PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

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

Job summary

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Blair County location is seeking a Transportation Equipment Operator A trainee. The role features a six‑month training program to learn equipment operation and manual tasks for highway/bridge maintenance.

During training you’ll gain hands‑on experience with heavy trucks, safety procedures, and environmental compliance, with standard work hours 7:30 AM–3:30 PM weekdays.

Qualifications

• Active PA non‑commercial Class C driver's license.
• Medical Examiner's Certificate required by day one.
• CDL Learner's Permit (A or B) with Air Brake Restriction removed at application.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.
• Veterans' preference per PA law.

Responsibilities

• Equipment training: operate heavy trucks and loaders and perform checks.
• Manual labor: use hand and power tools for field tasks.
• Safety procedures: follow rules and report injuries/incidents.
• Worksite awareness: observe hazards and communicate findings.
• Environmental compliance: implement environmental protection steps.
• Equipment handling: install tire chains and basic machine adjustments.

Job description

$42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Blair County, PA

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

N-2026-57595

Department of Transportation

TR Blair Co

10/22/2026

10/31/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

91360

00228638

AFSCME

J1

ST02

080920

PennDOT Maintenance District 9-2, Blair County

1598 N. Juniata Street

Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

16648

Amanda Ehredt

814.696.7272

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF N-2026-57595 WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY OPEN FROM AUGUST 31, 2026 TO SEPTEMBER 9, 2026. PREVIOUS APPLICANTS DO NOT NEED TO REAPPLY.

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in Blair 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.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Within this role, you will participate in a six‑month training program in which you will learn the specialized duties of a Transportation Equipment Operator A. This trainee position helps you learn to operate equipment and perform manual labor tasks needed for highway and bridge maintenance. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks and loaders and complete pre-operation and post-operation checks
• Manual Labor: Use hand and power tools for cutting, patching, clearing, and other field tasks
• Safety Procedures: Follow safety rules, wear protective gear, and promptly report injuries or incidents
• Worksite Awareness: Observe work areas for hazards and communicate findings to crew members
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection steps required for maintenance activities
• Equipment Handling: Install tire chains, use hand and foot controls, and make basic field adjustments to machinery

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 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• Work hours may vary based upon seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non‑commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• 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.

Additional Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit with the Air Brake Restriction (L) removed at the time of application.
• 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.