PennDOT Winter Dispatcher, 2026-2027

About the role

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.

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 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.

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.

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 Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers 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.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

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

Additional information

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.