Winter storms make places, roads, trees, and the scenery beautiful as they cover everything in blankets of white. However, this comes with its negative effects as it makes the streets hazardous, icy, and sometimes impassable. This is when being a snowplow driver is extremely useful and important.
To quickly bring you up to speed, snowplow drivers remove snow and ice from roads, parking lots, driveways, highways, airfields, and sometimes railroad tracks. To help clear the ice from these places, they use many techniques such as depositing salts, solutions, or even sand. These substances help dissolve the snow and also add traction for vehicles quickly.
If this is the kind of job you have been looking for, then look no further as you have come to the right place. We will quickly take you through and show you all the tips you need to know to start working as a snowplow driver.
Being A Snowplow Driver
This is usually a full-time job, especially during the snowy season. Most snowplow drivers typically know what the weather is going to do, and they will always be ready as soon as the storm begins. They will work during the storm until the roads start to clear and open up. Your main goal should be to clear all the blocked roads that might cause accidents.
You should be strong and in good health, since you will be expected to work for long hours. Since the nature of your job is being on the road, you should be a great driver in a variety of weather condition. If you feel like you can’t work up to 12 hours a day in such conditions, then this is not the right job for you.
Nature Of Snow Plow Driving Jobs
Well, your work will begin way before the snow falls, meaning that you have to ensure vehicles are well loaded with salts, gas, and solutions. It will also be your duty to inspect equipment such as engines, hydraulic systems, lights, and other equipment you will be using.
Once your work begins, it goes on from very in the morning until late in the evening or even at night, depending on how bad the roads are. Priority is given to the main roads, then secondary routes, neighborhoods, parking areas, and so on.
Some of the things you are expected to do include managing hydraulics, ensure the hazard lights are in proper working condition to warn drivers, monitor sensors, and also control the dispersal of salts, solutions, sands and the like.
Thanks to technology, which has made work a lot easier, most of these trucks have GPS and video cameras and sensors which allow the work to move smoothly. These vehicles also have road and air sensors that help you manage the equal distribution of melting solutions.
How To Get A Job As A Snowplow Driver
If you are interested in any of these jobs, then the best place to check first is at landscape companies near you. Also, be sure to check out companies, state departments of transport, or even consider working independently. The good news is that most companies offer job training for this position.
Some companies also have snowplow stimulators that are used to test recruits’ driving skills. These systems also help prepare them for what is expected on the road. Depending on the state you live in, you might be required to secure a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) before you can start working.
Expected Salary
Again, this also goes back to which state you live and your level of experience. For clearing roads, you can expect to earn between $9 to $30 per hour. Also, keep in mind that these jobs are available in most states. You can find a lof as long as the area experiences snow at some point.
Bottom Line
This job is not for the faint-hearted. It requires a lot of energy and the ability to work for long hours. However, if you feel like this is your cup of tea, then sign up and start working today.
