The Iowa Department of Transportation is hoping to hire more than 500 seasonal snowplow operators for the winter ahead, and a recruitment event is underway this afternoon in Coralville, with more events coming in the next few weeks.
Craig Bargfrede, the DOT’s winter operations administrator, says the agency has 100 state maintenance garages and they’re aiming to fill multiple positions at each one — in nearly every county statewide.
“The basic requirement is, we have to have a CDL in order to operate our heavy equipment,” Bargfrede says. “It helps to have knowledge and experience in operating large equipment, but for the most part, we will do some training when these individuals come on board with us.”
He says snowplow operators play a vital role in keeping Iowa’s roads safe and communities connected during winter weather, and the pay is competitive.
“For individuals who have worked for us in the past as a returning seasonal worker, we’re offering $24 an hour this year for those folks,” Bargfrede says. “If you are a brand new employee, seasonal employee with us, the range would be $22.50 an hour.”
It’s seasonal work and there’s no way of telling whether these snowplow operators will be called in once a week or daily depending on when the flakes fly and whether there’s a blizzard.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have a good crystal ball to give them an idea of the number of hours,” Bargfrede says. “Obviously, that’s going to be situational and weather-dependent, storm-dependent. Some areas in the state do offer a minimum amount of hours.”
Driving a big orange snowplow can be exceptionally challenging, but he says it also brings a sense of pride and accomplishment.
“These jobs can be quite demanding and quite stressful, however, at the end of the day, you’re helping out your fellow Iowans, you’re helping out your friends and neighbors in trying to get these roads back to a really safe condition for the traveling public,” Bargfrede says. “So yes, at the end of the day, it is a very rewarding type of position.”
The recruitment events are being held at DOT maintenance garages and they all run from 3 to 5:30 PM. Today’s event is in Coralville, with more scheduled for September 22nd in Charles City, September 28th in Council Bluffs, September 29th in Sioux City, and October 1st in Iowa Falls.