PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Upper Leacock Township (PA); On-site; USD 42,347 - 47,863; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation seeks a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee in Lancaster County. This hands-on role introduces you to highway maintenance, equipment operation, and safety procedures while contributing to road quality and traveler safety.

You will learn to operate trucks and maintenance gear, perform routine checks, and assist with traffic control and manual tasks. A pathway for growth exists within a supportive crew and state service.

Qualifications

• 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 per FMCSA regulations by the first day of work.

Responsibilities

• Operate highway maintenance equipment safely (truck, loader, and similar)
• Follow safety procedures and wear protective equipment in work zones
• Perform manual labor such as cutting brush, cleaning culverts, digging ditches, repairing barriers
• Select and use appropriate tools for maintenance tasks
• Perform routine maintenance, servicing, and daily checks on equipment
• Conduct flagging duties to direct traffic during roadwork

Skills

Active PA Class C License

PA CDL Learner's Permit (A or B)

Job description

Position Overview

Start your journey in a role that encourages growth and supports your future! As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation, you will begin a practical and rewarding career in highway maintenance. This position helps you gain confidence with equipment operation and roadwork tasks that keep travelers safe. You will be part of a crew that works together to maintain the quality of Pennsylvania roads. Apply today and grow your abilities while supporting safe and reliable roads for communities! Check out this video for more information!

Description of Work

This position focuses on learning to operate highway maintenance equipment and perform essential manual labor tasks that support safe road conditions. It helps ensure transportation routes remain usable and well maintained throughout the year. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate trucks, loaders, and other highway maintenance equipment safely and correctly
• Safety Awareness: Follow proper safety procedures and use protective equipment to maintain a safe work zone
• Manual Tasks: Complete physical labor such as cutting brush, cleaning culverts, digging ditches, and repairing barriers
• Tool Use: Select and use both motorized and non-motorized tools appropriately to complete assigned maintenance jobs
• Maintenance Duties: Perform minor repairs, servicing, and daily checks on assigned equipment
• Traffic Control: Perform flagging duties to help direct traffic during roadwork 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.
• Travel, overtime and shift work required. Work hours are 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.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

Qualifications

Special Requirements:

• 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 Requirement:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.

Job Details

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

Location: Lancaster County, PA

Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number: N-2026-54022

Department: Department of Transportation

Division: TR Lancaster Co

Opening Date: 07/10/2026

Closing Date: 7/21/2026 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: 00080870

Bureau / Division: Transportation Lancaster County, 8-7

Worksite Address: 2105 Lincoln Highway E

City: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Zip Code: 17602

Contact Name: Tina Coumbe

Contact Email: [e-mail]