
- In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position. For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements. Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.
- This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
- WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Why WSDOT
- Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
- Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
- Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
- Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
- An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
- Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.
WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency. Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace. All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity, are encouraged to apply. Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.
WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at Daisha.Jordan@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference 26DOT-ER-60244 in the subject line.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Highway Maintenance Worker Jobs
Pull your O*NET classification before applying
Highway Maintenance Worker sits under SOC 47-4051. Knowing your exact classification lets you confirm whether a role qualifies for H-2B temporary labor certification or a higher-skill pathway before you invest time in an application.
Verify the prevailing wage tier for your county
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the prevailing wage for SOC 47-4051 in the specific county where you'll work. Employers must certify this rate on the LCA, so knowing it upfront helps you spot underpaying offers early.
Get CDL or flagging certifications documented in advance
Many highway maintenance roles require a Commercial Driver's License or ATSSA flagger certification. Having these credentials documented and translated before your employer files with DOL removes a common delay in the labor certification process.
Use Migrate Mate to track your filing after the offer
Once your employer agrees to sponsor, Migrate Mate can manage the LCA and petition paperwork, flagging any USCIS or DOL requests for evidence so nothing falls through the cracks during a tight seasonal hiring window.
Highway Maintenance Worker jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Highway Maintenance Worker JobsFrequently Asked Questions
What visa categories cover Highway Maintenance Worker sponsorship?
Most Highway Maintenance Worker sponsorships use the H-2B visa, which covers temporary or seasonal non-agricultural labor. If you're in a supervisory or engineering-adjacent role that requires a specific degree, H-1B may apply, but that's uncommon for frontline maintenance positions. TN visa is not available for this occupation category under USMCA.
Do Highway Maintenance Worker jobs require a college degree for sponsorship?
No degree is required for standard H-2B sponsorship. The occupation is classified as a mid-skill trade role under O*NET, so employers certify based on demonstrated skills, licenses, and experience rather than academic credentials. A CDL, OSHA certifications, or ATSSA flagger training carry more weight than a diploma for most highway crew roles.
How do I find highway maintenance employers who actively sponsor visas?
Search Migrate Mate to filter highway maintenance openings by employers with active sponsorship history. DOT-contracted firms and municipal road authorities are the most consistent sponsors because federal and state contracts require E-Verify enrollment and DOL compliance, which creates an established pathway for international workers on seasonal crews.
Is H-2B sponsorship guaranteed if I get a job offer in highway maintenance?
No. The employer must first obtain a temporary labor certification from DOL proving no qualified U.S. workers are available for the role. H-2B also has an annual cap of 66,000 visas, split between two halves of the fiscal year, so timing your offer and filing relative to cap availability matters significantly.
Can I transfer an existing H-2B status to a new highway maintenance employer?
H-2B status is employer-specific and job-specific. If you want to move to a different contractor mid-season, the new employer must file a fresh petition and obtain a new temporary labor certification from DOL. Unlike H-1B, there's no portability provision, so a new filing must be approved before you start work with the new employer.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Highway Maintenance Worker jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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