PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Bellefonte (Centre County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee position with the Department of Transportation in Centre County, PA is a hands-on entry level role that trains you to operate heavy equipment and perform road maintenance tasks. You will learn safety practices and support crews to keep roads safe for the traveling public.

Starting salary ranges from $42,347 to $47,863 annually, with full-time hours Mon-Fri 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License required.
• Active Medical Examiner's Certificate per FMCSA by start date.
• Active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit by start date.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment; complete required safety checks.
• Operate hand/foot controls; use seat belts; install/remove tire chains as needed.
• Perform tasks with tools such as shovels, rakes, hammers, chainsaws, compressors, tampers.

Skills

Driver's license

Medical certificate

Commercial learner permit

Job description

$42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Centre County, PA

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

N-2026-60292

91360

00019888

AFSCME

J1

ST02

0080210

TR Centre County

1000 E Bishop Street

Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

16823

Heather Sage

[e-mail]

10/07/2026

10/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

THE POSITION

The PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee position with the Department of Transportation is a great opportunity to begin a hands-on career in roadway maintenance. This role provides training on essential equipment and helps you learn the safety practices needed to work confidently. You will support crews in keeping roads safe for the traveling public. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys physical work and learning new skills.

Check out this video for more information!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This trainee position provides the training and experience needed to operate heavy equipment and perform manual laboring tasks on highway and bridge maintenance crews. The role supports roadway safety by learning proper equipment use, work procedures, and safety practices. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Train to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment and complete required safety checks
• Control Operation: Operate hand and foot controls, use seat belts, and install or remove tire chains as needed
• Manual Labor: Perform tasks using motorized and non-motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, hammers, chainsaws, compressors, and tampers
• Safety Practices: Maintain a safe work environment by following procedures, using protective equipment, and reporting hazards and injuries
• Field Support: Make field adjustments to equipment and perform repairs or cleaning to support safe operation
• Environmental Compliance: Follow environmental protection requirements and complete designated training

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.
• Hours subject to change due to weather or season
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary:Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $42,347.00 (before taxes).
• 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

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• 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.
• All employees must possess an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit by the first day of work.

Additional Requirements

• This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission upon completion of probationary period.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.

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.