Salary: $18.83 Hourly
Location : Multi-County, PA
Job Type: Various Types
Job Number: 26-27 DOT Winter Trades
Department: Department of Transportation
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: 3/31/2027 11:59 PM Eastern
Contact Email: RA-PDWINTERPROGRAM@pa.gov
THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking Winter Tradesman Helpers and Winter Semi-Skilled Laborers to support essential winter operations. These positions offer hands-on work that helps keep roadways clear, equipment functioning, and facilities maintained during the winter season. Your efforts will directly support public safety and reliable winter travel across the state. Join a dependable team that takes pride in serving communities during challenging weather.
Check out this video for more information!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
These positions support winter operations by assisting with mechanical tasks, supply handling, and building maintenance across the facility.
As a Winter Tradesman Helper, you will perform the following duties:
- Mechanical Assistance: Support light mechanical repairs such as oil changes, tire work, and basic service tasks
- Supply Handling: Pick up and transport parts, tools, equipment, and materials needed for operations
- Loading Support: Assist with loading and unloading vendor supplies and field materials
- Tool Care: Clean, maintain, and store tools and equipment properly
- Facility Maintenance: Perform simple building tasks such as replacing light bulbs and general upkeep
- Equipment Washing: Wash vehicles and maintain the wash bay area in clean condition
As a Semi Skilled Laborer, you will perform the following duties:
- Custodial Work: Clean buildings, restrooms, breakrooms, offices, and multi-level areas using proper methods and materials
- Groundskeeping Tasks: Perform outdoor maintenance such as mowing, seeding, trimming shrubs, and clearing snow from walkways and parking areas
- Building Upkeep: Complete simple maintenance tasks such as painting, staining, and replacing light bulbs
- Stockroom Support: Assist with receiving, storing, and issuing parts and supplies as needed
- Tool Handling: Carry tools, cleaning materials, and equipment while maintaining proper storage and care
- Environmental Compliance: Follow procedures and attend training related to the Strategic Environmental Management Program
Opportunities are based on operational needs, so there may not be open positions for each job title in every county. To see counties where you might be interested in working, view PennDOT's District map.
Work Hours and Additional Information:
- Salary:
- Winter Tradesman Helpers earn $18.83, hourly.
- Winter Semi-Skilled Laborers earn $18.83, hourly.
- These are seasonal positions lasting from September through April, but there are frequent opportunities to obtain a permanent full-time position.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS - Winter Tradesman Helper
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- Previous experience working with mechanics is preferred but not required.
Necessary Special Requirements:
- Certain positions may require possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver's license.
QUALIFICATIONS - Winter Semi-Skilled Laborer
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- One year of experience in laboring work including the use of tools and equipment used in maintenance or construction; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Necessary Special Requirements:
- Certain positions may require possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver's license.
Additional Requirement:
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Which job title do you want to apply for?
(Select all that apply)
- Winter Tradesman Helper
- Winter Semi-Skilled Laborer
02
What type of Semi-Skilled Laborer experience and training do you have?
(Select all that apply.)
- One year of experience in laboring work including the use of tools and equipment used in maintenance or construction.
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
- None
03
Which county do you prefer to work in?
(Select only one.)
- Adams
- Allegheny
- Armstrong
- Beaver
- Bedford
- Berks
- Blair
- Bradford
- Bucks
- Butler
- Cambria
- Cameron
- Carbon
- Centre
- Chester
- Clarion
- Clearfield
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Cumberland
- Dauphin
- Delaware
- Elk
- Erie
- Fayette
- Forest
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Greene
- Huntingdon
- Indiana
- Jefferson
- Juniata
- Lackawanna
- Lancaster
- Lawrence
- Lebanon
- Lehigh
- Luzerne
- Lycoming
- McKean
- Mercer
- Mifflin
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Montour
- Northampton
- Northumberland
- Perry
- Philadelphia
- Pike
- Potter
- Schuylkill
- Snyder
- Somerset
- Sullivan
- Susquehanna
- Tioga
- Union
- Venango
- Warren
- Washington
- Wayne
- Westmoreland
- Wyoming
- York
04
Select
other counties that you are willing to work in.
(You may select more than one county.)
- Adams
- Allegheny
- Armstrong
- Beaver
- Bedford
- Berks
- Blair
- Bradford
- Bucks
- Butler
- Cambria
- Cameron
- Carbon
- Centre
- Chester
- Clarion
- Clearfield
- Clinton
- Columbia
- Crawford
- Cumberland
- Dauphin
- Delaware
- Elk
- Erie
- Fayette
- Forest
- Franklin
- Fulton
- Greene
- Huntingdon
- Indiana
- Jefferson
- Juniata
- Lackawanna
- Lancaster
- Lawrence
- Lebanon
- Lehigh
- Luzerne
- Lycoming
- McKean
- Mercer
- Mifflin
- Monroe
- Montgomery
- Montour
- Northampton
- Northumberland
- Perry
- Philadelphia
- Pike
- Potter
- Schuylkill
- Snyder
- Somerset
- Sullivan
- Susquehanna
- Tioga
- Union
- Venango
- Warren
- Washington
- Wayne
- Westmoreland
- Wyoming
- York
Required Question