2013 Snow Plow Operator Training Workshop


Snow plow

The 2013 Snow Plow Operator Training (SPOT) Workshop will be held September 10-11, 2013 at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. For information about the 2013 Snow Roadeo, see the Snow Roadeo website.

Who Should Attend, and Why?

In this two-day event, new plow operators and operators with limited plowing experience will learn about the art of snow plowing through expert presentations and discussions with other operators. Perhaps most important, they will have opportunities to practice and hone their skills, with personal feedback and coaching from an experienced snow plow operator/trainer.

Where

Family Center Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, Iowa. You can park on Grand Avenue (Concourse).

Map of the Iowa State Fairgrounds

Sponsorships

Sponsorship of the 2013 SPOT is also now possible. Sponsorships are a minimum of $250. Sponsors will be recognized verbally during the opening session and on a poster that is displayed during the presentations and breaks. Recognition on the 2013 SPOT website will also occur when the sponsorship is received. Please email Jennifer Serra, jserra@iastate.edu, if you are interested in sponsoring the 2013 SPOT. There is no vendor or exhibitor space at this workshop.

Current Sponsors

  • American Public Works Association, Iowa Chapter
  • Iowa LTAP at Iowa State University’s Institute for Transportation
American Public Works Association       Iowa LTAP

Attendee Responsibilities

Your agency must provide, or coordinate the provision of, the following:

  • 1 single-axle truck for every 2 students
  • Truck with plow and wings, if you use wings
  • 1 trainer/experienced operator for each truck
  • Rain gear for all participants

NOTE: To make these arrangements (for plow trucks and passenger vehicles) contact Matt Dolan, matt.dolan@wdm.iowa.gov, 515-480-7259

Tentative Agenda

Tuesday, Sept. 10

7:30 a.m. Registration
8:00 a.m. Trainer meeting
8:30 a.m. Overview
Pre-Trip Video
DOT Vehicle Enforcement
Noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Pre-Trip Inspections
Skills/Road Course Driving
Vehicle Defect Identification
Skills Practice
3:30 Adjourn

 

Wednesday, Sept. 11

8:00 a.m. Pre-Trip Inspections
Skills/Road Course Driving
Vehicle Defect Identification
Skills Practice
Noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Lessons Learned and/or Snow Plow Technologies
Snow Event Footage and Discussion
Sensible Salting
Truck Defects Identification and Contest Winners
3:30 Adjourn

 

For More Information

If you have questions, contact Jennifer Serra, 515-294-4401, jserra@iastate.edu.