Introduction
This image shows a blue outline of the State of Connecticut with a white curved roadway shape inside, the text CTDOT in blue, and the words CONNECTICUT TRANSPORTATION below.
This image shows a career progression pathway within the State of Connecticut: starting with Qualified Craft Worker Trainee (highlighted to indicate the current opening), then progressing to Qualified Craft Worker (Automotive And Mechanical Equipment), and ending with Many more opportunities available!
- Visit our new State Employee Benefits Overview page!
- Professional growth and development opportunities.
- A healthy work/life balance to all employees.
- Join an award winning agency! CTDOT has been recently awarded the Employer of the Year award by the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers (CSCE) and named the Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS) CT Employer of the Year for 2024!
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Monday - Friday
- Full-time (40 hours per week)
- First shift (7:30 AM - 4:00 PM)
- Location: Rocky Hill, CT
- On-site work environment
THE ROLE
The Qualified Craft Worker Trainee (Auto/Diesel) will perform a wide variety of diagnostics and repairs for CTDOT’s diverse fleet. The Department’s fleet includes Class 1 through 8 vehicles, heavy construction equipment, complex mechanical equipment, and highway maintenance equipment.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
- Prior to hire, selected candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment physical, drug screen and work assessment, which will include a respirator physical to follow the Department's Respirator Policy. A respirator fit test will be performed upon hire.
- For candidates without a CDL: As a condition of permanent employment, selected candidates must obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) A or B, with "tank and airbrake endorsements," and a valid Medical Examiner's Card (MEC) within 6 months of initial employment. Selected candidates will be enrolled in, and expected to complete, an agency paid selected CDL training program to assist in preparation for CDL licensure. This requires a selected candidate to obtain a CDL learning permit from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- For candidates who already possess a CDL, be sure to indicate the Type, Issuing Agency, License number, Expiration Date, and all endorsements in the "Licenses and Professional Certifications" section of your application. You will also be required to thoroughly complete the Connecticut Department of Transportation Commercial Driver Supplement (CTDOT-CDL-1) form.
- For candidates who currently possess a Medical Examiner's Card (MEC), be sure to include the MEC expiration date in the "Licenses and Professional Certifications" section of your application form.
- Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment to emergency duties, including snow and ice removal, whenever services are needed; to include mandatory winter overtime from November 1 through April 30. Various storm events will require employees to stay at work for the duration of the storm; which at times could be up to a period of several days, to include holidays and weekends.
- Incumbents in this class will be required to have a 30-mile residency from the posted job location.
- Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position. Those applicants who hold a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), invited to interview, will be required to produce a copy of their current valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A or B, and a valid Medical Examiner's Card (MEC) at time of interview.
- As a support to Highway Operations units, various storm events will require employees to be at work prior to, during, and after a storm or weather event, which at times could be up to a period of several days, to include holidays and weekends. Additionally, in preparation for the winter season, overtime may be required to prepare the fleet and equipment.
- Candidates must show how they meet the required knowledge and experience on their application to proceed further in the hiring process.
OUR MISSION
As one of Connecticut’s largest State agencies, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) employs roughly 3,300 individuals across five bureaus. CTDOT is guided by its mission to improve lives through transportation. Our infrastructure and transit systems are essential to the safety and mobility of Connecticut residents, and our work strengthens both economic and community development. CTDOT is committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, and individuals with broad-ranging backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply.
Selection Plan
FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Toolkit for additional support throughout the recruitment process.
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
- Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below by the closing date listed on the job posting.
- Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
- Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
- Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov (Opens in a New Window).
- Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
- Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
- Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly.
- For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
- Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
- Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
- Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
- The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
- Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Frank DeCusati at frank.decusati@ct.gov (Opens in a New Window).
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for receiving on-the-job training in a specific trade area.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Receives training to perform tasks as outlined in specification for the class of Qualified Craft Worker;
- Receives on-the-job training to supplement prior vocational or technical training in respective trade area;
- Performs increasingly difficult and skilled tasks requiring application of trade skills, codes and standard trade practices under supervision;
- Assists in estimating time, personnel and material needs on assigned projects;
- Assists in maintenance of necessary records, logs, etc.;
- Performs duties related to trade or similar trade areas as required;
- At state owned airports may be required to stand by for and respond to fire and/or crash emergency situations;
- May be required to assist in snow removal operations during emergency situations;
- Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
- Knowledge of standard tools, materials, methods and practices of particular trade area;
- Skills
- interpersonal skills;
- oral and written communication skills;
- Ability to
- perform on a skilled level in particular trade;
- make estimates and keep shop records;
- follow written and oral instructions;
- utilize computer software.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma designating completion of the subject requirements in the respective maintenance trade area.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in automotive, plumbing, construction, electrical, HVAC or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Successfully completed the Department of Transportation’s High School Co-Op Intern program by the end of June 2026
- Experience performing diesel, B-Tech level, and light truck repairs
- Education in diesel technology repairs or auto repairs and heavy equipment repair
- Experience maintaining and performing diagnostic repairs in relation to various makes and models, heavy trucks, construction equipment, and small engines
- Experience working with automotive repair software, including diagnostic and repair information research
- Experience with vehicle electric system diagnosis
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.
- Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
CHARACTER REQUIREMENTS
At State Airports: In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before persons are certified for appointment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class.
- A physical examination may be required.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Incumbents in this class may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to extreme weather conditions and to risk of injury from equipment.
- Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to complete an asbestos removal program consistent with EPA guidelines for operations and maintenance. Incumbents may be required to use protective equipment such as respirators and safety goggles.
Conclusion
AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.