New York DOT Hiring Dozens For Full-Time Maintenance Work

LONG ISLAND, NY — The New York State Department of Transportation is hiring at least 59 full-time workers, according to a news release. Skilled mechanics and transportation maintenance staff are needed for summer and winter maintenance work, the department stated.

Applications are being accepted for positions in NYSDOT's fleet administration and transportation maintenance disciplines on Long Island, Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez announced Thursday. Additional positions are also anticipated to be filled in the coming months, according to the department.

People looking to apply were encouraged to check out the NYSDOT website or the department's Facebook page for updates.

"We are seeking hard-working, career-oriented, dedicated professionals to join our team," Dominguez said in a news release. "Our unparalleled workforce is among the best trained at performing vitally essential services for the public, including responding to and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events such as flooding and snow and ice events. Their skills and dedication help keep New York’s communities safe throughout the year."

NYSDOT is teaming up with the Department of Labor to host virtual job fairs to help recruit workers as part of a recurring process to hire and train staff on different heavy equipment and best practices.

More than 400 positions are currently available across the state.

Employees would be able to expect a base salary, likely overtime pay, health benefits, paid vacation and sick leave, service credit towards retirement and training.

Applications are currently being accepted for several job categories, including highway maintenance workers, fleet administration, and mechanics. Eligible candidates need to be at least 18 years old and pass a physical and drug test, according to the department. Most positions require a clean Class A or B commercial driver's license and the ability to operate heavy dump trucks within two weeks after their employment begins.

NYSDOT is also seeking to hire wintertime workers to plow snow, repair roads and operate light and heavy equipment.

"With a record-breaking number of job openings statewide, this is an unprecedented opportunity for unemployed or underemployed New Yorkers to find a career that they truly love," said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. "Department of Transportation employees receive competitive pay and benefits while keeping our roadways safe and economy flowing across New York State. It is the NYS DOL’s top priority to offer every resource we have at our disposal to assist in connecting New Yorkers to great employment opportunities."

Hirees will be trained and evaluated on essential equipment and are expected to be productive while gaining experience. Physical labor is required for most positions, in addition to work with backhoes, front-end loaders, stump grinders, and other heavy equipment.

During the winter, maintenance workers primarily help in snow and ice removal but will also perform general highway repairs and maintenance such as cold patching. Shifts vary depending on the area, but run from early morning to early afternoon, and from early afternoon to late evening. During storms, those eight-hour shifts can be extended to form two, 12-hour shifts so residents can expect a 24/7 response to snow and ice.