Jump-start a rewarding career and get paid while learning valuable equipment operation skills. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee with the Department of Transportation, Columbia County, you will receive hands-on training that prepares you for a successful future in highway maintenance. Every day offers new opportunities to build your knowledge, develop practical skills, and contribute to projects that serve the public. Take the first step toward a career that keeps Pennsylvania moving.
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This trainee position provides hands-on experience in highway and bridge maintenance while developing the skills and certifications needed to operate construction and maintenance equipment. Work includes equipment training, manual labor tasks, safety practices, and environmental stewardship. As a PennDOT CDL Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- Equipment Training: Learn to operate heavy trucks, loaders, and other maintenance equipment while working toward required certifications
- Safety Inspections: Perform and document pre-operation and post-operation equipment checks and make field adjustments when needed
- Tool Usage: Use motorized and non-motorized tools to support roadway and bridge maintenance activities
- Manual Labor: Assist with construction and maintenance projects using proper techniques and equipment handling practices
- Workplace Safety: Follow safety procedures, wear protective equipment, identify hazards, and report incidents or concerns
- Environmental Support: Apply environmental protection requirements and complete assigned environmental management training
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 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 $42,347 (before taxes).
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
QUALIFICATIONS
Special Requirements:
- This position requires 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 requires operation of vehicles or 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.