Lake County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now accepting applications for seasonal positions to assist with snow and ice removal. Applications for Winter Salaried Highway Maintainers, also known as Monthly Snowbirds, must be submitted online by Monday, Sept. 30. Applicants can find the posting by typing their county of preference into the search bar on the job site.

IDOT is hiring both full-time Winter Highway Maintainers and hourly Winter Highway Maintainers to help manage over 45,000 lane miles across the state during winter. These positions require prompt responses to weather situations and availability to work in emergency conditions at any time, including nights, weekends, and holidays. The starting salary for full-time maintainers is $5,814 per month, while hourly workers are paid $25 per hour.

Applicants must hold a valid commercial driver’s license and have an email address. They will also need to undergo a criminal background check along with a pre-employment physical and vision test as well as drug and alcohol screening. A new law provides veterans’ preference for these seasonal positions, encouraging veterans to apply.

Selection of applicants will be based on availability, job-related experience, and qualifications. Additional information about available positions, application processes in specific districts, pay details, and potential benefits can be found on IDOT's website.

A short animated video about the snowbird program is available on IDOT’s YouTube channel.