OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is encouraging local jobseekers to apply to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) snowbird program, a seasonal employment opportunity to perform emergency snow and ice control on area roads in preparation for winter.

“The snowbird program that IDOT offers not only helps employ people, but does great work keeping roads safe from harsh winter conditions,” Yednock said. “IDOT will need the help in the coming months and this is especially important to our region because amount of residents who use those main roadways in their commutes for work.”

Two types of temporary positions, full time and on call positions are hired for IDOT’s Winter Seasonal Program, which usually occurs from October 16th through April 15th of each year. 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 also are required. Veterans are encouraged to apply. In rural areas, farmers and agricultural workers have historically filled out the snowbird ranks.

“I strongly encourage anyone eligible to apply to this seasonal program,” Yednock said. “Here folks have an opportunity to help people through public service and earn extra money.”

Those interested in applying can do so online by visiting www.idot.illinois.gov or work.illinois.gov.  For more information, please call Yednock’s constituent service office at (815) 324-5055 or email StateRepYednock@gmail.com.