Salary: $41,526.00 - $46,924.00 Annually Location : Centre County, PA Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time Job Number: N-2026-50811 Department: Department of Transportation Division: TR Centre Co Opening Date: 05/29/2026 Closing Date: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Eastern Job Code: 91360 Position Number: Multiple positions may be filled from this posting. Union: AFSCME Bargaining Unit: J1 Pay Group: ST02 Bureau / Division Code: 0080210 Bureau / Division: TR Centre County Worksite Address: 1000 E Bishop St City: Bellefonte, Pennsylvania Zip Code: 16823 Contact Name: Meisha Yoder Contact Email: myoder@pa.gov THE POSITION The Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee position with the Department of Transportation offers a chance to begin a hands-on career that keeps Pennsylvania moving. This role places you on the front lines of roadway care and introduces you to important safety and maintenance practices. You will join a team that values responsibility, learning, and growth. This is a great opportunity to build skills and make a real impact in your community. Check out this for more information! DESCRIPTION OF WORK This six-month training position will prepare you to work safely and effectively on highway and bridge maintenance crews while learning to operate important equipment. As a Transportation Equipment Operator Trainee, you will perform the following duties:
- Equipment Training: Train to operate heavy construction equipment and complete required checks for safe and efficient use
- Manual Labor Tasks: Carry out a variety of physical tasks using motorized and non-motorized tools during maintenance activities
- Safety Practices: Follow safety rules, observe conditions, and report hazards to help protect yourself, co-workers, and the public
- Environmental Compliance: Apply environmental protection requirements and follow related procedures during work operations
- Equipment Care: Install tire chains, make basic adjustments, and report damaged or missing tools and equipment
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description. 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.
- Shifts and days may vary due to weather and seasonal demands.
- 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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Special Requirements:
- This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent.
- This position requires possession of an active Pennsylvania Class A or B Commercial Driver Learner's Permit on the first day of work.
- This position requires possession of an active Medical Examiner's Certificate in accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations by the first day of work.
- This position requires employees to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission.
Additional Requirements:
- 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 medical examination, and 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).
- 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. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short ! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our 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. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box. *Eligibility rules apply. 01 Special Requirement - Do you possess a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C Driver's License or equivalent?
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 - Are you able to demonstrate successful operation of equipment with a manual transmission?
Required Question
