PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee; Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee

Start your journey as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation! This position offers hands‑on experience that helps keep Pennsylvania roads safe and well maintained. You will learn essential skills and work with a team that supports your growth. This is your chance to build a strong foundation for a long‑term transportation career!

Check out this video for more information!

This position helps you learn how to operate heavy equipment and perform important maintenance tasks that support safe travel on highways and bridges. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other machinery used for highway or bridge maintenance
• Operation Checks: Perform and document pre‑operation and post‑operation inspections and make basic adjustments to ensure safety
• Manual Tasks: Use tools such as shovels, rakes, and chainsaws to complete a wide range of physical labor duties
• Work Safety: Follow safety rules, observe work conditions, and report hazards or injuries to protect yourself and others
• Environmental Care: Apply environmental protection practices related to maintenance work activities

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.
• Travel, overtime and shift work required. Work hours subject to change based on seasonal requirements and 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 $41,526.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

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

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click on Veterans.

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.