Take the first step toward a strong career in transportation. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee for the Department of Transportation, you gain practical experience while learning to operate important highway equipment. This role helps you grow your abilities and understand real world maintenance work. This opportunity helps you grow while contributing to the wellbeing of Pennsylvania travelers!
Check out this video for more information!
This position is a six month trainee role that prepares you to operate construction and maintenance equipment and perform essential manual labor tasks on highway and bridge crews. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks and loaders, as well as complete required pre-operation and post-operation checks
- Tool Use: Operate motorized and non-motorized hand tools while selecting proper tools to avoid damage
- Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures monitor work areas and report injuries or equipment accidents immediately
- Worksite Awareness: Observe hazards, assist coworkers, and communicate findings through written and verbal reports
- Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection requirements and follow guidelines from training programs
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.
- Hours are subject to change based on seasonal and weather conditions.
- 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 by the first day of work.
- This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.
Additional Requirements:
- 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.
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.

