PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Lemoyne (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation is seeking a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee to support highway and bridge maintenance. This six-month program provides hands-on learning with equipment operation, safety practices, and essential manual labor skills in outdoor settings.

You will train on heavy trucks and roadway equipment, perform tool operations, and adhere to safety requirements while contributing to statewide transportation projects.

Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• Active Medical Examiner’s Certificate per FMCSA Regulations by first day of work.
• Active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit at time of application.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other roadway maintenance equipment accurately and safely.
• Tool Operation: Use motorized and non-motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, saws, and tampers for maintenance tasks.
• Safety Practices: Follow all safety rules, use required protective gear, and report hazards or incidents promptly.
• Area Awareness: Stay alert to risks in the work zone and help protect yourself, coworkers, and motorists.
• Environmental Care: Apply environmental protection practices required for maintenance activities.

Job description

Be part of a team that makes a real difference every day! As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you will step into a role that helps keep our roads safe and well maintained. This trainee program provides hands on learning with equipment and safety practices that prepare you for long term success. You will gain valuable experience while working outdoors and supporting statewide transportation efforts. Choose a career path with PennDOT and help shape the roads that connect us all!

Check out this video for more information!

Within this role, you will participate in a six-month trainee program focused on learning equipment operation, safety practices, and the manual labor skills needed to support highway and bridge maintenance. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other roadway maintenance equipment accurately and safely
• Tool Operation: Use motorized and non-motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, saws, and tampers for maintenance tasks
• Safety Practices: Follow all safety rules, use required protective gear, and report hazards or incidents promptly
• Area Awareness: Stay alert to risks in the work zone and help protect yourself, coworkers, and motorists
• Environmental Care: Apply environmental protection practices required 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.
• 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: 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 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

• This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit 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.