PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; North Bethlehem Township (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania – Department of Transportation seeks CDL Operator Trainee to gain hands-on experience operating construction equipment, hand tools, and safety procedures on highway and bridge crews.

This full-time role runs 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with potential overtime and travel. Telework is not available. You will receive training from experienced crew members and support essential transportation work in Washington County, PA.

Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
• Active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on first day.
• Active Medical Examiner's Certificate per FMCSA regulations by first day.
• Ability to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy trucks and loaders and complete safety checks.
• Use motorized and non-motorized tools for roadway and bridge maintenance.
• Follow safety procedures and report hazards.
• Make basic adjustments to equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Assist crew with manual labor tasks and proper tool care.
• Follow environmental protection practices required for maintenance activities.

Skills

Safety awareness

Hand-eye coordination

Job description

Salary $42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Location Washington County, PA

Job Type Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number N-2026-58241

Department Department of Transportation

Division TR Washington Co

Opening Date 09/16/2026

Closing Date 9/29/2026 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 00081240

Bureau / Division TR Washington Co

Worksite Address 170 Route 519

City Eighty Four, Pennsylvania

Zip Code 15330

Contact Name Rebecca Snyder

Contact Email [e-mail]

The Position

This trainee opportunity with the Department of Transportation helps you build the skills needed to operate important roadway equipment. The program provides hands‑on experience with tools, vehicles, and safety procedures used in highway maintenance. You will gain confidence as you learn from experienced crew members. It is a great chance to grow your abilities while supporting essential transportation work.

Check out this video for more information!

Description of Work

In this position, you will learn how to operate construction equipment, use hand tools, and follow safety standards on highway and bridge crews. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks and loaders and complete required safety checks
• Tool Operation: Use motorized and non‑motorized tools to support roadway and bridge maintenance work
• Safety Awareness: Follow safety procedures, observe work areas, and report hazards or injuries
• Field Adjustments: Make basic adjustments to equipment to ensure proper and safe operation
• Worksite Support: Assist crew members with manual laboring tasks and proper tool care
• Environmental Compliance: Follow 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. Work hours subject to seasonal change.
• Dual shifts, overtime, and travel may be required.
• 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.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• 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.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualification (not required):

• The ability to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.

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.