PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 41,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

PennDOT is seeking a CDL Operator Trainee to gain hands-on experience operating highway and bridge maintenance equipment, supporting safety and efficiency across Pennsylvania. You will learn to operate heavy trucks and related gear while contributing to a reliable maintenance crew serving communities statewide.

The role requires valid driver credentials (Class C license or equivalent, plus Class A/B learner's permit on day one) and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy trucks, loaders, and related equipment for highway and bridge maintenance.
• Follow proper safety procedures and protective equipment requirements to maintain a safe work environment.
• Use motorized and non-motorized hand tools for patching, trimming, and clearing work areas.
• Monitor surroundings to help prevent hazards, report injuries or accidents, and support safe crew operations.
• Carrying out environmental protection and management requirements associated with maintenance activities.

Job description

Start your path toward a strong career in transportation! The PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee position with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation gives you hands‑on experience with the equipment that keeps our roads safe. You will gain confidence while learning important skills that support highway and bridge maintenance. This role helps you grow into a dependable member of a team that serves communities across the state. Check out this video for more information!

This trainee role helps you build the skills and knowledge needed to operate highway construction and maintenance equipment. It prepares you for work on a maintenance crew that supports safe and efficient travel. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and related equipment for highway and bridge maintenance
• Safety Practices: Follow proper safety procedures and protective equipment requirements to maintain a safe work environment
• Tool Operation: Use motorized and non-motorized hand tools for manual labor tasks such as patching, trimming, and clearing work areas
• Worksite Awareness: Monitor surroundings to help prevent hazards, report injuries or accidents, and support safe crew operations
• Environmental Duties: Carry out environmental protection and management requirements associated with 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.
• Travel, overtime and shift work is required. Work hours are subject to change based on 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.

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.

Additional Requirements:

• 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.