BELLEVILLE, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, is encouraging local jobseekers to apply to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Snowbird program, a seasonal employment opportunity to perform emergency removal and control of snow and ice on area roads during the winter season.

“With our system of local highways, and the large number of area residents that commute for work, ensuring that road conditions are safe throughout the winter is very important,” said Hoffman. “IDOT does a great job of keeping our roadways clear as we experience extreme weather conditions during the winter months, and they are in need of applicants for the upcoming season.”

Two types of temporary positions are hired for IDOT’s Winter Seasonal Program, which usually occurs from Oct. 16 through April 15 of each year.

Winter Salaried Highway Maintainers (Monthly Snowbirds) perform all of the same job duties as IDOT’s year-round highway maintainers, including performing a variety of tasks related to the maintenance, repair and upkeep of roads, bridges and other related structures. Monthly Snowbirds must have a Class A or B commercial driver’s license (CDL) with an X or N endorsement.

Snow Removal Operators (Hourly Snowbirds) are paid hourly and respond to emergency weather situations to inspect roadways, operate snow plows and salt spreaders, and remove other hazardous materials and obstacles from the roadways. Hourly Snowbirds must also have a Class A or B CDL with an X or N endorsement.

Those interested in applying can do so online by visiting www.idot.illinois.gov or work.illinois.gov.