PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Cyclone (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee role in Cyclone, PA offers hands-on training operating heavy trucks and maintenance equipment while joining a crew focused on safety and reliability of state roadways.

You’ll learn from skilled crew members, perform equipment checks, and follow environmental standards on a full-time schedule, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with no telework option. Starting pay ranges between $42,347 and $47,863 per year.

Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
• Active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on first day.
• Active Medical Examiner's Certificate per FMCSA regulations on or before first day.
• Ability to operate equipment with a manual transmission.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders and other construction equipment.
• Follow proper safety procedures and wear required PPE.
• Use hand and motorized tools such as shovels and rakes.
• Perform and document pre- and post-operation inspections.
• Carry out environmental protection requirements during maintenance activities.

Skills

Driver's license

CDL permit

Medical certificate

Manual transmission

Job description

Salary

$42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Location

McKean County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-57473

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Mckean Co

Opening Date

09/02/2026

Closing Date

9/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

91360

Position Number

00112266

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

J1

Pay Group

ST02

Bureau / Division Code

0080250

Bureau / Division

McKean County Maintenance

Worksite Address

300 Bingham Road

City

Cyclone, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16726

Contact Name

Leah Burke

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Build a strong start in a career that helps keep Pennsylvania moving! The PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee role with the Department of Transportation teaches you how to operate equipment safely while working side by side with skilled crew members. You will gain practical knowledge that prepares you for long-term success. This opportunity gives you the tools you need to make a real impact on state roadways. Become part of PennDOT and help maintain the systems that keep communities connected!

Check out this video for more information!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position is a trainee role that prepares you to operate construction and maintenance equipment while performing important manual labor tasks on highway and bridge crews. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment
• Safety Practices: Follow proper safety procedures and use required protective equipment
• Tool Operation: Use hand and motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, chain saws, and patching machines
• Equipment Checks: Perform and document pre- and post-operation inspections and make field adjustments
• Environmental Standards: Carry out environmental protection requirements during maintenance activities

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 are subject to change based on weather and seasonal conditions.
• 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

• You must be in 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:

• 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).

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.