PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

The Position

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in Indiana County and learn the skills that support safe and reliable travel. This role provides hands-on training with important equipment used for roadway maintenance. You will gain experience that prepares you for future advancement while contributing to essential public services. Apply today to join the PennDOT team and start developing the skills you need to secure a long-term transportation career! Check out this video for more information!

Description of Work

This trainee role helps you learn how to operate heavy equipment and perform manual laboring tasks used in highway and bridge maintenance. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate trucks and loaders and complete required safety checks
• Manual Labor: Use hand and power tools to support maintenance tasks such as cutting, patching, and clearing areas
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, use protective gear, and report injuries or incidents promptly
• Worksite Awareness: Watch for hazards, make observations, and communicate findings to crew leaders
• Environmental Compliance: Follow environmental protection rules and requirements during maintenance activities
• Field Adjustments: Install tire chains, make minor equipment adjustments, and prepare machinery for safe operation

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $42,347.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

Qualifications

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on the first day of work.
• This position requires employees to possess an active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations by the first day of work.

Additional Requirements:

• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.