CDL Instructor

UHP (Unlock Human Potential)•Gentry, AR

19d•$90,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

UHP is launching a CDL program in 2027 with Northwest Arkansas employer partners, including J.B. Hunt and Walmart. The CDL Instructor teaches Class A students in the classroom, on the range, and behind the wheel, preparing them to pass the CDL skills test and enter the workforce. As one of the program’s first instructors, this role also helps shape how the program operates. Many students are veterans and transitioning service members changing careers. The position supports students from licensing through job placement with employer partners and contributes feedback on curriculum and instructional materials. It operates fully onsite at UHP’s campus at 25200 Ranch Road, Gentry, Arkansas, in a dynamic environment that includes classroom instruction, range and behind-the-wheel training, shop environments, student engagement, employer activities, and broader campus operations. Candidates must live within reasonable commuting distance of Gentry or be willing to relocate to Northwest Arkansas. The campus is alcohol-, drug-, and tobacco-free. The schedule is typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility required for program delivery and campus needs, including varying start and end times and occasional evenings and weekends. Salary is $90,000 to $125,000, based on experience and qualifications. Benefits include a 401(k), health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, professional development support, and access to UHP performance and recovery facilities.

Requirements

Current Class A CDL with the endorsements needed for the vehicles taught, and a valid DOT medical card.
If a CDL was cancelled, suspended, or revoked for a disqualifying offense under 49 CFR 383.51, it must have been reinstated at least two years ago.
At least two years of documented experience driving a commercial vehicle that requires a Class A CDL, or at least two years as a behind-the-wheel CDL instructor.
Ability to be approved as an instructor by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education.
Ability to meet FMCSA driver qualification standards and participate in DOT drug and alcohol testing.
Clear spoken and written communication, and comfort with tablets and basic recordkeeping software.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather, climb in and out of truck cabs, and lift up to 50 pounds.
High school diploma or GED.
Genuine passion for veteran transition and human development.
Comfort operating outside traditional corporate, academic, or military structures.
Willingness to build something new rather than maintain something established.
Ability to thrive in a fast-moving, mission-driven, high-accountability environment.
Respect for the coaching profession and elite performance culture, with a service-oriented leadership mindset.
Commitment to a healthy lifestyle and to modeling the human-performance principles students learn as part of the curriculum.
Must live within reasonable commuting distance of Gentry or be willing to relocate to Northwest Arkansas.

Nice To Haves

Prior CDL instructor, driver trainer, or ELDT experience.
Hazmat, tanker, or doubles/triples endorsements.
Over-the-road or regional driving experience with a strong safety record.
Experience identifying and handling minor maintenance on heavy trucks.
Military veteran status; experience as a motor transport operator (Army 88M) maps directly to the role.

Responsibilities

Teach Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory and behind-the-wheel content for Class A students, following the program curriculum.
Run range and road sessions covering pre-trip inspection, straight-line and offset backing, alley docking, parallel parking, and over-the-road driving.
Coach students to pass the CDL skills and road test, providing clear feedback after each session.
Evaluate student progress on a set schedule and accurately record training hours, attendance, and results on time.
Run a safe range and road program and enforce safety rules during every session.
Inspect the training fleet, report maintenance deficiencies, and handle minor fixes.
Procure fuel for the training fleet so trucks are fueled and ready for over-the-road instruction.
Maintain complete student records to support compliance with FMCSA Training Provider Registry and Arkansas Division of Higher Education requirements.
Mentor and coach veteran students, connecting military discipline to trade professionalism.
Document student issues and escalate them to the Director.
Give feedback on curriculum and instructional materials.
Support students from licensing through job placement with employer partners.