PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

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

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation (PennDOT), is seeking a CDL Operator Trainee in Montour County. This role provides hands-on training to operate highway maintenance equipment and learn daily maintenance tasks while following safety practices.

Overtime, travel, and occasional shifts may be required as part of a structured training program. Starting salary for new hires is $42,347 per year before taxes, with a clear pathway to secure, full-time employment within

Qualifications

• Requires active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• Requires active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit with Air Brake Restriction removed on first day.
• Requires Medical Examiner’s Certificate per FMCSA regulations by first day of work.
• Ability to operate equipment with manual transmission during probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Train to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other roadway/bridge maintenance equipment.
• Follow safety practices, monitor work areas, report injuries, hazards and near misses.
• Use motorized and non-motorized tools for tasks like brush cutting, culvert clearing, and patching roads.
• Perform and document pre/post operation checks and adjust equipment as needed.
• Adhere to environmental protection requirements during maintenance activities.
• Assist coworkers and mechanics with repairs and safe work procedures.

Job description

As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you will begin a career that contributes to safe and dependable travel across Montour County. This position offers hands‑on experience that builds your confidence as you learn to operate important roadway equipment. You will train with skilled professionals who help you understand daily maintenance work and safe job practices. This is a solid pathway toward a secure future with an agency committed to public service.

Check out this video for more information!

This position focuses on learning to operate highway maintenance equipment and completing physical tasks that support safe and reliable travel. It also introduces important safety practices and department procedures that guide daily work. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Train to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other equipment used for roadway and bridge maintenance
• Safety Awareness: Follow safety practices, observe work areas, and report all injuries, hazards, and near misses
• Tool Usage: Use motorized and non motorized tools to complete tasks such as cutting brush, clearing culverts, and patching roadways
• Field Checks: Perform and document pre and post operation checks and make basic adjustments to support safe equipment use
• Environmental Care: Carry out environmental protection requirements connected to maintenance activities
• Worksite Support: Assist coworkers and mechanics with repairs, adjustments, and safe work procedures

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.
• Overtime, travel, and shift work may be required. Dual shifts in effect November through March.
• 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 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit with the Air Brake Restriction (L) removed on the first day of work.
• This position requires 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 within the probationary period.

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.

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 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.