Winter in Wisconsin

Extra workers sought to fight snow on UW-Madison campus

Feb. 20, 2008

by John Lucas

Record-setting snowfalls could translate into extra cash for University of Wisconsin-Madison students and others hired to help clear campus sidewalks and stairs of snow and ice.

Officials are hiring extra workers to help with snow and ice clearance to help keep the campus safe for pedestrians. Snowfall after snowfall, paired with rain and subzero temperatures, have taxed the ability of crews to remove all of the ice and snow from the 933-acre campus.

Students and others are invited to enlist to augment the current Physical Plant staff in snow removal efforts at a rate of $11 an hour.

“This winter has dealt us challenge after challenge and we need to find some extra workers to help us remove the ice and snow,” says John Harrod, director of physical plant at UW-Madison. “This is a great way for students especially to make some extra money and help us keep campus slip-free.”

Work is available immediately, clearing ice from sidewalks, and in the event of future snowstorms. Students living within walking distance are particularly valuable because many Physical Plant staff members have a difficult time reaching campus in poor driving conditions.

To be able to work, participants need to first register with the Physical Plant Custodial Division at the Service Building Annex, 1225 University Ave. There, participants will be asked to fill out a W-2 form (bring a Social Security card, birth certificate or other qualifying ID) and specify potential work hours, ranging from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Workers would be assigned to work by phone.

Participants must make a minimum 2-hour time commitment.
Anyone participating should expect to do physical labor. Participants may be asked to shovel, use ice picks and small machines, such as snow blowers.

For more information, call Physical Plant Custodial, (608) 263-3081 or visit the Service Building Annex, 1225 University Ave.