PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Warren (Warren County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Warren County, PA, is seeking a Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee to gain hands-on experience operating equipment and performing manual labor to support roadway and bridge maintenance. The role emphasizes safety training, tool use, and adherence to PennDOT procedures.

Responsibilities include learning to operate trucks and loaders, using hand and motorized tools, and following safety practices with a focus on environmental responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License on first day of work.
• Active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on first day of work.
• Active Medical Examiner's Certificate per FMCSA regulations on first day of work.

Responsibilities

• Equipment Training: learn to operate trucks, loaders, and other machinery and complete safety checks.
• Tool Skills: use hand tools and motorized tools to complete maintenance tasks.
• Safety Practices: follow safety rules, wear PPE, report injuries or hazards.
• Worksite Awareness: observe work areas, support coworkers, help prevent accidents.
• Environmental Tasks: follow environmental protection requirements during maintenance activities.

Job description

Salary

$42,347.00 - $47,863.00 Annually

Location

Warren County, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-59946

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

TR Warren Co

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/14/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

9138°

Position Number

Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

J1

Pay Group

ST02

Bureau / Division Code

00080160

Bureau / Division

TR Warren Co.

Worksite Address

20745 Route 6

City

Warren, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16365

Contact Name

Barb Rockwell

THE POSITION

Are you ready to enhance your technical skills while helping to keep Pennsylvania roads safe and well maintained? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is searching for a motivated Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee who is eager to build important skills for a long-term career. This role teaches you how to operate key equipment and work safely with a maintenance crew. You will gain real-world experience with tools, safety practices, and road upkeep. Apply today to join a team where learning and teamwork lead to strong opportunities!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on learning how to operate equipment and performing manual labor tasks that support roadway and bridge maintenance. It includes safety training, tool use, and hands-on experience with PennDOT work procedures. As a Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate trucks, loaders, and other machinery and complete required safety checks
• Tool Skills: Use hand tools and motorized tools to complete maintenance and repair tasks
• Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, use protective equipment, and report injuries or hazards
• Worksite Awareness: Observe work areas, support coworkers, and help prevent accidents
• Environmental Tasks: Follow environmental protection requirements during 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 may vary due to seasonal requirements.
• This position may require 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.

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.

Additional Requirements

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• Experience operating equipment with a manual transmission.

Legal Requirements

• You must pass a background investigation.

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).

Accommodations for Disabilities

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.