PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee

As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you can begin a career that supports the transportation system millions rely on every day. The Department of Transportation will guide you through hands-on training that prepares you for long-term success. You will learn valuable skills while helping keep roads, bridges, and communities safe. This is an exciting chance to grow your abilities and serve the Commonwealth.

This is a six-month trainee position which supports highway and bridge maintenance operations by training on equipment, learning safety procedures, and assisting with daily work tasks. The role builds the skills needed for future licensing and certification while helping crews maintain safe travel conditions. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment while completing required checks and adjustments
• Manual Labor: Perform various tasks using tools such as shovels, rakes, chainsaws, mowers, and patching machines
• Safety Practices: Follow protective procedures, make observations, report hazards, and help maintain a safe work environment
• Field Awareness: Stay alert to work area risks, report injuries or equipment issues, and support safe operations for all workers
• Environmental Duties: Carry out environmental protection requirements and follow training related to 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. Work hours subject to change based on seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• 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 (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 employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.
• 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 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 a 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.