JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Winter will be here soon and snowplow operators are sorely needed throughout the state.
Wyoming Department of Transportation is looking to fill more than 50 permanent and temporary positions throughout the state including perennially snowy regions like Jackson, Dubois, Pinedale, Cody, Rock Springs, and others.
The pay range for most plow positions is $16.40 – $19.44 an hour. In Jackson, the jobs are posted at $20 an hour.
WYDOT says it is struggling to fill these jobs due to a lack of interest.
Labor supply has not kept up with demand despite budget cuts reducing the total amount of jobs. In 2011, WYDOT boasted a snowplow force of 472 drivers. Last year, WYDOT could afford to hire just 417 drivers.
Between budget cuts and potentially unfilled positions, drivers across the state may encounter snowier roads than they are used to.
“We are seeing limited interest in our permanent positions, and when people are offered a job, many times they turn the job down for a better opportunity,” agency director Luke Reiner said. “Please be patient with plow drivers this winter as they will be spread thin and working extremely long hours in some of the worst weather.”
Budget cuts and reduced staff won’t stop roads from being plowed but they may stay snowier longer, Reiner added. In addition, many of the department’s snow elimination tools—magnesium, salt, and chloride—are now used more sparingly than in years past.
