PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Laporte (Sullivan County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Sullivan County is seeking a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee to join a six-month training program that teaches the duties of a Transportation Equipment Operator A. The role covers tools, equipment, and safe work practices for highway and bridge maintenance.

You will learn to operate machinery, perform manual tasks, and follow safety procedures while gaining experience for future advancement in public service.

Qualifications

• This position requires an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• An active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit is required on day one.
• An active Medical Examiner's Certificate (FMCSA) is required on day one.
• Proven ability to operate equipment with a manual transmission.

Responsibilities

• Train for licensing and equipment certification to operate heavy equipment.
• Perform and document pre- and post-operation checks.
• Operate hand and foot controls and install/remove tire chains.
• Complete manual labor tasks with tools such as shovels and saws.
• Maintain a safe work environment and report incidents.
• Follow environmental protection and management requirements.

Skills

CDL License

Driver's Permit

Medical certificate

Manual transmission operation

Job description

Salary: $42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Location: Sullivan County, PA

Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number: N-2026-58458

Department: Department of Transportation

Division: TR Sullivan Co

Opening Date: 09/18/2026

Closing Date: 10/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code: 91360

Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union: AFSCME

Bargaining Unit: J1

Pay Group: ST02

Bureau / Division Code: 00080360

Bureau / Division: Transportation - Sullivan County Maintenance Organization

Worksite Address: 322 Park Street

City: Laporte, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 18262

Contact Name: Carolyn Kilburn

Contact Phone: [phone]

Contact Email: [e-mail]

THE POSITION

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) in Sullivan 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. Apply today to join the PennDOT team as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee and start developing the skills you need to secure a long-term transportation career! Check out this video for more information!

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 introduces you to the tools, equipment, and safe work practices used in highway and bridge maintenance. You will learn the skills needed to operate machinery, complete manual labor tasks, and follow proper procedures. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Train for Licensing: Train for licensing and equipment certification to operate specified heavy equipment
• Perform Checks: Perform and document pre and post operation checks
• Operate Controls: Operate hand and foot controls and install and remove tire chains
• Complete Manual Tasks: Complete manual labor tasks using tools such as shovels, rakes, compressors, and saws
• Maintain Safety: Maintain a safe work environment and report observations and incidents
• Follow Requirements: Follow environmental protection and management requirements

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. Work hours are subject to change based upon seasonal requirements and operational needs.
• Dual shifts will be in effect from 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 $42,347.00 (before taxes).
• 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.
• 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 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.