Emergency Snow Plow Operator

Minnesota Department of Transportation; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 44,000; Part time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) has vacancies for Emergency Snow Plow Operators (Transportation Associate and Transportation Generalist levels) across District 1A. These are 6‑month, intermittent winter positions located at multiple truck stations and called as needed during snow events.

Applicants must have a MN CDL Class B with tanker endorsement (air brake restriction not allowed; tanker endorsement within 2 weeks).

Qualifications

• One year of snow/ice or related road maintenance experience (as described).
• OR completion of a Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance Program substitution.
• Valid MN CDL Class B with tanker endorsement; tanker endorsement within 2 weeks of hire.

Skills

CDL Class B

Tanker endorsement

English proficiency

Heavy equipment operation

Education

Heavy Equipment Operation Program (60 sem credits; 90 quarter credits)

Job description

Working Title: Emergency Snow Plow Operator

Job Class: Transportation Generalist / Transportation Associate

Agency: Transportation Dept

• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Intermittent
• Education/License Verification

• Job ID: 97443
• Location: Various
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Intermittent
• Regular/Temporary: Emergency
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/06/2026
• Closing Date: 10/19/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Transportation Dept / Transportation-Dist 1-AFSCME
• Division/Unit: District 1A - Duluth / South Subarea
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: No
• Transportation Associate Salary Range: $23.57 - $24.28 / hourly
• Transportation Generalist Salary Range: $25.19 - $31.60 / hourly
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 202 - Craft, Maintenance, Labor/AFSCME
• Work Area: Various
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

• The Minnesota Department of Transportation does not sponsor applicants for work visas or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment.

MnDOT has a number of vacancies for Emergency Snow Plow Operator (Transportation Associate and Transportation Generalist levels) located at various Truck Stations throughout District 1. If you are interested in being considered for full-time winter positions in Northeast, you may also apply to Job ID: 97458 (Temporary Snow Plow Operator).

Emergency Snow Plow Operators will be utilized during a 6-month season for snow and ice removal on an intermittent basis. These positions are only called for work when needed and work for the State of MN for up to a maximum of 45 days (combined) in a 12-month period. This is a great opportunity for someone who is interested in plowing but still wants time off to enjoy winter sports or time at home to enjoy the beauty of Minnesota winters in the Northwoods!

Emergency positions may be located at Truck Stations in Duluth (Pike Lake & Nopeming), Carlton, Moose Lake, Sandstone, Pine City, Two Harbors, Silver Bay, Grand Marais, Floodwood, McGregor, Grand Rapids, Ely, Virginia, Hibbing, Cook, International Falls, Littlefork (about 30 miles southwest of International Falls), Deer Lake (Effie).

Must be able to report to hired work location within one hour of being called.

Minimum Qualifications

Transportation Generalist Minimum Qualifications

Exam Part 1:

The level of experience to perform this job at the TG level can be achieved with:

• Experience: One (1) year of experience performing activities in snow and ice, soils, road surface maintenance, roadside maintenance, bridge maintenance, signs, or related activities (roadway maintenance, driving commercial vehicles, commercial landscaping, operating heavy equipment, or farm experience.

OR

• Education: Successful completion of a Heavy Equipment Operation and Maintenance Program (of at least 60 semester credits; or 90 quarter credits) will substitute for one year of experience. (In order for education coursework to be considered in lieu of work experience you must submit a copy of your transcripts).

AND

• License: A minimum of a valid MN Commercial Driver’s License Class “B” with tanker endorsement and no air brake restriction at time of application. Tanker endorsement must be achieved within 2 weeks of hire date.
• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak, and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

Transportation Associate Minimum Qualifications

• License: A minimum of a valid MN Commercial Driver’s License Class “B” with tanker endorsement and no air brake restriction at time of application. Tanker endorsement must be achieved within 2 weeks of hire date.
• Working knowledge of English sufficient to read, write, speak and understand oral and written information; communicate with employees and the general public in-person or via two-way radio and other electronic devices; and to maintain routine written logs and simple records.

NOTE: The incumbent will be subject to drug and alcohol testing. New employees must pass a pre-placement drug test for evidence of use of marijuana, cocaine, opiates, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines (MDMA, MDA and MDEA) and acetylmorphine (6-AM). The incumbent is required to be immediately accessible to a phone and be able to report to work within one (1) hour of being called.

Veterans may be eligible for a waiver of CDL based on military experience. Please contact your County Veteran Service Officer(http://www.minnesotaveteran.org/CVSO/) to obtain a copy of your VMET DD2586.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to work nights; may be required to work outside exposed to the weather elements (both hot and cold) on an intermittent basis. The employee will drive a motor vehicle in on & off-road conditions. Periodically, the employee will walk on even and uneven sloping ground. The employee must frequently and continually rotate through various body positions (standing, twisting, bending, sitting, kneeling, squatting). The employee will occasionally operate machinery and equipment (using vision and hearing) under varying temperatures. The employee may need to infrequently move between 50 and 70 pounds by pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying. The employee must be able to wear and use personal protective equipment to protect the head, eyes, hearing, respiration, visibility, and feet from injury.

Additional Requirements

Successful candidate must pass past-employer reference checks and criminal history check

It is our policy that all candidates submit to a background investigation prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Employment Reference Check
• Education/License Verification
• Driver's License Check
• This position is contingent upon the selected job candidate having a valid Commercial Driver’s License, submits to a Federal Department of Transportation Pre-employment drug test (with negative test results), is subject to future random drug and alcohol testing and is registered in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
  • Fertility care, including IVF
  • Diabetes care
  • Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies

based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.

Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) encourages participation in all its programs, services and activities and does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities. Anyone who believes they may need a reasonable accommodation in order to fully participate in the job application, interview or selection processes may contact any agency official with whom applicant has contact in the processing of their employment application to request an accommodation. Applicants may also contact the MnDOT Affirmative Action office to request an accommodation by: E-mail: [e-mail]; or by calling Janet Miller at 651/366-4720; or using MN Relay 711.

The MnDOT Reasonable Accommodation policy can be found at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/policy/hr/hr009.html.