PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee

Are you searching for an exciting career path where you can build your skills while helping to keep Pennsylvania roadways safe and well maintained? As a Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), you can gain the skills needed for a long-term professional occupation. This position teaches you how to operate construction equipment and perform important roadway tasks. You will grow your abilities while contributing to safe and reliable travel across the Commonwealth. Apply today to join a team that values learning, teamwork, and public service! Check out this video for more information!

This trainee position teaches the basic skills needed for safe and successful equipment operation and roadway maintenance. The work includes training, hands-on tasks, and learning a comprehensive range of safety practices. As a Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment
• Tool Use: Use motorized and non-motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, saws, and mowers
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, report hazards, and use protective equipment
• Area Awareness: Stay alert to work zone risks and help maintain a safe environment
• Environmental Duties: Apply environmental protection requirements during maintenance activities
• General Labor: Perform manual tasks such as digging, patching, and clearing work areas

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

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 are 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 with 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:

• This position requires 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.

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.