PennDOT Winter Dispatcher, 2026-2027

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 24,796 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking Winter Dispatchers to support public safety during winter operations. The role primarily involves answering calls and coordinating response efforts to ensure safe travel conditions.

Candidates should have previous clerical or dispatching experience. The position offers $17.73 hourly and is seasonal, lasting from September to April with potential for permanent roles.

Qualifications

• Previous clerical or radio dispatching experience is preferred.
• Ability to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls from the public.
• Direct equipment operators and relay information during winter events.
• Record call details and maintain accurate seasonal documentation.
• Perform filing, retrieving, sorting, and storing of documents.
• Communicate roadway conditions and support safe response efforts.

Job description

THE POSITION

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking Winter Dispatchers who are ready to support public safety during the busy winter season. This position plays an important role in managing calls and coordinating timely responses to keep travelers safe. You will help ensure that road crews receive the information they need to act quickly and effectively. This is a chance to make a positive impact while supporting winter operations across the state.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports winter communication and response operations by answering calls and coordinating information for roadway safety. As a Winter Dispatcher, you will perform the following duties:

• Call Handling: Answer emergency and non-emergency calls from the public
• Resource Dispatch: Direct equipment operators and relay information during winter events
• Information Logging: Record call details and maintain accurate seasonal documentation
• Clerical Support: Perform filing, retrieving, sorting, and storing of documents
• Safety Coordination: Communicate roadway conditions and support safe response efforts

OPPORTUNITIES

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

• This position may require rotating shifts, including evening and overnight hours, as well as overtime during peak winter operations. Weekend and holiday work may also be necessary to support public safety.
• Salary: Winter Dispatchers earn $17.73 hourly.
• This is a seasonal position lasting from September through April, but there are frequent opportunities to obtain a permanent full-time position.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred qualification (not required):

• Previous clerical or radio dispatching experience, including the utilization of electronic communications equipment and visual display equipment

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENT

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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 [e-mail].

TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.