PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee

Start your journey as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation! This position offers hands-on experience that helps keep Pennsylvania roads safe and well maintained. You will learn essential skills and work with a team that supports your growth. This is your chance to build a strong foundation for a long-term transportation career!

This position helps you learn how to operate heavy equipment and perform important maintenance tasks that support safe travel on highways and bridges. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other machinery used for highway or bridge maintenance
• Perform and document pre-operation and post-operation inspections and make basic adjustments to ensure safety
• Use tools such as shovels, rakes, and chainsaws to complete a wide range of physical labor duties
• Follow safety rules, observe work conditions, and report hazards or injuries to protect yourself and others
• Apply environmental protection practices related to maintenance work activities

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.
• Travel, overtime and shift work required. Work hours subject to change based on seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $41,526.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications:

• You must be in possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• All employees must possess an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on the first day of work.
• All positions require 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.