The snow is likely to keep coming this season. Onondaga County’s Department of Transportation is preparing for the next big storm, and that means hiring some plow drivers.

They’re looking for more support this winter season. The main requirements are a clean license and clean drug test.

To make the highway maintenance worker job more appealing, in the last 2 years, the DOT has increased pay from around $18 an hour to around $21. Two of its locations have also been renovated from the ground up.

New permanent employees can get a $5,000 bonus for the winter season, and the county has purchased new equipment to work with as well.

“So we’re in a very good place in being able to provide some good compensation financially, but also to give people the best opportunity to be successful and really have a career,” said County DOT Commissioner Marty Voss.

Even if you don’t have a CDL license, you just need a clean driving record and a clean drug test. Employees can start as trainees and get a taste for the work.

The DOT is having trouble getting the next generation of plow drivers on its payroll, as it tries to replace the generation retiring out.

“When we’ve got a whole generation of folks who are eligible and able to retire, and they do, we’ve got to be able to replace them. And for whatever reason, we’re not able to replace them as quickly as we’d like to,” said Voss.

Voss said there’s lots of overtime available when people call out, and the DOT pays time and a half, and double time on holidays.

In terms of being ready for the winter weather, aside from hiring more drivers, Voss said they’re prepared. The DOT filled its barns with salt earlier in the fall and is ready to go. But what’s hurting them right now, Voss said, is the high price of diesel.

More information about highway maintenance worker opportunities is available at www.ongov.net/dot/employment or by emailing contactDOT@ongov.net.