Highway Maintainer - Winter Salaried (District 1)

About the role

The Illinois Department of Transportation is hiring 16 temporary Winter Salaried Highway Maintainers for the 2026/2027 snow and ice season. The position is based in Gurnee, Lake County, and pays $6,255 per month. It is a full-time, salaried, union position with Monday to Friday hours (40 hours per week) and overtime during the snow season (October 16 to April 15, depending on weather). Applicants must apply online through the State of Illinois job portal.

Key responsibilities

• Operate CDL Class A or B licensed vehicles.
• Assist in snow and ice control during snow and ice conditions.
• Maintain roadside and right-of-way areas and roads.
• Perform routine housekeeping and other tasks associated with the 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 X or N endorsement and no airbrake restrictions for two years, then a Class A CDL with the same endorsements by the start of the third year.
• One year of driving experience immediately before appointment, free of incidents that could lead to license suspension or revocation.
• Ability to perform arduous outdoor labor in adverse conditions, including climbing steep terrain and working around traffic.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and maintain good working relationships.
• Successful completion of a background investigation, pre-employment physical and drug and alcohol screening, plus ongoing random testing.

Operations employees may be called at any hour to respond to emergencies, and must respond within 45 minutes. The position is medium work (lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time).