SALEM – Winter conditions will soon arrive in parts of Oregon. With the passage of House Bill 3991 and new funding for road maintenance coming to the agency soon, the Oregon Department of Transportation is moving rapidly to hire winter maintenance staff.
ODOT is prioritizing filling a mix of seasonal and permanent maintenance positions that provide or support winter maintenance service. They are located in every region of Oregon.
“This funding is a significant investment, and we do not treat it lightly,” said ODOT Director Kris Strickler. “ODOT will move as quickly as possible to fill vacancies, restore staffing levels and deliver the critical services Oregonians rely on in winter.”
In previous years, ODOT began the process of hiring winter maintenance staff during the summer. However, given the agency’s operational budget issues, ODOT did not have funding to fill vacant maintenance positions or hire seasonal staff. Compounding the staffing challenges – twice as many people left the agency in July and August this year compared to the number who left the agency during the same time period in 2024.
These factors, along with a hiring freeze to save money, have left hundreds of positions vacant as the agency heads into winter.
Interested applicants can apply here: Oregon Department of Transportation : Career Opportunities : About Us : State of Oregon. Individuals with commercial driver’s licenses or experience providing winter maintenance services are especially encouraged to apply. Training is available for those without this experience or certification.