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 visa 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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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 seeking a skilled and motivated Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to join our team in Prosser, WA! As a key member of our maintenance organization, you will play a critical role in keeping Washington’s highways safe, reliable, and accessible for the traveling public. This lead-level position provides hands-on leadership for a district, area, or section-wide crew while performing a variety of skilled highway maintenance activities that support the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services across the state.
Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Superintendent, you will oversee daily maintenance activities, operate a variety of heavy highway equipment, and maintain state highways, roadsides, infrastructure, and rights of way. You will help coordinate resources, support crew safety, and ensure work is completed effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with WSDOT standards. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day by protecting public safety, preserving vital transportation infrastructure, and ensuring Washington’s highways remain open and dependable in all conditions.
What to Expect
Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 60 minutes, respond in all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:
- Lead, assist, and train junior personnel in performing roadway/roadside maintenance including, but not limited to: building maintenance, shoulder maintenance, asphalt patching operations, ditching, guardrail repair, bridge repair, sign repair, traffic control, culvert and cross drain maintenance, sweeping operations, pesticide applications, and snow and ice operations.
- Lead a crew of 5-10 employees but also covers for other leads in their absence.
- Operate trucks with sander equipment to remove snow and ice from roadway.
- Report situations needing attention to supervisors.
- Schedule daily work and assist supervisors with monthly schedule.
- Assist supervisors with inventory of maintenance items, including ordering and tracking materials.
- Audit subordinates' daily time entries in DOTtime.
- Assist the supervisors in evaluating employees.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience performing routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
- Heavy Equipment Operations: Skilled in operating and maintaining heavy equipment (e.g. front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, Vactor, 26,000 -56,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments).
- Leadership in Adverse Conditions: Proven ability to supervise personnel engaged in snow and ice removal operations, ensuring safe and effective performance in adverse weather conditions during both day and nighttime hours.
- Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement without airbrakes restriction. Valid CDL Medical card. Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment). First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment). Valid Public Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).
- Safety Awareness & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Ability to participate in the creation and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.
- Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating. Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication.
- 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:
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an afterhours callout.
- 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:
- Winter Operations & Crew Leadership: Demonstrated knowledge of snow and ice control operations, including the ability to interpret and implement winter maintenance plans, coordinate resources, and provide direction to a crew during winter weather events to support safe and efficient highway operations.
- Traffic Control & Roadway Safety: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply work zone traffic control standards, roadway safety practices, and applicable guidelines, including the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), to establish and maintain safe work environments for employees and the traveling public.
- Heavy Equipment Operation & Maintenance Skills: Demonstrated ability to safely operate a variety of highway maintenance equipment and tools to perform roadway, roadside, and infrastructure maintenance activities. Ability to select and effectively use appropriate equipment to complete assigned work safely, efficiently, and in accordance with operational requirements.
Important Notes
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position is not eligible for remote work.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 3 #50732 in the subject line.
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 seeking a skilled and motivated Highway Maintenance Worker 3 to join our team in Prosser, WA! As a key member of our maintenance organization, you will play a critical role in keeping Washington’s highways safe, reliable, and accessible for the traveling public. This lead-level position provides hands-on leadership for a district, area, or section-wide crew while performing a variety of skilled highway maintenance activities that support the safe and efficient movement of people, goods, and services across the state.
Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Superintendent, you will oversee daily maintenance activities, operate a variety of heavy highway equipment, and maintain state highways, roadsides, infrastructure, and rights of way. You will help coordinate resources, support crew safety, and ensure work is completed effectively, efficiently, and in alignment with WSDOT standards. This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day by protecting public safety, preserving vital transportation infrastructure, and ensuring Washington’s highways remain open and dependable in all conditions.
What to Expect
Work is generally performed Monday–Thursday on four 10-hour shifts; however, weekends, holidays, night work, and extended hours may be required for emergency response and non-scheduled callouts. The position requires the ability to report to the duty station within 60 minutes, respond in all weather conditions, and participate in rotational night, standby, and call-back assignments.
Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 3 will:
- Lead, assist, and train junior personnel in performing roadway/roadside maintenance including, but not limited to: building maintenance, shoulder maintenance, asphalt patching operations, ditching, guardrail repair, bridge repair, sign repair, traffic control, culvert and cross drain maintenance, sweeping operations, pesticide applications, and snow and ice operations.
