PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Salary

$42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Location

Elk County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-54934

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Elk Co

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

91360

Position Number

0016184

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

J1

Pay Group

ST02

Bureau / Division Code

0080280

Bureau / Division

Elk County Maintenance

Worksite Address

32 Saint Leo Avenue

City

Ridgway, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

15853

Contact Name

Dakota Long

Contact Email

View email address on click.appcast.io

THE POSITION

Start your path toward a meaningful career in transportation! As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you learn essential skills that support highway maintenance and public safety. This role gives you hands-on experience with equipment, tools, and safe work practices. Join a team that values teamwork, reliability, and service to the traveling public!

Check out this video for more information!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This trainee position focuses on learning safe equipment operation, basic roadway maintenance tasks, and department procedures. The role prepares you for full certification and day-to-day responsibilities on a highway or bridge crew. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Train to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and related equipment while completing required pre- and post-operation checks
• Tool Use: Learn proper use of motorized and non-motorized tools for tasks such as patching, cutting brush, and performing repairs
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, make observations, report findings, and help maintain a hazard-free work area
• Field Adjustments: Make basic equipment adjustments to support safe and efficient operation
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental requirements related to assigned maintenance 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.
• Hours are subject to change based on weather and seasonal conditions.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within 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:

• 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.
• This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.

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.