PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee to learn operating heavy equipment for highway and bridge maintenance. The role includes structured training and progression toward Transportation Equipment Operator A classification, with a standard daytime schedule and potential seasonal adjustments.

The program emphasizes safety, environmental compliance, and hands-on skill development, with a path to a long-term civil service career within the department.

Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License required.
• Active Medical Examiner’s Certificate required by first day of work.
• Must be able to pass Drug and Alcohol testing as per Federal Regulations.

Responsibilities

• Learn to operate heavy trucks and loaders in support of highway and bridge upkeep.
• Follow safety procedures and use protective gear to maintain a safe work environment.
• Use motorized and non-motorized tools to complete maintenance tasks
• Observe conditions, report hazards, and take steps to reduce risks to yourself and others.
• Carry out environmental protection requirements related to maintenance activities

Skills

Equipment Training

Safety Practices

Tool Operation

Worksite Awareness

Environmental Compliance

Job description

Build your skills while improving the Pennsylvania’s highways and bridges! As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you will learn how to operate key equipment used to maintain the state’s highways and bridges. This position offers guided training, steady support, and meaningful daily work. It is a great opportunity to gain confidence and step into a long-term career.

Check out this video for more information!

This role focuses on learning to operate heavy equipment and perform essential road maintenance tasks that support safe travel across the Commonwealth. It also provides structured training that prepares you for the Transportation Equipment Operator A classification. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks and loaders in support of highway and bridge upkeep
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures and use protective gear to maintain a safe work environment
• Tool Operation: Use motorized and non-motorized tools to complete assigned maintenance tasks
• Worksite Awareness: Observe conditions, report hazards, and take steps to reduce risks to yourself and others
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection requirements related to 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 required. Work hours subject to change based on seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• 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 $42,347.00 (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 by 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.

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.

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.