AT - CDL Driver Trainer

Ancora Education•Charlottesville, VA

About The Position

The CDL Driver Trainer is responsible for driver training functions for the CDL training program at an assigned location. The role 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 trainer promotes a positive learning environment, follows institutional policies and applicable federal, state, accreditation, and compliance requirements, maintains student records, and serves as a professional role model. Instruction includes trucking and driving skills, written classroom material, commercial vehicle inspections, air-brake tests, shifting patterns, and vehicle maneuvers required for students to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License. The position involves frequent climbing in and out of trucks, demonstrating vehicle and inspection skills, and working outdoors in varying weather conditions. The job description also notes that the employee is usually not exposed to weather conditions while performing duties and that the work environment is usually moderately noisy. 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 over-the-road experience within the last five years.
Pass an MVR and background check, including drug screening.
Ability to pass the applicable road test.
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 backing, alley-docking, and parallel parking.
Ability to instruct shifting patterns and driving in highway, city, nighttime, daytime, and varying 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 in the course content area.
Interpersonal skills for positive interactions with students, alumni, faculty, and employers.
Technology proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and cloud-based applications.
Ability to stand and walk for 8–10 hours outdoors in varied elements, 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 a cab, bend, squat, kneel, twist, and reach for inspections and navigating 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 remain alert during extended driving and instructional periods.
Ability to meet DOT physical qualifications for holding a CDL, with or without reasonable accommodations, and maintain a valid DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate.

Responsibilities

Promote and maintain a positive learning environment and uphold institutional policies and applicable regulations.
Convene assigned classes according to their scheduled start and end times and maintain a safe environment for students and staff.
Safeguard materials, records, and equipment.
Serve as a professional role model and interact with students and colleagues in a courteous, fair, impartial, and professional manner.
Maintain appropriate confidentiality concerning students, records, and administrative staff.
Provide advance notice of lateness, absences, 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 the instructional needs of the division or client.
Train students in trucking and driving, including highway and city driving, day and night driving, and driving in different weather conditions.
Administer written tests on classroom material and evaluate grades.
Conduct commercial motor vehicle pre-trip inspections and instruct students in air-brake tests.
Instruct students in straight-line backing, offset backing, 45-degree alley-docking, and conventional-side and driver-side parallel parking.
Use effective instructional delivery skills, 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 successfully passing and obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License.
Demonstrate skills such as coupling and uncoupling trailers, conducting inspections, and maneuvering a large vehicle.
Maintain vehicle equipment and required professional and instructional knowledge.