The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s job fair was the place to be Tuesday.

The event held at the PennDOT Carbon County office in Lehighton included on-site interviews with job offers, as county employees were on hand to answer questions about employment, and to assist with the application process.

In the Carbon area, PennDOT looked to fill seven positions; five temporary CDL operators, one temporary mechanic, and one temporary clerk, according to Albert Lubinsky, Carbon County maintenance manager.

Lubinsky noted that the job fair “is new for us.”

“We had at least three drivers and two clerks come to fill out applications,” Lubinsky said as of noon. “It’s a better chance to learn our process, talk in person with someone, find out what the job is about.”

Todd Carter of Lehighton explained why he attended the job fair.

“Just looking for a CDL Class B driving opportunity,” Carter said.

So, too, was Jake Barnisky of Tamaqua.

“I’m applying for a Class B operator position,” Barnisky said.

Lubinsky said the temporary employees will work 37.5 hours a week, beginning October and running through mid-April depending on how intense of a winter we have.

Temporary employees only receive monetary compensation, while permanent full-time employees receive salary and benefits.

Hourly rates are transportation equipment/CDL operator, $17.48-$19.72, based on location; diesel and construction equipment mechanic, $20.91-$22.24, based on location; auto mechanic, $18.53; and stock clerk, $14.61.

Lubinsky said those who brought their credentials and completed the interview and driving test could receive a conditional job offer pending background checks.

“We don’t have enough permanent employees to run our trucks 24 hours a day,” he said. “The whole winter is the reason we’re here.”

PennDOT was in need of roughly 60 winter temporary operators throughout its six-region area, which includes Monroe, Schuylkill, Northampton, Lehigh and Berks counties.

View the current available positions by going online to www.employment.pa.gov.