The state is looking to hire snowplow drivers and other positions with the state Department of Transportation ahead of the upcoming winter.

The DOT, like so many industries, has lost a number of employees since the start of the pandemic.

The DOT says it is now looking to hire 70 employees, including snowplow operators, as the cooler weather moves in.

"The hiring freeze is over. The governor eliminated that moratorium. We weren't affected too much by that, but people were not necessarily looking for jobs during COVID," says NYS DOT Regional Spokesperson Stephen Canzoneri.

The DOT says it also looking for highway workers, engineers, mechanics and office staff.

"We're at the point now where we're seeing a lot more people retire and we want to start outreach to younger people," Canzoneri adds.

When it comes to maintaining town roads, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joe Saladino says they're in good shape.

"We've shifted employees through departments. So, we have sanitation employees that also drive snowplows. We put Parks Department people on plows," Saladino says. "Whether it's a snowstorm or a hurricane, the Town of Oyster Bay is ready."