PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; McCandless (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites you to join as a CDL Operator Trainee. You will gain hands-on experience operating heavy equipment, learn safety procedures, and support road maintenance to keep highways reliable.

This is full-time, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch; telework is not available. Starting salary is $42,347 per year for new Commonwealth employees, with room to grow as you complete training and earn necessary licenses.

Qualifications

• Valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
• Active Pennsylvania Class A or B CDL Learner's Permit on first day.
• Active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with FMCSA regulations by first day.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate trucks, loaders, and other highway maintenance equipment safely and correctly.
• Tool Use: Handle and operate motorized and non-motorized tools for maintenance tasks.
• Safety Practices: Follow workplace safety rules to protect yourself, your team, and the public.
• Area Awareness: Stay alert to hazards and report injuries, accidents, or near misses immediately.
• Environmental Duties: Apply environmental guidelines required for maintenance work activities.

Job description

Are you ready to launch an exciting career with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)? As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will gain hands‑on experience operating heavy equipment, master critical safety procedures, and help keep roadways clear and reliable. Choose a career that offers purpose, stability, and room to grow.

Check out this video for more information!

This trainee position helps you learn to operate highway construction and maintenance equipment while gaining important safety and environmental knowledge. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate trucks, loaders, and other highway maintenance equipment safely and correctly
• Tool Use: Handle and operate motorized and non-motorized tools for maintenance tasks
• Safety Practices: Follow workplace safety rules to protect yourself, your team, and the public
• Area Awareness: Stay alert to hazards and report injuries, accidents, or near misses immediately
• Environmental Duties: Apply environmental guidelines required for maintenance work activities

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

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.
• Work hours may vary based upon 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

• You must be in possession of a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• You must possess an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on the first day of work.
• You must possess an active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations by the first day of work.

Additional Requirement

• 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.