PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Salary

$42,437.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Location

Lehigh County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-56328

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Lehigh Co

Opening Date

08/17/2026

Closing Date

8/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Max Number of Applicants

25

Job Code

91360

Position Number

00171028

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

J1

Pay Group

ST02

Bureau / Division Code

00080530

Bureau / Division

Lehigh County Maintenance Office

Worksite Address

1712 Lehigh Street

City

Allentown, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

18103

Contact Name

Jennifer Hodge

Contact Email

View email address on click.appcast.io

THE POSITION

NOTE: This posting will close on August 30, 2026 or after a total of 25 applications are received, whichever occurs first.

Begin a career that makes a difference for every driver on the road! As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you will learn valuable skills that support safe and reliable travel across the state. This role gives you real experience with highway equipment and daily maintenance tasks. You will work with a team committed to quality work and community service. Start your path toward a rewarding future in public service!

Check out this video for more information!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role focuses on building the skills necessary for operating equipment and completing manual labor tasks that support safe highway and bridge maintenance. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate trucks, loaders, and other equipment as required for maintenance activities
• CDL Compliance: Maintain the required CDL and complete daily pre and post operation checks
• Traffic Control: Perform flagger duties to manage traffic flow when equipment is not being operated
• Manual Labor Tasks: Use motorized and non-motorized tools to complete tasks such as digging, cutting brush, and repairing barriers
• Equipment Care: Carry out minor repairs, preventative maintenance, and cleaning of assigned equipment
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, report hazards, and help maintain a safe work environment

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.
• Overtime, dual-shifts, and holiday shifts may be required during storm operations, emergencies, and specialized maintenance operations.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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:

• 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:

• You must obtain an active certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in the operation of heavy trucks and loaders, and construction equipment, within the probationary period.
• Employees may be required to obtain and maintain CDL endorsements and certifications necessary to operate specific pieces of equipment.
• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualification (not required):

• Ability to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.

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.