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Posted: March 19, 2026 (0 days ago)

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PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee (Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$41,526 - $46,924

per year

Closes

April 3, 2026

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job is a trainee position with Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation where you'll learn to operate heavy machinery and perform hands-on maintenance to keep roads and bridges safe.

Over six months, you'll gain skills in equipment handling, safety checks, and manual labor under experienced guidance.

It's ideal for someone who enjoys physical work, values safety, and wants to build a stable career in public service without prior heavy equipment experience.

Key Requirements

  • Valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver’s License or equivalent
  • Valid Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit on first day of work
  • Ability to obtain necessary licenses and certifications for heavy machinery operation during training
  • Willingness to perform manual labor with hand tools like shovels, rakes, and hammers
  • Commitment to following safety protocols, using protective gear, and reporting hazards or incidents
  • Availability for full-time schedule (7 AM to 3 PM, Monday-Friday) with possible overtime, travel, and shift work
  • No telework option; must be able to work on-site in Montour County

Full Job Description

Are you ready to take on a new and thrilling career opportunity? Join the Montour County Maintenance Organization, a part of the Department of Transportation, as a Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee and play a vital role in ensuring the safety of our roads for everyone. This position allows you to gain hands-on experience in operating equipment, understanding safety protocols, and managing logistics. A commitment to hard work and safety is crucial, as you will be tasked with handling heavy machinery under the guidance of experienced operators. Start your journey toward a rewarding career as a Transportation Equipment Operator by applying today!

Check out this
video for more information!


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Requirements

As you engage in our six-month on-the-job training program, you will develop crucial skills to support the operation of highway construction and maintenance equipment while performing essential manual labor as a key member of a highway and bridge maintenance team.

Your training will include obtaining the necessary licenses and certifications to operate heavy machinery, such as Heavy Truck/Tandem Axle (HT/TA) vehicles and loaders with a bucket capacity of 4.5 cubic yards or less.

You will learn to conduct and document important pre- and post-operation checks, make adjustments for safe operation, and minimize equipment wear.

Additionally, you will gain proficiency in using hand and foot controls, wearing seat belts, and managing tire chains on dual wheels.


In this position, you will also be trained to perform various manual labor tasks with both powered and non-powered hand tools, including shovels, rakes, and hammers.

You will learn to choose the right tools to reduce wear and prevent damage, as well as report any missing or broken equipment.

Safety is paramount, so you will ensure a safe work environment for yourself, your coworkers, and the public by following safety protocols and using protective gear.

You will be responsible for making visual observations, adjusting equipment as necessary, and reporting your findings both verbally and in writing.

Staying aware of your surroundings is essential to avoid risks and hazards, and you must report any personal injuries or equipment accidents, including near-misses, immediately to ensure proper treatment and prevent further injury.


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.
  • Overtime, travel, and shift work may be required. Dual shifts in effect November through March.
  • 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 $41,526 (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 possession of a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver’s License or equivalent.
  • This position requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner’s Permit on the first day of work.
  • This position requires possession of a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on the first day of work.
  • This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission within the probationary period.


Additional Requirements:

  • 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:

  • 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.

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.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 3/19/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/19/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5272212