Machine Operator Trainee Jobs in Elizabethtown, PA

Salary: $45,888.00 - $54,162.00 Annually
Location : Somerset County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2026-54983
Department: Department of Transportation
Division: TR Somerset Co
Opening Date: 08/05/2026
Closing Date: 8/18/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 91380
Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting.
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: J1
Pay Group: ST03
Bureau / Division Code: 00080970
Bureau / Division: PennDOT District Maintenance 9-7, Somerset County
Worksite Address: 1312 North Center Avenue
City: Somerset, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 15501
Contact Name: Lisa Tipton
Contact Phone: 814.317.3131
Contact Email: litipton@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Join the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) as a Transportation Equipment Operator A and help keep Somerset County moving. This role offers hands-on work with equipment that supports safe and reliable travel. Every day brings new opportunities to learn and build confidence with a wide range of machinery. Step into a position where your work truly supports the community!
Check out this video for more information!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position focuses on skilled equipment operation and hands-on maintenance work that supports the safety and function of highways and bridges. As a PennDOT CDL Operator, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate trucks, loaders, and other equipment used in highway and bridge maintenance
• CDL Compliance: Maintain a valid CDL without an air brake restriction and complete required equipment certifications
• Traffic Control: Perform flagging duties to support safe traffic flow when equipment is not in use
• Manual Labor Tasks: Use both motorized and non-motorized tools to complete tasks such as cutting brush, cleaning culverts, and repairing barriers
• Equipment Care: Carry out field adjustments, minor repairs, cleaning, and documentation to keep equipment in proper working order
• Safety and Reporting: Follow safety procedures, report hazards, and support environmental protection requirements during maintenance work

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.
• Travel, overtime and shift work may be 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 with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $45,888.00 (before taxes).
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Successful completion of the Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee Program; or
• Graduation from a Commercial Driver's License Training School; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• All permanent 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.
• All positions require possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver's License or equivalent with the Air Brake Restriction (L) removed.
• All positions require possession of an active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations.
• All employees must obtain an active Tank Vehicle Endorsement (N) during the probationary period and continuously maintain it while employed in this job.

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.

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).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• 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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Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
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*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Special Requirement - Do you possess an active PA Class A or B Commercial Driver's License or equivalent with the Air Brake Restriction (L) removed?

• Yes
• No

02
If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If no, please type N/A in the text box below.
03
Special Requirement - Do you possess an active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations?

• Yes
• No

04
If you answered yes, please attach a copy of the medical examiners certificate. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
05
Have you successfully completed the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee program?

• Yes
• No

06
If you have answered "yes" to the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. This employer, the types of equipment operated, and the dates of employment must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like it to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you answered "no" to the question, type N/A in the text box below.
07
Did you graduate from a Commercial Driver's License Training School?

• Yes
• No

08
If you answered yes, please attach a copy of your certification of completion. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
09
Have you completed a formal driver training program for the operation of construction and maintenance equipment?

• Yes
• No

10
If you answered yes, please attach a copy of your certificate of completion. If you answered no, please type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question