NYSDOT looking to hire plow drivers amid shortage

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — You might have noticed New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) signs on all our major Thruways flashing the need for more snowplow drivers.

News10NBC talked to a NYSDOT spokesperson to find out more about the open job opportunity as the snow falls.

These open opportunities are available all across the state. The good news, they’re easy to apply for, and you can apply from the comfort of your own home.

Preparation is already underway for a lake effect snowfall event starting Wednesday night, that’s expected to last into Thursday morning. Tons of road salt is ready to be loaded into snowplow trucks here at the NYSDOT Region 4 complex. NYSDOT Spokesperson Joe Leathersich told us plow drivers are in position west of Monroe County.

"Our teams are in conversations with the National Weather Service," Leathersich said. "Like I said other state agencies here and in Buffalo. So it sort of just depends on the timing of that you know what’s best to make sure the roads are clear."

Leathersich told us that Region 4 comprises of the following counties: Monroe, Orleans, Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston, Wayne, and Ontario. We asked him about the electric help wanted signs on the Thruway.

"It’s something that the department does every year ahead of the snow, and ice season just to shore up our ranks of whatever Mother Nature has in store," Leathersich said.

Although the pandemic has created a work staff shortage, surprisingly Leathersich says currently there are enough drivers in their system.

"We can confidently say we have plenty of resources, plenty of staff to make sure that the roads are clear from the residents of this community," Leathersich said.

But despite that, the need for new drivers is still there, and all are encouraged to apply.

"The Department of Transportation is a great place to work. We offer competitive benefits packages. Stability that other industries don’t offer, and a lot of growth opportunities, and you know we want to make sure people who are looking for jobs know that," said Leathersich.

Click on this link for information on all D.O.T. open job opportunities.