PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Join the Department of Transportation as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee and take the first step toward a rewarding career. This role allows you to train on real equipment used to keep roads and bridges safe for everyone. You will gain practical experience while supporting essential maintenance work across the state. This is your opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to public safety.

Check out this video for more information!

This position supports safe and efficient highway and bridge maintenance work by learning to operate key equipment and perform important labor tasks. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and related machinery as part of highway and bridge maintenance
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures and use protective gear to reduce risks for yourself and others
• Manual Labor Tasks: Use motorized and non motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, and chainsaws to support maintenance projects
• Environmental Compliance: Apply environmental protection guidelines related to maintenance activities
• Equipment Checks: Perform and document pre and post operation inspections and make basic field adjustments

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.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• 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 Requirement: 

• 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 www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html 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.

Salary : $41,526 - $46,924