PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Honesdale (Wayne County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's PennDOT is seeking a CDL Operator Trainee to gain hands-on experience operating highway and bridge maintenance equipment on an active crew. This role emphasizes safety, practical learning, and contributing to Pennsylvania's transportation infrastructure.

You will learn to operate heavy equipment, perform checks, and follow Environmental Protection and safety requirements while preparing for a long‑term career in state transportation services.

Qualifications

• Active PA non-commercial Class C driver's license on day one.
• Active PA Class A or B CDL learner’s permit on first day of work.
• Medical Examiner’s Certificate required by FMCSA regulations on first day.
• Ability to operate equipment with a manual transmission.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment while completing required checks and adjustments.
• Tool Use: Select and use motorized and non‑motorized tools including shovels, chain saws, compressors, and patching machines.
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, make visual observations, and report findings to protect yourself, coworkers, and the public.
• Worksite Awareness: Stay aware of hazards, avoid risks, and report injuries or equipment accidents immediately.
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection and management requirements for maintenance activities.

Skills

Manual transmission operation

Education

Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License

Active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit on first day

Medical Examiner’s Certificate per FMCSA regulations

Job description

Jump into a career where every day makes a difference for travelers statewide! As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you will join a team that keeps Pennsylvania highways safe and dependable. This role allows you to gain hands‑on experience while supporting important maintenance and construction work. You will learn practical skills that help crews operate efficiently. This position is a strong starting point for building a long‑lasting career in transportation.

Check out this video for more information!

This role centers on learning to operate highway and bridge maintenance equipment while gaining experience on an active crew. The position helps you develop the skills needed to work safely and effectively in transportation maintenance. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment while completing required checks and adjustments
• Tool Use: Select and use motorized and non‑motorized tools including shovels, chain saws, compressors, and patching machines
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, make visual observations, and report findings to protect yourself, coworkers, and the public
• Worksite Awareness: Stay aware of hazards, avoid risks, and report injuries or equipment accidents immediately
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection and management requirements for 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 due to weather or season; winter shifts will be 4:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• 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 Requirement:

• 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 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.