Snow Removal Operator - District 8 (Temporary)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hiring temporary Snow Removal Operators for the 2026/2027 snow and ice season. The hourly snowbird performs a variety of tasks related to the maintenance, repair and upkeep of roads, bridges and other related structures and features. The position is non-permanent, on-call, and open to applicants who are authorized to work in the United States.

Key responsibilities

• Operate CDL Class A or B licensed vehicles.
• Assist in emergency snow and ice control.
• Assist in servicing, washing and making minor repairs of equipment such as trucks, tractors, snowplows, salt spreaders, compressors, graders and other light highway equipment.
• Perform routine housekeeping and other tasks associated with the general care of the headquarters grounds.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned within the scope of the above.

Required profile

• Knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to four years of high school.
• For seasonal employees only: a Class B CDL with appropriate endorsements (X or N) and no airbrake restrictions is acceptable for two years; by the start of the third year a Class A CDL with the same endorsements and no airbrake restrictions is required.
• One year of driving experience immediately preceding appointment, free of incidents that could lead to license suspension or revocation.
• Ability to perform arduous outdoor labor in adverse conditions, including hot, cold, wet, windy, muddy environments, steep terrain, traffic-exposed roadways and wading in water.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and maintain productive working relationships.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, physical examination and drug and alcohol screening, with ongoing random testing.

Required skills

• CDL Class A or B operation
• Driving experience

What we offer

• Pay of $27.79 per hour.
• Part-time, temporary, on-call work during the snow season (October 16 to April 15, depending on weather).
• Medium work classification (lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time).

Applications must be submitted electronically through the State of Illinois online application portal; applications by email or paper are not accepted. The position is based at one of several operations yards across Illinois, including Belleville, Carlyle, Carrollton, Columbia, East St. Louis, Greenville, Hamel, Hecker, Jerseyville, Nashville, Salem, Steeleville, Troy and Wood River.