AT - CDL Driver Trainer

Ancora Education•Bangor, ME

About The Position

The CDL Driver Trainer is responsible for driver training functions for the CDL training program at an assigned location. The trainer provides instruction over the road, on the maneuvering range, and in the classroom, and works under the guidance and supervision of the Program Director, Lead Driver Trainer, or their designee. The role requires field experience, strong communication and leadership skills, professionalism, and the ability to demonstrate trucking skills and facilitate student learning. The trainer promotes a safe, positive, and professional learning environment; follows institutional policies and applicable federal, state, accreditation, and compliance requirements; maintains student records and confidentiality; and evaluates student progress through written tests and skills assessments. The position also requires maintaining current knowledge of industry standards and requirements, vehicle equipment, and CDL instruction practices. The role involves frequent physical activity, including climbing in and out of trucks, conducting inspections, demonstrating vehicle maneuvers, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. The job description also states that the employee is usually not exposed to weather conditions while performing the duties; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at the class level required for the position.
High school diploma or GED.
Three years of verifiable on-the-road experience within the last five years.
Pass an MVR and background check, including drug screening.
Ability to pass a road test, as applicable.
Pass a DOT physical and DOT drug screen; maintain a valid Medical Examiner Certificate and pass ongoing DOT drug tests when applicable.
Knowledge of and ability to perform pre-trip inspections, air-brake tests, and CDL driving skills, including straight-line backing, offset backing, 45-degree alley-docking, and parallel parking.
Ability to instruct shifting patterns and driving in highway, city, day, night, and differing weather conditions.
Knowledge of and demonstrated ability to maintain vehicle equipment.
Motivation, dedication, professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm for teaching.
Commitment to staying current with industry standards and requirements in the instructional field.
Ability to facilitate learning of course content.
Interpersonal skills for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and cloud-based applications.
Ability to stand and walk for 8–10 hours outdoors, climb in and out of trucks several times a day, and lift and move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to frequently climb in and out of the cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach to conduct inspections and navigate tight spaces.
Ability to crank trailer landing gear, handle training and safety equipment, and potentially assist with loading and unloading, if applicable.
Ability to sustain physical activity and alertness during extended driving and instructional periods.
Ability to meet DOT physical qualifications required to hold a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations, as required by federal regulations.

Responsibilities

Promote and maintain a positive learning environment and a safe environment for students and staff.
Maintain knowledge of, and adhere to, institutional policies and applicable federal, state, accreditation, and compliance rules and regulations.
Convene assigned classes according to their scheduled start and end times.
Safeguard materials, records, and equipment.
Serve as a professional role model and inspire student confidence in the program, faculty, and themselves.
Maintain professional dress, demeanor, and communication; preserve appropriate confidentiality; and interact courteously and fairly with students and colleagues.
Provide advance notice of lateness, absence, and vacation schedules during substitute assignments.
Maintain accurate, current records of student progress, performance, and attendance using institution-provided tools and technology.
Remain flexible in meeting instructional needs of the division or client.
Train students in trucking and driving, including classroom material and on-road and maneuvering-range skills.
Administer written tests on classroom material and evaluate grades.
Conduct commercial motor vehicle pre-trip inspections and instruct students in air-brake tests.
Instruct straight-line backing, offset backing, 45-degree alley-docking, and conventional-side and driver-side parallel parking.
Use effective instructional delivery techniques, including eye contact, voice intonation, and questioning techniques, and draw on personal experience to explain material.
Use required skills assessments to evaluate student progress toward passing and obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License.
Demonstrate vehicle skills such as coupling and uncoupling trailers, inspections, and maneuvering large vehicles.
Maintain vehicle equipment and remain current with industry standards and requirements.