- Lead a crew of 5-10 employees but also covers for other leads in their absence.
- Operate trucks with sander equipment to remove snow and ice from roadway.
- Report situations needing attention to supervisors.
- Schedule daily work and assist supervisors with monthly schedule.
- Assist supervisors with inventory of maintenance items, including ordering and tracking materials.
- Audit subordinates' daily time entries in DOTtime.
- Assist the supervisors in evaluating employees.
Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following competencies are required:
- Highway and Roadway Maintenance Expertise: Demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience performing routine and emergency maintenance on highways, roadways, and related infrastructure including pavement repair, drainage systems, erosion control, vegetation management, sign and guardrail installation, and debris removal. Ability to assess maintenance needs and perform repairs to highway structures, roadside features, and landscapes.
- Heavy Equipment Operations: Skilled in operating and maintaining heavy equipment (e.g. front-end loaders, tractor mowers, sweepers, flushers, truck-mounted attenuators, backhoe, Vactor, 26,000 -56,000 GVW Dump truck with snowplow and chemical deicer attachments).
- Leadership in Adverse Conditions: Proven ability to supervise personnel engaged in snow and ice removal operations, ensuring safe and effective performance in adverse weather conditions during both day and nighttime hours.
- Licensing & Certification: Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with N endorsement without airbrakes restriction. Valid CDL Medical card. Washington State Flagging Card (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment). First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment). Valid Public Pesticide Applicator License (or ability to obtain within six (6) months of appointment).
- Safety Awareness & Compliance: Strong understanding of workplace safety procedures and commitment to following safety policies, including confined space entry, fall protection, and hazardous material handling. Ability to participate in the creation and implementation of Pre-Activity Safety Plans (PASP) and attend regular safety training.
- Technical & Administrative Proficiency: Ability to use electronic systems for timekeeping, maintenance tracking, inventory management, and cost estimating. Proficient in standard computer applications including Microsoft Office and email communication.
- 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:
- Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and perform emergency callouts/stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
- Ability to respond to assigned duty station within 60 minutes of an afterhours callout.
- 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:
- Winter Operations & Crew Leadership: Demonstrated knowledge of snow and ice control operations, including the ability to interpret and implement winter maintenance plans, coordinate resources, and provide direction to a crew during winter weather events to support safe and efficient highway operations.
- Traffic Control & Roadway Safety: Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply work zone traffic control standards, roadway safety practices, and applicable guidelines, including the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), to establish and maintain safe work environments for employees and the traveling public.
- Heavy Equipment Operation & Maintenance Skills: Demonstrated ability to safely operate a variety of highway maintenance equipment and tools to perform roadway, roadside, and infrastructure maintenance activities. Ability to select and effectively use appropriate equipment to complete assigned work safely, efficiently, and in accordance with operational requirements.
Important Notes
This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
This position is not eligible for remote work.
To review the full Position Description, please follow the directions in the “Contact Us” section of this posting.
Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions and often near moving traffic and heavy equipment, requiring heightened situational awareness and strict adherence to safety practices. The role involves physically demanding tasks, including deploying traffic control devices, flagging, and operating maintenance vehicles and equipment, with extended periods of standing and walking. Employees must wear appropriate PPE at all times.
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 offer flexible work schedules that allow you time for your life outside of this excellent opportunity.
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 a choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.
Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?
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.
- An attached Cover Letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you believe you are a viable candidate for this role.
- Contact details for a minimum of 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 recruiter listed.
Contact Us
For inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at amanda.strebeck@wsdot.wa.gov. Please be sure to reference Highway Maintenance Worker 3 #50732 in the subject line.
See all 236+ Highway Maintenance Worker Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Highway Maintenance Worker roles.
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.
Target state DOT contractors over private firms
State and county transportation contractors are legally required to participate in E-Verify and routinely file with DOL for seasonal road crews. They have established PERM and H-2B workflows that smaller private firms typically lack.
Confirm the seasonal window matches your status timeline
H-2B certification covers temporary or seasonal need, usually capped at ten months. If your OPT or status expiry falls mid-project, discuss bridging options with the employer before the offer stage, not after.
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.
Frequently 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.