Job Description

Posting number: N-2026-56467

Department: Department of Transportation

Division: TR Potter Co

Job classification: Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee

Posting type: NCS External

Categories: Trades, Transportation, Automotive

Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee and begin a hands-on path towards a rewarding career in transportation! This role gives you the chance to learn essential skills while working with experienced crews on road and bridge projects. Within this role, you will gain confidence as you train on heavy equipment and take part in safety-focused maintenance duties. Apply today to start a career where your professional growth, teamwork, and dedication help support safer travel across the Commonwealth!

Check out this video for more information!

Examples of duties

This position teaches the skills needed to operate heavy construction equipment and complete manual labor tasks on highway and bridge maintenance crews. The role focuses on safety, hands-on learning, and proper equipment use in a variety of maintenance activities. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Train to operate heavy trucks, tandem axle vehicles, and loaders while completing safety checks
• Tool Use: Learn to use motorized and non-motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, chainsaws, tampers, and patching machines
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, make observations, report injuries, and help identify hazards
• Worksite Awareness: Maintain awareness of surroundings to help protect yourself, coworkers, and the public
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection requirements during maintenance 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.
• Work hours are subject to change based upon 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 with 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

QUALIFICATIONS

Special Requirements:

• This position requires p ossession 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:

• You must successfully pass a practical exam in the operation of equipment with a manual transmission.
• 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 drug screening and medical examination.

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 dateLate 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.