Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00165791	Description Activated On: 2/18/2026 3:57:44 PM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

This position is established in the Central Office of Highway Administration. The purpose of this position is to prepare for a Civil Engineer position in the Highway Administration Deputate by completing the 12-month Civil Engineer Training program.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

The following duties and responsibilities are expected of a Civil Engineer Trainee:

Attend and actively participate in all assigned phases and rotations as designated in the Civil Engineer Training program plan or as directed by the supervisor or as assigned by rotation managers/coordinators. Rotations include assignments at different district offices, field operations, and the various central office bureaus within Highway Administration.

Perform Civil Engineering assignments to develop engineering skills and to achieve working knowledge of all phases of PennDOT operations. Assignments are to be completed in accordance with the training program and as directed by the position supervisor or assigned phase/rotation supervisor. These assignments should include but not be limited to: conducting preliminary engineering and transportation research studies, analyzing field conditions, inspecting construction and maintenance projects, preparing or reviewing designs for highway or bridge projects, analyzing traffic patterns and preparing recommendations to address traffic safety issues, and conducting the testing of materials.

Attend various relevant training and meetings outside of the basic training program and phases/rotations to prepare for the eventual Civil Engineer position placement within the Highway Administration Deputate.

Prepare summary reports and/or presentations at the completion of the various segments of the training program.

Performs all other duties as required.

Safety:
1. Assess your environment and be responsible for your safety, the safety of co-workers, and
the public.
2. Attend required safety training and adhere to the requirements of all safety manuals,
policies, and laws.
3. Immediately report to your supervisor any incident, unsafe practice, or near miss.
4. When in an enclosed environment (office buildings, confined spaces, flagger stations,
equipment pinch points, etc.), know your evacuation process and escape route, your
communication protocols, and appropriately react in the event of an incident.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA):
Unless directed otherwise by your supervisor or manager, comply with stated work hours for the 7.5/8.0-hour day.

Succession Planning:
Take an active role in succession planning by completing a Career Development Plan in collaboration with the supervisor. In conjunction with the supervisor, participate in knowledge management/transfer by identifying key aspects of the job and sharing explicit and tacit program/technical knowledge with other employees.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The Civil Engineer Trainee engages in learning and on-the-job training work activities in both Central Office and field locations within the Highway Administration system to develop and demonstrate practical proficiency in the use of engineering skills, abilities, knowledge, and applications in the engineering areas of research, design, maintenance, construction, and traffic safety. Participates in a structured learning and experiential training program under the supervision of professional engineers.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Possession of a valid driver’s license

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   N/A

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of engineering principles, practices and the practical applications related to various functions.
2.	Demonstrate an ability to apply the knowledge of the Highway Administration operations and functions in training.
3.	Learn the various operational and related policy and procedural components of Highway Administration system.
4.	Prepare summary reports of observations, learning points, and accomplishments.
5.	Demonstrate and maintain clear, concise and effective communications, both verbal and written.
6.	Develop and maintain effective work relationships.
7.	Extract pertinent information and participate as appropriate while attending training sessions and meetings.
8.	Prepare presentations that summarize learning applications and work projects.
9.	Travel as required.
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