During the past year, Missouri Department of Transportation officials have made public pleas trying to get more workers as they have faced staffing shortages due to competition from other government agencies, the private sector and retirements.
As it gets ready for this winter season, MoDOT is again looking to fill several full-time maintenance and emergency maintenance equipment operator positions throughout the state.
MoDOT spokesman Charles Hiebert said he didn't have a number for how many people they were looking for, but they have openings for all these positions at most of their facilities in Central Missouri, including Columbia, California and Williamsburg.
"We'll have to see how many apply and out of those how many qualify for these openings," Hiebert said. "Some of these persons could also be used as plow drivers, if needed."
Salaries start at $17.55 per hour, depending on level of experience and area of operation. This position is also eligible for an additional $3-$6 per hour when working winter/emergency operations activities.
Natalie Roark, MoDOT's maintenance director, said, "These workers also have opportunities for year-round employment include mowing, striping and other maintenance functions."
Full-time maintenance employment requirements include:
• 18 years old.
• High school diploma or GED/HiSET.
• Valid driver's license.
• Passing grade on the written portion of the commercial driver's license (CDL) exam prior to hire date.
• Passing grade on the driving portion of the CDL exam with tanker endorsement, no air brake restrictions (Class B), within 60 days after being hired.
• Successful completion of a work simulation examination and a medical-physical examination.
• Pre-employment drug test and criminal background check (a misdemeanor or felony conviction is not an automatic restriction to employment).
Emergency Maintenance Equipment Operator requirements include:
• 18 years old.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) class A or B with no air brake restrictions.
• Pre-employment drug test and criminal background check (a misdemeanor or felony conviction is not an automatic restriction to employment).
Full-time maintenance employees receive full training and a long list of other benefits including retirement, paid leave, medical, vision and dental insurance.
MoDOT officials have said they are in a competition for drivers with a CDL. They are competing against companies getting ready for the holidays who deliver packages and shipping goods along with other communities trying to fill their operations for winter. With very low unemployment rates, those drivers become very hard to find.
To learn more about the jobs that are currently available or to apply, go to modot.org/careers.