HARRISBURG, Pa. — Temperatures outside are finally dipping and as we near winter, PennDOT is working to recruit enough employees to get through the snowy months.
It’s a struggle every year to hire enough plow drivers and other workers, but the state is doing its best to incentivize potential employees.
“We know competitively pay-wise just looking at the flat salary, we’re competing with trucking companies, that is a rough thing for us," said Fritzi Schreffler, spokesperson for PennDOT District 8. "But working for the state, you get really good benefits.”
In Dauphin County, PennDOT has seven full-time positions and 20 temporary jobs to fill.
Across the state, there are dozens of open spots and not just for truck drivers.
“Most people are thinking they have to come in and drive a snow plow but we have mechanics, welders, phone operators, there are a bunch of things we hire just for the winter season," said Schreffler.
Even if all of those positions aren’t able to be filled come wintertime, Schreffler says there are plans in place so they’re ready if the snow comes.
“In some cases maybe you need to make a route a little bit longer, a typical route is 36-40 miles, we work in 12-hour shifts, maybe we extend you a little bit, but last year we didn’t really have to do that," she said.
You can stop into your local PennDOT maintenance office or apply for jobs online through the official PennDOT website.