District 2 to hold open house for seasonal employment on Aug. 20 in Rockford

ROCKFORD - The Illinois Department of Transportation District 2 will be holding an open house for individuals interested in applying for seasonal positions to help with snow and ice removal in Winnebago and Boone counties. The event will be held from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Rockford Maintenance Yard, 4109 11th St.

Attendees will have a chance to speak with IDOT staff to learn more about the program and obtain assistance in submitting an application, which must be completed online at https://illinois.jobs2web.com. Once on the site, the easiest way to access the posting is to type the county of preference into the search bar. Applications for Winter Salaried Highway Maintainers (Monthly Snowbirds) must be submitted online by Friday, Aug. 21. If you need further assistance or information, call District 2 Administrative Manager Brad Sibley at 815-284-5411.

Both full-time Winter Highway Maintainers and hourly Winter Highway Maintainers are being hired to help maintain more than 45,000 lane miles statewide during the winter. They are required to promptly respond to emerging weather situations for snow and ice removal and be ready to work in emergency conditions at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. The starting salary for full-time is $6,255 per month, and hourlies are paid $27.79 an hour. ​ ​

Applicants must have a commercial driver's license and submit to a criminal background check. A pre-employment physical and vision test as well as drug and alcohol screening are required. A new law provides for veterans' preference for these seasonal positions, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. For additional information, including positions available and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and potential for benefits, please click here. ​

A short, animated video on the snowbird program is available on IDOT's YouTube channel. ​