PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Penndot Cdl Operator Trainee

Start your career with confidence as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation. This position will give you the chance to learn essential skills while working on real highway and bridge maintenance projects. You will train on important equipment and become familiar with safety procedures that support roadway operations. Join a team committed to keeping Pennsylvania roads safe and dependable.

Check out this video for more information!

This position offers structured training in equipment operation and roadway maintenance tasks while preparing you for full CDL certification. You will support safe and efficient highway work through hands-on learning and guided practice. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Train to operate heavy trucks and loaders and learn to complete required equipment checks
• Control Operation: Operate hand and foot controls, use seat belts, and install or remove tire chains
• Manual Labor: Use hand and power tools to complete tasks such as cutting brush, repairing surfaces, and cleaning work areas
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, identify hazards, and report injuries or equipment accidents immediately
• Environmental Duties: Apply environmental protection requirements and complete training responsibilities
• Work Support: Perform additional tasks as assigned to assist highway and bridge maintenance operations

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.
• Overtime, travel, and shift work may be required. Dual shifts in effect November through March.
• 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 $42,347 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possess 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 within the probationary period.

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.