State Department of Transportation is hiring for its “elite snow fighting force”

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The New York State Department of Transportation is recruiting. It’s looking for people to join the state’s “elite snow fighting force”.

You can learn more about the requirements and apply here.

On Tuesday, leaders with the DOT regional office announced they’re looking to fill 74 permanent and seasonal positions in the Finger Lakes region. The pressing need right now is for snowplow operators and mechanics.

The snow season begins November 1 and runs through April. You have to be 18 and have a valid driver’s license for starters.

“A CDL is a starting point. We will entertain people with a permit, but we can get you up and running much quicker if you have a CDL,” said Christopher Reeve, the regional director of the Rochester NYS DOT office. “Construction experience is a bonus, but it is not required.”

To become a Highway Maintenance Worker, you must:

• Successful Completion of Traineeship requirements, OR
• One year of experience in the operation of highway construction, maintenance equipment or other vehicles in excess of 26,000 Gross Vehicle Weight Rating with air brakes, AND;
• Possession of a Class A or B Commercial Driver License with DOT-specified endorsements, AND;
• Two NYSDOT equipment operation certifications, in addition to the following three specific certifications: large dump truck, one person plowing with single or double wing, and front-end loader.

To become a Highway Maintenance Worker Trainee 1, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Hold a Class D Driver’s license for use in New York State, and attainment of a CDL permit within three (3) months of appointment.
• Pass the Department of Civil Service medical examination and drug test.

To become a Highway Maintenance Worker Trainee 2, you must:

• Be at least 18 years of age at the time of appointment.
• Pass the Department of Civil Service medical examination and drug test.
• Hold a valid, non-restricted Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), with no airbrake restriction, considered to be in good standing by the Department of Transportation.
• Obtain Department of Transportation (DOT) Certification on DOT heavy dump truck within two weeks after start of employment. (NOTE: If the candidates are not successful on the heavy dump, the general rule is that they will be terminated.)