Take the first step toward a rewarding future as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation! This position offers structured training that prepares you to operate essential highway equipment. You will gain confidence through real experience while learning important safety and maintenance practices. Join a team that helps keep Pennsylvania moving every day!
Check out this video for more information!
This position provides training in the safe operation of highway equipment and in the performance of manual labor that supports maintenance crews. It helps prepare you for licensing, certification, and full participation in key roadway operations. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment safely and correctly
- Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, use protective equipment, and stay aware of work area hazards
- Manual Tasks: Perform laboring duties using tools such as shovels, rakes, chain saws, tampers, and mowers
- Field Checks: Complete visual inspections, make basic adjustments, and document findings in written and oral form
- Environmental Compliance: Apply environmental protection requirements during maintenance 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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- Schedule varies seasonally, due to weather, and/or based on operational needs.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within 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 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 on 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.

