PennDOT CDL Operator (Transportation Equipment Operator A)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Coal Township (PA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation in Northumberland County seeks a PennDOT CDL Operator to support highway and bridge maintenance. This hands-on role operates trucks and equipment, conducts inspections, and helps keep work zones safe. Duties include traffic control, maintenance tasks, and equipment care with recordkeeping.

Work hours are 7:30 AM–3:30 PM, full-time, with possible overtime. Starting salary is $45,888.

Qualifications

• Completion of Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee Program or equivalent.
• Graduation from a Commercial Driver’s License Training School or equivalent.
• Active PA Class A/B CDL with air brake restriction removed; Tank Vehicle Endorsement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate trucks, loaders, and highway maintenance equipment.
• Perform pre/post-operation inspections and maintain CDL qualifications.
• Conduct flagging and traffic control to maintain safe work zones.
• Execute maintenance tasks on roadsides, signs, drainage, and barriers.
• Perform preventative maintenance and recordkeeping for equipment.

Skills

Safety awareness

Equipment operation

Education

Commercial Driver’s License Training School

Tools

PA CDL (Class A/B)

Medical Examiner’s Certificate

Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N)

Job description

Get behind the wheel of a career that helps keep Pennsylvania roads safe and reliable! The Department of Transportation in Northumberland County is seeking a PennDOT CDL Operator to support highway and bridge maintenance activities across the region. This hands‑on position offers the opportunity to operate heavy equipment, develop specialized skills, and make a visible impact in your community. Join a team that takes pride in serving the traveling public every day.
Check out this video for more information!

This position performs skilled equipment operation and manual labor to support highway and bridge maintenance projects. The role helps maintain safe roadways through equipment use, traffic control, maintenance activities, and adherence to safety practices. As a PennDOT CDL Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate trucks, loaders, and other highway maintenance equipment used for construction and repair work
• Vehicle Inspections: Complete required pre‑operation and post‑operation checks and maintain CDL qualifications and certifications
• Traffic Control: Perform flagging duties and assist with maintaining safe traffic flow through work zones
• Maintenance Tasks: Use hand tools and powered equipment to repair roadsides, signs, drainage systems, and barriers
• Equipment Care: Perform preventative maintenance, make field adjustments, and assist with equipment repairs and recordkeeping
• Safety Compliance: Follow safety procedures, identify hazards, report incidents, and support environmental protection requirements

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 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday — Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• Overtime, travel, and shift work may be required. Dual shifts in effect November through March.
• 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 $45,888 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee Program (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Graduation from a Commercial Driver’s License Training School; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver's License or equivalent with the Air Brake Restriction (L) removed. This position requires that (E) restriction is removed.
• All positions require possession of an active Medical Examiner’s Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations.
• This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.
• All employees must obtain an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) during the probationary period and continuously maintain it while employed in this job.
• All permanent employees must obtain an active certification issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in the operation of heavy trucks and loaders, and two additional pieces of construction equipment, within the probationary period.
• This position requires employees to obtain active certifications issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation in the operation of additional pieces of construction and maintenance equipment as operations dictate.

Additional Requirements:

• This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening.

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.