The first snow of the season could come at anytime, and the Ohio Department of Transportation needs snow plow drivers ASAP!

In a video posted to YouTube, ODOT Spokesperson David Rose said the state is looking for hundreds of drivers and noted that applications this year have been "way down."

"This year has been the most difficult year we've had getting seasonal workers," said Rose.

ODOT says seasonal employees are vital to their snow and ice operations because full time drivers can only work a 12-16 hour shift in any 24 hour period.

Spokesperson Matt Bruning tells 21 News, "We're facing the same challenges that many other employers are, especially among CDL-holders. These folks are in high-demand and especially in larger metro areas have a lot of options for employment. Getting enough qualified drivers has always been a challenge, but that challenge is greater this year."

"So if we get hit with a long-term snowstorm - and we will - we will not have the resources or capacity to clear the roads as quickly as we have in the past," said Rose in the YouTube video.

ODOT said their goal has always been to have primary routes back up to speed within 2 hours of the end of a snow event and secondary routes back up to speed within 4 hours. ODOT said, last year they hit this goal 95% of the time. But, they may not be able to meet this goal this winter season if they do not have enough drivers.

"Without the proper staffing, it will likely take us longer to get our routes back to speed. Obviously, our focus will be on the major routes first because that is where the higher traffic volumes are," said Bruning. "We're asking the public to be patient and when it snows, if you don't have to travel, please stay home to give us time to get the roads cleared."

ODOT says they may earn more than $18/hour.

"One of the big benefits to working in these positions is that in many cases it can lead to full-time employment with ODOT. That full-time employment comes with good benefits and retirement. Best of all, you're getting an opportunity to make a big difference in your community and keep your family and neighbors safe in the winter months," said Bruning.

Bruning said, ODOT is still looking to hire about half of the positions available in ODOT District 4, which includes Mahoning and Trumbull counties. ODOT District 11 has almost filled all of their available positions. The state hires about 500 seasonal employees each winter.