The PennDOT CDL Operator position with the Department of Transportation offers a chance to make a real difference in your community. This role allows you to support important transportation projects that keep people safe and moving. You will join a team that values hard work, learning, and pride in public service. Take the next step toward a rewarding career helping Pennsylvania travel with confidence!
Check out this video for more information!
This role focuses on operating highway construction and maintenance equipment and performing manual labor tasks on maintenance crews. As a PennDOT CDL Operator, you will perform the following duties:
- Equipment Training: Operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment safely and effectively
- Tool Use: Select and use a wide range of motorized and non-motorized tools for maintenance tasks
- Safety Practices: Follow proper safety procedures to protect yourself, coworkers, and the public
- Worksite Awareness: Stay alert to hazards, report injuries or incidents immediately, and help maintain a safe environment
- Environmental Rules: Carry out environmental protection and management procedures required for maintenance activities
- General Duties: Perform additional related tasks as assigned by the crew
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.
- Hours are subject to change based on weather or seasonal 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 $45,888.00 (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 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.
- 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 the 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.
- All employees must obtain an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) during the probationary period and continuously maintain it while employed in this job.
- This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.
- Employees are required to obtain additional certifications issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation on assigned pieces of equipment.
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.

