When road conditions are hazardous, most people are encouraged to stay inside. But for plow operators like Jason Cosby, when it snows, it’s time to hit the road.
“A lot of people envy us in the summer when we’re outside all the time but not so much in the winter time,” Cosby said.
Cosby is a groundskeeper at Benefis Health System who works odd hours to make sure parking lots, emergency routes, and hospice doors are clear.
Plowing is a job geared towards outdoorsmen like Cosby.
“It does take somebody that likes to plow and likes being out in the snow to do this kind of job...you gotta be able to work by yourself and get the job done,”
Although he works long hours in the snowm the cold doesn’t dampen his mood.
“I enjoy doing it and I think anybody else that works in the field that we do could say the same as well,” Cosby said. “I take a lot of pride in what I do...It’s important to keep people safe.”
Although his day-to-day work changes according to the weather, the snow brings with it a flurry of responsibilities.
“On days like today you kind of gotta play it by ear and try to be everywhere at one time...I guess when it continues to snow for hours and hours then you start going, where do i go next or what do i do?,” Cosby said.
Even in the cold, he keeps his cool.
“It could be a little overwhelming at times but you do what you can and and do the best that you can,” Cosby said.
