Heavy Equipment Operator

PennDOT CDL Operator

Join the team as a PennDOT CDL Operator with the Department of Transportation and help keep Pennsylvania's roads safe and reliable! This role offers hands-on work that lets you see the difference you make every day. You will operate important highway equipment and support essential maintenance tasks. Step into a position where your skills support communities across the Commonwealth! Check out this video for more information!

This position supports highway and bridge maintenance by operating equipment and performing manual labor tasks that keep roads safe and functional. It involves hands-on work with machinery, tools, and safety procedures in a crew environment. As a PennDOT CDL Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate trucks, loaders, and other construction or maintenance equipment
• License Maintenance: Maintain a CDL without an air brake restriction and earn certifications on required equipment
• Traffic Control: Perform flagging duties to support safe traffic movement during work activities
• Manual Labor Tasks: Use motorized and non-motorized tools to complete tasks such as patching, cleaning, cutting, digging, and repairing structures
• Equipment Care: Conduct inspections, perform minor repairs, and complete preventative maintenance on assigned equipment
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, report hazards or incidents, and maintain awareness to reduce risks

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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Hours in the summer will be 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• 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 $45,888.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee Program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Graduation from a Commercial Driver's License Training School; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• All permanent employees must obtain an active certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in the operation of heavy trucks and loaders, and two additional pieces of construction equipment, within the probationary period.
• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver's License or equivalent with the Air Brake Restriction (L) removed.
• All positions require possession of an active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations.
• All employees must obtain an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) during the probationary period and continuously maintain it while employed in this job.
• Employees may be required to obtain and maintain CDL endorsements and certifications necessary to operate specific pieces of equipment.

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.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require 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.