PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Salary: $42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually
Location : Crawford County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2026-56838
Department: Department of Transportation
Division: TR Crawford Co
Opening Date: 09/02/2026
Closing Date: 9/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 91360
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: J1
Pay Group: ST02
Bureau / Division Code: 00080110
Bureau / Division: TR Crawford Co.
Worksite Address: 18492 Smock Highway
City: Meadville, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 16335
Contact Name: Heather McFadden
Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION


Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in Crawford County and learn skills that support safe and reliable travel. This role provides hands-on training with important equipment used for roadway maintenance. You will gain experience that prepares you for future advancement while contributing to essential public services. Step into a position that helps build a strong foundation for your career!

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DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This is a six month trainee position in which you will have the opportunity to acquire the necessary licensures to become a Transportation Equipment Operator A. Your role will focus on learning equipment operation, safety practices, and the manual labor skills needed to support highway and bridge maintenance. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Train for licensing and certification to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and related machinery
• Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, use protective equipment, and stay aware of hazards in the work area
• Tool Use: Use motorized and non-motorized tools to complete tasks such as cutting brush, digging ditches, and repairing surfaces
• Equipment Handling: Operate controls, use seat belts, and install or remove tire chains as needed
• Field Checks: Make visual observations, perform manual adjustments, and report findings in written and oral form
• Work Reporting: Properly report injuries, accidents, and near misses to ensure safe work conditions

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.
• Dual shifts, overtime, and travel may be required. Work hours are subject to seasonal change.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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.
• 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:

• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Ability to to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

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.
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Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01



Special Requirement - Do you possess a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If "No", type N/A in the text box below.
03



Preferred Qualification - Are you able to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission?

• Yes
• No

Required Question