Are you ready to build valuable skills while supporting the safety of Pennsylvania roadways? The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is excited to welcome motivated PennDOT CDL Operator Trainees who want to progress towards a fulfilling career in public service as equipment operators. This role introduces you to essential tools, vehicles, and safety practices used in highway and bridge maintenance. You will gain experience that supports long-term growth and future advancement. Apply today to play a key role in helping to maintain the roadways that connect our communities!
Check out this video for more information!
This role focuses on learning how to safely operate transportation equipment and perform maintenance tasks that support highway and bridge operations. Within this role, you will participate in training that builds your skills while helping maintain safe work areas and work sites. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- Equipment Training: Learn to operate trucks, loaders, and other equipment while completing safety checks and adjustments
- Manual Labor: Perform tasks using hand tools and power tools for maintenance and repair activities
- Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, report incidents, and use proper protective equipment on all job sites
- Worksite Awareness: Monitor surroundings, identify hazards, and communicate risks to protect workers and the public
- Environmental Actions: Carry out environmental protection steps related to maintenance work activities
- Operational Support: Assist crews with various roadway and bridge maintenance duties as assigned
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.
- 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:
- This position is subject to Drug and Alcohol testing in accordance with Federal Regulations.
- 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.

