By Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hoping to fill its annual snow plow operator ranks but the booming economy and demand for drivers has thinned the applicant pool.
Fall may just be getting started, but IDOT has already started its search to fill 900 on-call snowplow drivers and about 100 temporary full-time drivers to keep state roads clear this winter.
“Snowbirds are a critical part of our overall effort to clear roads and keep Illinois moving during snow-and-ice season,” Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said. “Not only does the job perform an essential public service and ensure safe travel, but it’s a great way to earn extra money during the winter months.”
Farmers looking for winter work have historically filled out the snowbird ranks in rural areas, IDOT spokesman Guy Tridgell said.
But people with commercial drivers licenses, or CDLs, are harder than normal to come by in this economy.
“Over the most recent years, we’ve seen some of our most long-time people retire or move on but it’s also very competitive right now for people who have commercial driver’s licenses,” Tridgell said. “We’re competing for those folks just like everybody else is in the private sector.”
According to a state release, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license and submit to a criminal background check, a pre-employment physical, vision testing, and drug and alcohol screening. Full-time Snowbirds make $4,375 per month while part-time drivers will get $20.55 an hour.
Illinois Radio Network can be reached at [email protected].
