PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Butler (Butler County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in Butler County offers a CDL Operator Trainee program that trains you to use trucks, loaders and related equipment. You will learn safety checks, tool use and maintenance tasks while gaining practical experience for a transportation career.

Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Travel and overtime are required; telework is not available.

Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• Active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on first day of work.
• Active Medical Examiner's Certificate per FMCSA regulations by first day of work.
• Ability to demonstrate operation of equipment with manual transmission.
• Subject to Drug and Alcohol testing per Federal Regulations.
• Ability to perform essential job functions.
• Veterans employment preference as per PA law.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate trucks, loaders, and related machinery and complete safety checks.
• Tool Use: Use hand tools and motorized tools to complete maintenance and repair tasks.
• Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, use protective equipment, and report hazards or injuries.
• Worksite Awareness: Observe work zones, support coworkers, and help reduce risks to the public.
• Environmental Tasks: Carry out environmental protection steps required during maintenance activities.

Job description

Salary

$42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Location

Butler County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-59791

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Butler Co

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/20/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

91360

Position Number

00068711

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

J1

Pay Group

ST02

Bureau / Division Code

00081020

Bureau / Division

TR Butler County

Worksite Address

351 New Castle Road

City

Butler, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16001

Contact Name

Tricia McElhaney

Contact Phone

724.284.8800

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in Butler County and learn the 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. Start developing the skills you need to secure a long-term transportation career!

Check out this video for more information!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position involves learning how to operate heavy equipment and perform manual labor tasks that support road and bridge maintenance. It focuses on training, safety, and gaining experience with tools and equipment used by PennDOT crews. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate trucks, loaders, and related machinery and complete safety checks
• Tool Use: Use hand tools and motorized tools to complete maintenance and repair tasks
• Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, use protective equipment, and report hazards or injuries
• Worksite Awareness: Observe work zones, support coworkers, and help reduce risks to the public
• Environmental Tasks: Carry out environmental protection steps required during maintenance activities

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.
• Travel, overtime, and shift work are required. Work hours are subject to change based upon seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• 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 $42,347.00 (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

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.
• This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.

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.

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.