PennDOT Holds Winter CDL Operator Hiring Event

Ahead of the 2025-26 winter, PennDOT went looking for snowplow drivers in Lebanon County.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation hosted a hiring event on October 20, 2025 from 8 AM to 2 PM at its county maintenance office at 1445 Cumberland Street, Lebanon. The department recruited winter temporary CDL operators with starting pay of $23 per hour.

The event offered job seekers a streamlined path to employment with on-the-spot applications, interviews, and driving skills testing all happening in a single day. Instead of waiting weeks between steps, qualified candidates could handle the main parts of the hiring process in one visit.

What the Job Requires

PennDOT needed operators with specific qualifications. Applicants must have a valid Pennsylvania CDL Class A or B with the air brake restriction removed. The position also requires a current medical examiner certificate.

These aren't casual driving positions. Winter CDL operators handle heavy equipment in challenging conditions, clearing snow and ice from Pennsylvania's roads when storms hit. The work is seasonal but critical to keeping the commonwealth moving during winter months.

Staff at the event discussed both current openings and future opportunities within the state for qualified CDL operators. PennDOT's winter job posting also mentions the chance of a permanent position.

The Application Process

PennDOT encouraged applicants to create an account at employment.pa.gov before attending the event. Getting the online account set up in advance streamlined the application process once candidates arrived.

But the department didn't leave anyone behind. Laptops and staff were available on-site to help participants navigate the electronic application system. For drivers more comfortable behind a wheel than a keyboard, this assistance ensured technology didn't become a barrier to employment.

The winter roles run for one season, but the posting notes a potential permanent position with PennDOT for operators who want to stay on.

Applicants needed to bring their current CDL license and medical examiner's card to the event. These documents are mandatory for verification and to proceed with the hiring process.

The Driving Test Component

Unlike typical office job interviews, CDL operator hiring includes practical assessment. Driving skills testing happened right at the event, allowing PennDOT to evaluate candidates' actual abilities rather than just reviewing resumes.

This makes sense for positions where competence literally keeps people safe. Operating snowplows and heavy equipment on icy roads requires demonstrated skill, not just paper qualifications.

The immediate testing also benefits candidates. Instead of waiting days or weeks for a separate skills assessment appointment, drivers could complete the entire hiring process in a single visit.

Why Winter CDL Positions Matter

Pennsylvania winters demand robust snow removal operations. State roads need clearing every time a storm hits. Without adequate staffing, response times slow and road conditions deteriorate, impacting commerce, emergency services, and daily commutes.

Winter CDL operators are the front line of Pennsylvania's winter road maintenance. When most people are staying home during storms, these drivers are out clearing routes and keeping traffic moving.

The $23 per hour starting wage comes with demanding work. Snow removal means being on the road in harsh weather, when conditions are at their worst.

Statewide Opportunities

While this particular event focused on Lebanon County, PennDOT holds similar hiring events across Pennsylvania. The department operates county maintenance offices throughout the state, all of which need qualified CDL operators for winter operations.

PennDOT District 8, which includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties, regularly hosts hiring events as winter approaches. Drivers willing to work in different locations have multiple opportunities to find positions.

The department's 511PA.com system gives motorists road conditions, traffic cameras, and travel information.

511PA is available 24 hours a day through the website, smartphone apps for iPhone and Android, by calling 5-1-1, or following local alerts on social media.

Beyond Winter Work

While these positions are advertised as winter temporary roles, they can lead to permanent employment. PennDOT needs CDL operators year-round for various maintenance and transportation functions beyond just snow removal.

A winter season also gives drivers a close look at how PennDOT operates before they apply for year-round roles.

The experience also builds valuable skills. Operating heavy equipment in adverse conditions develops expertise that translates to other commercial driving positions. Whether pursuing a long-term PennDOT career or using winter work to gain experience for other opportunities, the positions provide solid training.

Getting Started

The October 20 event is over, but District 8 kept recruiting. In September 2026, PennDOT announced a September 23 hiring event at its Adams County Maintenance Office in Gettysburg, with openings that included a winter CDL equipment operator role for 2026-2027.

Interested candidates can view current postings for winter CDL equipment operator positions and other PennDOT opportunities at the Pennsylvania government jobs website. Creating an account and uploading credentials in advance prepares applicants for when future hiring events are announced.

Job seekers can subscribe to PennDOT District 8 news and traffic alerts, where upcoming hiring events are announced.

Pennsylvania needs drivers ready to keep roads clear and safe every winter. For qualified CDL operators looking for seasonal work with good pay and potential for permanent employment, PennDOT's winter operator positions offer solid opportunities.

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