PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Begin a rewarding career as a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation. This is your opportunity to learn essential roadway maintenance and equipment skills while serving communities across Mercer County. You will be part of a team that values safety, teamwork, and steady progress. Build a strong foundation for future advancement in a hands-on, high-impact role.

This position trains you to safely operate construction and maintenance equipment while supporting a variety of roadway and bridge tasks. You will learn hands-on skills that keep Pennsylvania highways safe and functional. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other construction equipment for highway and bridge maintenance
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures, use protective equipment, and stay aware of hazards to protect yourself, coworkers, and the public
• Tool Operation: Use motorized and non-motorized tools such as shovels, rakes, chain saws, and compressors for maintenance tasks
• Equipment Checks: Complete pre-operation and post-operation inspections and make necessary adjustments to ensure safe operation
• Environmental Compliance: Carry out environmental protection requirements related to maintenance activities
• Reporting Duties: Record observations, report equipment issues, and communicate incidents or near-misses immediately

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.
  • Dual shifts, overtime, and travel may be required.
• Work schedule is subject to change due to weather or seasonal requirements.
• 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:

• Must possess an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
• Must possess an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit by the first day of work.
• Must possess a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations by the first day of work.
• All 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.
• Employees may be required to obtain and maintain CDL endorsements and certifications necessary to operate specific pieces of equipment.
• This position requires the operation of vehicles or equipment with a manual transmission.

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

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.

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.